In September 2025, the U.S. government unveiled the new “Gold Card”, a fast-track pathway to permanent residency in exchange for a $1 million contribution. Marketed as a streamlined alternative to the EB-5 investor visa, the Gold Card has quickly become one of the most talked-about immigration initiatives of the year.

As both a U.S. immigration lawyer and cross-border advisor, I want to clarify how this program is expected to work, what steps applicants will need to take, and the risks that must be carefully considered before committing to such a significant investment.

What Is the U.S. Gold Card Visa?

The Gold Card Visa allows non-U.S. citizens to secure a green card by making a non-refundable $1 million gift (or $2 million through corporate sponsorship). Unlike the EB-5 visa, which requires job creation and investment in U.S. businesses, the Gold Card focuses on direct contributions to a government-controlled Treasury fund.

The funds are earmarked for promoting U.S. commercial and industrial activity, and applicants who qualify will be placed on an expedited track to lawful permanent residency. However, since this program was created by executive order, there are still many unanswered questions about its legal durability and long-term implementation.

Step-by-Step Process for the Gold Card Visa

1. Rulemaking Period. The Departments of Commerce, State, and Homeland Security have 90 days to finalize program rules. These will define application forms, fees, security vetting, and how the gift process integrates with existing visa categories like EB-1 and EB-2.

2. Application Submission. Applicants will submit a formal petition, pay a processing fee, and provide documentation proving their eligibility. Expect detailed financial disclosures and extensive background checks.

3. Security and Background Vetting. Every applicant will undergo national security, criminal, and medical admissibility screening. Any irregularities could result in denial, even if the gift has already been pledged.

4. $1 Million Gift Transfer. Once conditionally approved, applicants must transfer the non-refundable $1 million gift into the designated Treasury fund. Timing is critical, as the program makes clear the funds must be received before final approval.

5. Green Card Issuance. Following the successful transfer and vetting, applicants are expected to receive lawful permanent resident status. In practice, this could still depend on country-specific visa caps and processing backlogs.

6. Path to Citizenship. As with other green card holders, Gold Card recipients may become eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting residency and other statutory requirements.

Important Considerations and Risks

• Legal Uncertainty: The program’s foundation rests on executive authority. Without explicit Congressional approval, lawsuits could challenge its legality and potentially delay or overturn its implementation.
• Visa Caps and Backlogs: Applicants from high-demand countries may still face waiting periods due to per-country limits on green cards.
• Non-Refundable Gift: The $1 million contribution is non-refundable. If your application is denied or if the program is suspended, you risk losing your capital with no recourse.
• Source-of-Funds Scrutiny: Expect stringent anti-money laundering checks. Applicants must provide clear, documented proof of where their funds originate.
• Tax Implications: Once granted a green card, holders become U.S. tax residents subject to U.S. taxation on global income. This can create complex cross-border obligations for high-net-worth individuals.
• Political Volatility: Future administrations may amend or even repeal the Gold Card program. Immigration law often shifts with political cycles, making long-term stability uncertain.
• Comparative Options: The EB-5 program or extraordinary ability visas may still be preferable in some cases.

Frequently Asked Questions About the U.S. Gold Card Visa

What is the Trump Gold Card? The Gold Card is a visa based on an applicant’s ability to provide a substantial benefit to the United States. This is demonstrated through a $1 million gift following DHS vetting and approval.

What is the Trump Corporate Gold Card? The Corporate Gold Card allows a sponsoring company to apply on behalf of employees. Each application requires a $2 million gift per employee. A unique feature is that a company may transfer sponsorship from one employee to another without making a new $2 million contribution, though annual maintenance and transfer fees apply.

Who qualifies for the Gold Card program? Applicants must be eligible for lawful permanent resident status, admissible to the United States, and have an available visa number at the time of adjudication.

What legal status do Gold Card holders receive? Successful applicants are classified as lawful permanent residents, typically under the EB-1 or EB-2 categories, as determined by the Department of Homeland Security.

What are the tax implications? Gold Card holders are treated like all other U.S. permanent residents for tax purposes, meaning they are subject to U.S. taxation on worldwide income.

Can Gold Card status be revoked? Yes. Because it is a visa classification, Gold Card status may be revoked on national security grounds or for other risks identified by U.S. authorities.

What is the Trump Platinum Card? The Platinum Card, still under development, would allow applicants to spend up to 270 days per year in the United States without being subject to U.S. taxation on non-U.S. income.

Why is there a waitlist for the Platinum Card? The Platinum Card has not yet been released. Applicants can join a waitlist, which will be processed on a first-come-first-served basis once the program launches.

Conclusion

The U.S. Gold Card Visa represents a bold and controversial shift in immigration policy. By offering a direct exchange of capital for residency, it caters to ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking speed and simplicity. But it also raises serious legal, financial, and political concerns.

If you are considering the Gold Card, proceed with caution. Engage experienced immigration counsel, prepare your financial documentation in advance, and weigh the risks carefully against other established U.S. visa pathways.

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David Cantor is a licensed U.S. immigration lawyer and cross-border advisor. Contact David today for an initial consultation and learn more about your U.S. immigration options.

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