By Prime Law Hub 
Imagine building a thriving business overseas and dreaming of expanding to the United States, only to face years of waiting in traditional immigration lines. For high-net-worth individuals, the Trump Gold Card promises a faster path to permanent residency, but it comes with hefty costs and heated debates. Launched in late 2025 amid Trump’s second term, this program lets qualified applicants essentially donate their way to a green card through existing visa categories. In this guide, we break down what the Trump Gold Card really means, its requirements, how it fits into the broader U.S. immigration system, and the controversies swirling around it. Whether you are a foreign investor eyeing U.S. opportunities or an immigration attorney advising clients, understanding this option could shape your next move in the complex world of merit-based immigration.
Understanding the Trump Gold Card
The Trump Gold Card is not just a flashy name, it is a real immigration initiative designed to attract wealthy foreigners who can contribute directly to the U.S. economy. Established by an executive order in September 2025, the program officially opened for applications in December 2025. At its core, it allows individuals or corporations to secure expedited permanent residency by making a substantial financial gift to the U.S. government.
You might think of it as a premium fast lane in the immigration highway. Unlike traditional pathways that emphasize skills or family ties, this one treats a large donation as proof of your value to the country. The program operates under the Department of Homeland Security and uses existing EB-1 (for extraordinary ability) and EB-2 (for exceptional ability with a national interest waiver) visa categories. This means the gift serves as evidence that you meet those standards, even if your background does not fit the usual mold of inventors or top executives.
For tech entrepreneurs or high-net-worth individuals from countries with long visa backlogs, this could be a game-changer. But remember, it is not a new visa type, it bends existing rules to prioritize financial contributions. As of early 2026, thousands have shown interest, with the official website handling initial registrations.
History and Launch of the Program
President Trump signed Executive Order 14351 on September 19, 2025, framing the Gold Card as a way to realign immigration with national interests. The order directs agencies to view a $1 million gift (or $2 million for corporate sponsors) as qualifying evidence for EB-1 or EB-2 eligibility. By December 10, 2025, the dedicated portal at trumpcard.gov went live, complete with application forms and payment options.
This move sparked immediate buzz among foreign investors and immigration attorneys. Supporters see it as a bold step to boost commerce, while critics call it a “pay-to-play” scheme. For more on the executive order, check the official White House page here.
Key Requirements for the Trump Gold Card
Qualifying for the Trump Gold Card involves more than just writing a check. You need to meet basic U.S. immigration standards first. Think of it like this: the financial gift unlocks the door, but you still have to pass through security.
To start, applicants must be admissible to the United States, meaning no criminal history that raises red flags or health issues that could bar entry. A visa number must also be available in your category, though backlogs are minimal for most countries under EB-1 and EB-2. The program emphasizes national security, so expect thorough vetting.
Financial Commitments
The costs add up quickly. Individuals pay a nonrefundable $15,000 processing fee upfront per person, including spouses and children under 21. After passing background checks, you make the big gift: $1 million for personal applicants or $2 million if a corporation sponsors you.
For families, this scales. If you include your spouse and two kids, that is four $15,000 fees and four $1 million gifts, totaling over $4 million. Corporations face extra charges, like a 1 percent annual maintenance fee and 5 percent transfer fee if reassigning the sponsorship.
Payments are secure but specific: credit cards or ACH for the fee, wire transfers for the gift. No refunds on the gift if your situation changes.
Vetting and Admissibility Criteria
Once you submit your application and fee, the Department of Homeland Security runs an in-depth background check. This includes criminal records, financial sources, and potential security risks. Only after approval do you pay the gift and proceed to visa issuance.
You must prove the funds are legal, much like in the EB-5 immigrant investor program. Inadmissibility grounds, such as prior visa violations, could disqualify you. For detailed eligibility, see the USCIS guidelines on Form I-140G here.
How to Apply for a Trump Gold Card
Applying feels straightforward, but timing matters. Start by visiting trumpcard.gov and submitting your basic info online, along with the $15,000 fee. You will get a confirmation, then USCIS emails instructions to set up an online account.
From there, file Form I-140G digitally, no paper versions allowed. Upload any requested documents, like proof of funds or family details. If approved, attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. The whole process promises “record time,” often weeks to months, assuming no delays.
Pitfalls to avoid? Do not skip including family members early, or they might face separate processing. Always respond promptly to requests, or your application could stall. For a step-by-step walkthrough, link to our internal guide on How to File an EEOC Complaint.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Register on trumpcard.gov and pay the $15,000 fee.
- Receive USCIS confirmation and create an online account.
- Submit Form I-140G with supporting docs.
- Undergo DHS vetting.
- Pay the $1 million gift upon approval.
- Complete consular processing for your green card.
Expect small additional fees from the State Department, like for medical exams.
Trump Gold Card vs. Green Card Differences
You might ask: Why choose the Trump Gold Card over a standard green card? Traditional pathways, like the H-1B visa reform or family sponsorship, focus on skills or relationships. The Gold Card skips much of that, using wealth as the qualifier.
Compare it to the EB-5 immigrant investor program: EB-5 requires investing in job-creating projects, with a minimum of $800,000 in targeted areas. The Gold Card is a pure donation, no jobs needed, but costs more upfront. EB-5 offers conditional residency first, while the Gold Card aims for immediate permanent status.
For tech entrepreneurs, the Gold Card avoids the H-1B lottery’s uncertainty. But unlike a regular green card, it ties eligibility directly to your donation, raising questions about true “merit.” See this .edu resource on green card eligibility for contrasts here.
| Pathway | Minimum Cost | Key Requirement | Processing Time | Path to Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trump Gold Card | $1,015,000 | Financial gift | Weeks to months | Yes, after residency |
| EB-5 Visa | $800,000 | Job-creating investment | 1-2 years | Yes, after conditional period |
| H-1B to Green Card | Varies | Employer sponsorship | Years, with backlogs | Yes, but lottery-dependent |
Legal Status and Ongoing Controversies
The Trump Gold Card’s legal standing is solid on paper, backed by the 2025 executive order. It leverages existing laws under 8 U.S.C. sections, treating gifts as proof of exceptional ability. As of February 2026, applications are processing, with no major halts.
But controversies abound. Critics label it a pay-to-play visa scheme, arguing it sidelines talented immigrants without deep pockets. A major lawsuit filed on February 3, 2026, by the American Association of University Professors and immigrant professionals challenges its legality. They claim it exceeds presidential authority, violates the Administrative Procedure Act, and conflicts with Congress’s intent for merit-based visas. The suit seeks to declare it unlawful and stop implementation, potentially suspending the program during litigation.
On the flip side, supporters defend it as innovative high-net-worth immigration, raising funds for commerce without taxpayer burden. Recent cases, like 2023 updates to FEHA in California, show how executive actions can evolve policies, but immigration experts warn of risks. For instance, if courts rule against it, applicants could lose fees without recourse.
Is the Trump Gold Card real or just a proposal? It is fully operational, but watch for court rulings. Link to our piece on immigration litigation for deeper dives.
Latest News on Trump Gold Card Lawsuit
As of mid-February 2026, the federal lawsuit in D.C. District Court is gaining traction. Plaintiffs argue it prioritizes wealth over ability, potentially harming EB-1 and EB-2 queues for scientists and academics. No injunction yet, but hearings could start soon. Bloomberg Law reports growing scrutiny, with possible impacts on permanent residency pathways.
Benefits and Potential Drawbacks for Applicants
The perks are clear: Fast U.S. residency opens doors to business, education, and stability. For foreign investors, it means investing freely without visa hassles. Families get included, and citizenship follows after five years.
Drawbacks? The cost is steep, and revocation risks exist for security issues. Tax implications hit hard, as residents pay on worldwide income. Plus, ongoing lawsuits add uncertainty, what if your application gets paused mid-process?
Real-world example: An anonymized tech founder from Asia shared in interviews that the program cut his wait from years to months, but he worries about public backlash.
Immigration Benefits and Pathways Forward
Beyond residency, the Gold Card aligns with broader U.S. visa policy shifts toward merit and investment. It could pave the way for reforms in H-1B visa reform. For those seeking immigration benefits, pair it with strategies like starting a U.S. entity early.
Upcoming is the Platinum Card, rumored at $5 million for tax perks on non-U.S. income, ideal for globe-trotting entrepreneurs.
In summary, the Trump Gold Card offers a unique, if pricey, route to U.S. permanent residency for those who qualify. Weigh the costs against benefits, stay updated on legal challenges, and consult a certified immigration attorney to evaluate your options. Your path to the American dream might just be a donation away.