Trump’s Gold Card officially launched yesterday, allowing a pathway to permanent residency for individuals who can make a one-time, $1 million dollar “gift” to the United States government, or are sponsored by an employer who can make a $2 million dollar “gift.”
President Trump first announced plans to launch the Gold Card program earlier this year. Originally, the Gold Card was meant to replace the EB-5 investor visa and would require a $5 million dollar payment, granting the applicant permanent resident status in the United States and opening the door for eventual US citizenship.
According to yesterday’s announcement, however, the Gold Card will require a gift of only $1 million dollars and recipients will be admitted into the United States under the EB-1 or EB-2 NIW category, reserved for those with “exceptional” or “extraordinary” abilities. The “gift” will not go into US commercial enterprises, but directly to the US government.
Gold Card Application– Self Petition
Gold Card petitioners must submit Form I-140G, Immigrant Petition for the Gold Card Program, alongside a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee made out to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Each petition requires payment of the DHS processing fees and a $1 million dollar “gift.” In other words, applications for spouses and any children of the principal beneficiary will each require a $1 million dollar payment to the United States government for its approval.
Gold Card Application – Corporate Gold Card
Gold Card applications submitted by employers on behalf of an employee follow the same process as self-petitions. Employers must submit Form I-140G and pay a one-time $15,000 DHS processing fee for each application. However, they are required to pay a larger “gift” of $2 million dollars. There is no limit to the number of petitions they can submit, as long as they can pay the required fees.
On top of the $2 million dollar “gift,” employers are required to pay a 1% annual maintenance fee per sponsored employee. They may also transfer the $2 million “gift” if they cease sponsoring one employee and wish to sponsor another but must pay a 5% transfer fee.
Trump’s Platinum Card
Not yet available, Trump has also announced the Platinum Card, allowing foreign nationals to live in the United States up to 270 days per year without being subject to U.S. taxes on non-U.S. income. This card requires a “gift” of $5 million dollars to the US government. While it is not yet available, interested parties may join the waiting list at https://trumpcard.gov
Applying for the Gold Card
Once you (or your employer) apply for the Gold Card, you will undergo a background check, security vetting, and attend an interview. USCIS will then adjudicate your petition. If approved, you will be asked to make the applicable payment ($1 million or $2 million dollars) and will then obtain lawful permanent resident status. According to the official Gold Card website, these petitions are expedited and the adjudication process should take merely a few weeks.
Applications are now open for the $1 million dollar Gold Card. If you are interested in applying for the Gold Card or have any questions, we would be happy to speak with you.