How to Apply for the Trump Gold Card Visa: Step-by-Step Guide

Note: This article addresses the Trump Gold Card visa proposal as it stood in early-to-mid 2025. The program faced immediate legal challenges, and its current status remains uncertain. This guide reflects what was known about the program’s intended framework at the time of announcement, not necessarily its current operational status. Always consult a qualified immigration attorney for the most current information.

What Is the Trump Gold Card Visa?

The Trump Gold Card Visa was announced in early 2025 as a proposed pathway to U.S. permanent residence (a green card) through a significant financial investment. Unlike the existing EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which requires a minimum investment of $800,000 in targeted employment areas, the Gold Card program was proposed with a substantially higher investment threshold of $5 million.

The program was presented as a way to attract high-net-worth individuals to the United States while generating revenue for the federal government. Under the original proposal, Gold Card holders would receive a pathway to green card status, potentially with expedited processing and preferential treatment compared to other investment-based immigration routes.

However, prospective applicants should understand that this program faced significant legal and procedural obstacles from its announcement. Courts issued injunctions blocking implementation, and the program’s ultimate fate remains unresolved. Anyone considering this pathway should work closely with an immigration attorney to understand the current legal landscape.

Current Program Status and Limitations

As of early 2026, the Trump Gold Card Visa program exists in a state of legal uncertainty. Several key developments have shaped its current status:

Legal Challenges: The program immediately faced lawsuits challenging its legality, with critics arguing it circumvented Congressional authority over immigration policy
Court Injunctions: Multiple federal courts issued preliminary injunctions blocking implementation while legal challenges proceeded
Congressional Concerns: Lawmakers from both parties raised constitutional questions about the program’s authority structure
USCIS Involvement: The agency, which processes immigration benefits, never issued formal application guidance or began accepting petitions

This uncertainty is the single most important factor for anyone considering this pathway. Unlike established programs like EB-5, there is no functioning application process, no published fee schedule, and no guaranteed pathway to a green card through this route.

The practical reality: As of early 2026, no one can currently apply for a Gold Card visa because the program has not been implemented. Anyone claiming to offer application assistance for this program should be approached with extreme caution.

What We Know About the Intended Application Process

While the actual application process never materialized, the administration outlined certain expectations for how the program would work. These details came from administration statements and leaked policy documents rather than formal federal register publications.

Proposed Application Framework

Based on available information, the intended process would have resembled the existing EB-5 program but with modifications:

1. Initial Application Submission: Applicants would have submitted initial petitions to USCIS, likely through a paper-based system initially
2. Financial Verification: Extensive documentation of the $5 million investment capital would have been required
3. Background Screening: Comprehensive background checks through multiple federal agencies
4. Medical Examination: Required health screening by approved physicians
5. Interview Process: In-person interviews at U.S. consulates abroad (for applicants outside the United States) or adjustment of status interviews (for those present in the U.S.)

Key Differences from EB-5

Feature	EB-5 Program	Proposed Gold Card
Minimum Investment	$800,000 – $1,050,000	$5,000,000
Job Creation Requirement	10 jobs	Not specified
Processing Priority	Standard	Expedited (proposed)
Source of Funds	Must be lawful	Must be lawful
Visa Allocation	Limited per country	Not specified

The Gold Card was proposed as a premium product with faster processing and potentially more flexibility than the EB-5 route, but these specifics were never codified into regulation.

Required Documentation (Based on Proposed Requirements)

Had the program been implemented, applicants would likely have needed to compile extensive documentation. Those preparing for potential future implementation should gather the following categories of materials:

Financial Records

Source of Funds Documentation: Complete tax returns, bank statements, business records, and other evidence demonstrating how the $5 million was legally obtained
Investment Documentation: Evidence of available capital, liquid assets, and investment capability
Asset Valuation: Professional appraisals of real estate, business interests, and other significant assets
Bank Verification: Letters from financial institutions confirming account status and balances

Background Checks

Criminal History: Police clearance certificates from all countries where the applicant has resided
Immigration History: Complete travel history to the United States and visa records
Security Clearances: Information for FBI and other agency background screening

Medical Examination

Immigration Physical: Completed by a civil surgeon approved by USCIS
Vaccination Records: Required immunizations per CDC guidelines
Tuberculosis Screening: Chest X-ray and related testing

Personal Documentation

Passport: Valid passport from country of citizenship
Birth Certificate: Full birth certificate with official translation if not in English
Marriage/Divorce Records: As applicable
Educational Records: Degrees, certificates, and professional credentials

These requirements would have been substantially more extensive than standard visa applications due to the investment threshold and the premium nature of the proposed program.

USCIS Involvement and Processing Timeline

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) would have been the primary agency processing Gold Card applications. However, the agency never issued formal guidance, updated forms, or published processing times because the program was blocked before implementation.

Proposed Agency Roles

USCIS: Primary adjudication of I-526 petitions (immigrant investor petitions), employment authorization, and adjustment of status applications
Department of State: Consular processing for applicants outside the United States
Department of Homeland Security: Overall program oversight and policy implementation
FBI: Background check processing and security screening

Proposed Processing Timeline

Had the program launched successfully, processing times would likely have followed this general framework:

Phase	Estimated Timeframe
Initial Petition Review	2-4 months
Financial Verification	3-6 months
Background Checks	4-8 months
Interview Scheduling	1-2 months
Final Adjudication	2-4 months
Total Estimated Time	**12-24 months

These estimates are speculative since no actual applications were processed. The EB-5 program, for comparison, currently has processing times of 18-36 months for initial petitions alone.

Cost Breakdown: Beyond the $5 Million Investment

Prospective applicants need to understand that the $5 million investment represents only part of the total cost. Based on the program’s proposed structure and comparable immigration pathways, applicants should anticipate additional expenses:

Filing and Processing Fees

Fee Type	Estimated Cost
Immigrant Petition Filing (I-526)	$10,000 – $15,000
Adjustment of Status Filing	$1,140 – $1,440
Biometric Services	$85
Medical Examination	$200 – $500
Police Clearance Certificates	$50 – $200 per country
Document Translation	$500 – $2,000

Professional Services

Immigration Attorney Fees: $15,000 – $50,000+ for comprehensive representation
Financial Consultant Fees: $5,000 – $15,000 for source of funds documentation
Business Valuation Fees: $3,000 – $10,000 for asset valuation
Translation and Authentication: $1,000 – $5,000 depending on document complexity

Ongoing Costs

Investment Management: Legal and accounting fees for managing the required investment
Compliance Reporting: Annual reporting requirements similar to EB-5 program
Renewal Fees: Potential renewal or maintenance fees if program structure required them

Total Estimated Additional Costs: $25,000 – $100,000+

The actual costs would depend significantly on individual circumstances, complexity of financial history, and whether the applicant requires consular processing or adjustment of status.

What to Do Right Now If You’re Interested

Given the program’s uncertain status, anyone interested in the Gold Card pathway should take practical steps to position themselves favorably while awaiting further developments.

1. Consult an Immigration Attorney Immediately

The single most important action is working with a qualified immigration attorney. Immigration law is extraordinarily complex, and an attorney can:

Provide current information about program status
Explain alternative pathways that may achieve similar goals
Review your specific circumstances and eligibility
Alert you to any changes in program status
Help you prepare documentation that would be needed if the program launches

Choose an attorney with experience in investment-based immigration and business visa categories. The Law Offices of [Attorney Name] or similar firms specializing in EB-5 and investor categories can provide relevant expertise.

2. Prepare Your Documentation Now

While waiting for program clarity, begin gathering the documentation you would need:

Organize Financial Records: Compile five years of tax returns, bank statements, and business records
Secure Background Documentation: Obtain police clearances from relevant countries
Update Personal Documents: Ensure passports are valid and obtain required civil documents
Establish U.S. Presence: If possible, maintain lawful U.S. presence through valid visa status

Starting this process early means you’ll be ready to act quickly if the program becomes operational.

3. Explore Alternative Pathways

While the Gold Card remains uncertain, several established pathways can achieve similar goals:

Pathway	Investment Required	Timeline	Key Features
———	——————–:	———-	————–
EB-5 Investor	$800,000 – $1,050,000	2-4 years	Established program, job creation required
E-2 Treaty Investor	Varies by country	1-3 months	Requires treaty country nationality
O-1 Extraordinary Ability	No minimum	2-4 months	Requires demonstrated achievement
L-1 Intracompany Transferee	No minimum	1-3 months	Requires qualifying multinational employment

An immigration attorney can help you determine which pathway best suits your circumstances.

4. Monitor Program Developments

Stay informed about the program’s status through reliable sources:

USCIS Website: Check for any program announcements or form updates
Federal Register: Monitor for published regulations or guidance
Immigration Law Publications: Follow reputable legal news sources
Attorney Updates: Your immigration attorney can provide updates as conditions change

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for the Trump Gold Card Visa right now?

No. The program has not been implemented due to legal challenges and court injunctions. No application process exists, and no applications are being accepted. Proceed with caution if anyone claims to offer Gold Card application services.

Is the Gold Card different from the EB-5 investor visa?

Yes. The EB-5 program is an established immigration pathway with published regulations, forms, and processing procedures. The Gold Card was proposed as a separate program with a higher investment threshold and was never formally implemented.

What happens if I already invested money thinking the program would launch?

If you invested money through a promoter claiming to offer Gold Card access, consult an immigration attorney and potentially a securities attorney immediately. There have been reports of scams targeting individuals interested in the program.

Will the program eventually launch?

This is impossible to predict with certainty. The program’s future depends on the outcome of ongoing legal challenges, Congressional action