Trump Gold Card (2025): How the $1M Visa Program Could Change Your U.S. Residency Path

The Trump Gold Card is a new U.S. residency program launched in 2025 that could redefine how high-net-worth immigrants obtain U.S. permanent residency. This program offers a fast-track path to a green card for those willing to make a significant financial contribution.

How the Trump Gold Card Works (Executive Order, September 2025)

The Trump Gold Card was established through a Presidential Executive Order signed on September 19, 2025, directing the Department of Commerce and DHS to create a fast-track residency process for qualified donors and corporate sponsors.

Under this framework, applicants will make a $1M or $2M contribution, pass DHS background checks, and gain eligibility for lawful permanent residence under existing visa categories such as EB-1 or EB-2 NIW.

Federal agencies expect to finalize the application system by late 2025.

Trump Gold Card Application Process: Step-by-Step

• Step 1: Determine Eligibility and Engage Immigration Counsel

• Step 2: File the Gold Card Application and Pay Fees (~$15,000)

• Step 3: Complete DHS Vetting and Background Screening

• Step 4: Make the Required Contribution ($1M Individual / $2M Corporate)

• Step 5: Receive Expedited Green Card Approval
• Step 6: Apply for U.S. Citizenship (After 5 Years of Residency)

Work With Alcorn Immigration Law to Navigate the Trump Gold Card & Investment Visa Options

At Alcorn Immigration Law, we help clients understand how the Trump Gold Card interacts with established visa categories such as EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability), EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver), and EB-5 (Investor Visa).

Our attorneys provide personalized strategy sessions to assess whether a contribution-based or investment-based path best fits your long-term immigration goals.

Policy Implications:

How the Trump Gold Card Could Reshape U.S. Immigration

This new program should be viewed in the context of a broader immigration policy overhaul, which also includes the announced increase in the H-1B visa fee. Both measures signal a policy direction that favors significant financial contributions and raises the bar for entry.

• New Oversight: Department of Commerce as Lead Agency: Since the Department of Commerce is administering the program, the process, application review, and approval standards may differ from traditional visa programs.
  
• Contribution-Based Eligibility vs. Traditional Investment Requirements: Unlike the EB-5 investor visa, which requires an at-risk investment that may be recouped, the Gold Card involves a non-refundable financial contribution, which applicants should plan for carefully.
  
• Economic Alignment and National Benefit Framework: The program is designed with U.S. economic interests in mind, so applicants may need to show how their participation supports broader national goals.
  
• Legal Uncertainty and Implementation Risks: Because this program is new and executive-order-based, there could be changes, challenges, or delays in implementation that applicants should keep in mind.

Gold Card Tiers Explained: Individual, Corporate, & Platinum Options

The program includes a few distinct tiers:

• Individual Gold Card – $1 Million Contribution for Green Card Eligibility: You can apply for an expedited green card by making a $1 million contribution. You still must meet all other standard eligibility requirements.
• Corporate Gold Card – $2 Million Sponsorship for Executive Transfers: Businesses can sponsor an employee for U.S. residency by making a $2 million contribution per employee. If a sponsored employee leaves, the company can transfer the card to a new employee for a fee, without making a new contribution.
• Platinum Card (Proposed) – $5 Million Contribution for 270-Day U.S. Stay: This proposed option would allow you to stay in the U.S. for up to 270 days per year for a $5 million contribution. Importantly, this benefit is not a pathway to a green card and would require new tax legislation from Congress.

Trump Gold Card vs. EB-1 and EB-2 Visa Pathways

The Executive Order aligns the Trump Gold Card with EB-1 (Extraordinary Ability) and EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) categories.

In this model, the financial contribution serves as evidence of national benefit or extraordinary ability, though applicants remain subject to existing caps and backlogs under these categories.

Trump Gold Card vs. EB-5 Investor Visa: Key Differences

The Trump Gold Card requires a $1M non-refundable contribution, unlike the EB-5 visa’s at-risk investment with potential returns. Both offer residency, but differ in structure, purpose, and financial impact.

For individuals and businesses considering their options, the Gold Card vs. EB-5 decision comes down to your priorities:

• Financial Model: Contribution vs. At-Risk Investment: EB-5 is an at-risk investment (potential return); Gold Card is a non-refundable contribution.

• Oversight & Administration: Commerce/DHS vs. USCIS: EB-5 is administered by USCIS; Gold Card is administered by the Department of Commerce in collaboration with DHS and State.

• Purpose: Government Revenue vs. Private Job Creation: EB-5 focuses on job creation and economic growth through private investment; the Gold Card is about direct financial contribution to government-led national initiatives.
• Risk & Return: No Recovery vs. Potential ROI: EB-5 carries financial risk tied to project performance; Gold Card carries no risk of loss, but also no chance of recovery.

For many clients, understanding these differences is about aligning your immigration strategy with your long-term goals, whether you seek investment opportunities, a faster process, or a more predictable pathway.

When Will Trump Gold Card Applications Open?

The Executive Order instructs agencies to make the Gold Card operational within 90 days of signing (Sept 19, 2025). Actual launch timing may depend on rulemaking, logistics, and legal challenges.

Applicants should monitor updates from the Department of Commerce and consult experienced immigration counsel to stay ready once the portal opens.

Stay Prepared With Alcorn Immigration Law

Our attorneys track every federal policy update affecting investment-based immigration, from the Trump Gold Card to traditional EB-5 and NIW routes.

We provide personalized strategy sessions to help you choose the fastest and most secure pathway to U.S. residency or citizenship.

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Trump Gold Card 2025: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Trump Gold Card?

A: It’s a 2025 U.S. immigration program offering a fast-track to a green card for those who contribute $1 million (or $2 million via a company) to the U.S. government.

Q: How much does the Trump Gold Card cost in total?\

A: The program requires a $1 million contribution (for individuals) plus a $15,000 processing fee. Companies pay $2 million if sponsoring an employee, in addition to the fee.

Q: Is the Gold Card program available right now?

A: Not yet. The government is still setting up the process (expected by late 2025). You might join a waitlist and apply once applications officially open.

Q: Does the Gold Card guarantee U.S. citizenship?

A: Not automatically. It grants permanent residency (a green card). You can later apply for citizenship (usually after 5 years of residency) like other green card holders.

Q: Can my family immigrate with me on a Gold Card?

A: Likely yes. Just as with other investment-based green cards, a Gold Card applicant’s spouse and minor children are expected to receive green cards as dependents.

Q: How is the Gold Card different from the EB-5 investor visa?

A: The Gold Card requires a $1M gift to the government for a quick green card. EB-5 requires a smaller business investment plus job creation, so the Gold Card is faster but more expensive.

Q: What if I don’t have $1 million for a Gold Card?

A: Then the Gold Card may not be the best fit for you. Many other visa or green card pathways exist through skills, job offers, family, or investments. An immigration attorney can help you find alternatives.