USCIS has officially implemented the long-anticipated Trump Gold Card Program by releasing Form I-140G, thereby moving the initiative from a policy proposal into an actionable immigration mechanism. With the publication of the form, the Gold Card has become a filing-ready option for individuals seeking U.S. permanent residence through a significant financial contribution.
Contrary to initial assumptions, the Gold Card Program does not create a new immigrant visa category. Form I-140G makes clear that applications are adjudicated within the existing employment-based immigration framework. Applicants must still qualify under either EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability) or EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW). The Gold Card does not operate as a standalone pathway; rather, it functions as an alternative filing model that integrates a financial component into already-established statutory categories.
One of the most notable aspects of the program is its substantial financial requirement. Under the Gold Card framework, each applicant is expected to make a USD 1,000,000 “gift” (a gift-characterized financial contribution). In addition, a separate USD 15,000 filing and review fee per applicant is required. This fee is independent of the gift amount and represents an administrative charge for USCIS adjudication. In practice, the fee is expected to be non-refundable and payable individually by each applicant.
Form I-140G also mandates an extensive source-of-funds review. Applicants must demonstrate, through detailed documentation, that both the USD 1,000,000 gift and all related financial resources originate from lawful, transparent, and traceable sources. In this respect, the Gold Card Program introduces a significantly heightened level of financial scrutiny compared to traditional EB-1 and EB-2 filings.
Importantly, the Gold Card Program does not establish a dedicated visa quota, a separate Visa Bulletin category, or an automatic expedited processing mechanism. Applications remain subject to the existing Visa Bulletin and priority date system. As a result, for applicants from oversubscribed countries in particular, visa backlogs and waiting periods continue to be a critical consideration. The payment of a high-value gift and the USD 15,000 filing fee does not, by itself, guarantee faster visa issuance.
In summary, while the Trump Gold Card Program appears to introduce a new access point to U.S. permanent residence, it remains firmly anchored within the EB-1 and EB-2 statutory framework. The significant financial cost, the required USD 1,000,000 gift, the additional USD 15,000 filing and review fee per applicant, the rigorous source-of-funds examination, and unchanged visa backlogs all suggest that the program will be suitable only for a narrow segment of potential applicants. Further guidance and adjudicatory practice from USCIS will be critical in clarifying how the Gold Card operates in real-world cases.
Developments and legal analysis regarding the Gold Card Program are being closely monitored by Help Law Offices, and updated guidance will continue to be shared with clients as additional information becomes available.