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

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

Last Updated: February 2026. The Trump Gold Card Visa program launched in December 2025. Applications are now accepted at trumpcard.gov. Gift tiers: $1 million (Gold Card, individual), $2 million (Corporate Gold Card), $5 million (Platinum — pending Congressional approval). Program details may change. Monitor the ongoing legal challenges. This article is for informational purposes only.

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What Is the Trump Gold Card Visa?

The Trump Gold Card Visa launched in December 2025 as a pathway to U.S. permanent residence (a green card) through a significant financial gift to the U.S. government. Unlike the existing EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program (see our Gold Card vs EB-5 comparison), which requires a minimum investment of $800,000 in targeted employment areas, the Gold Card program offers tiered gift levels: $1 million (individual Gold Card), $2 million (Corporate Gold Card), and a $5 million Platinum tier that is pending Congressional approval.

The program attracts high-net-worth individuals to the United States while generating revenue for the federal government. Gold Card holders receive a pathway to green card status with expedited processing compared to other immigration routes.

Prospective applicants should work closely with an immigration attorney to understand the current requirements and ensure they meet all eligibility criteria before applying at trumpcard.gov.

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Current Program Status

As of February 2026, the Trump Gold Card Visa program is live and accepting applications at trumpcard.gov. The program launched in December 2025 with the following tiers:

• Gold Card (Individual): $1 million gift — currently accepting applications
• Corporate Gold Card: $2 million gift — currently accepting applications
• Platinum Card: $5 million gift — announced but requires Congressional approval before becoming available

Applicants should verify current requirements directly at trumpcard.gov and review our Gold Card Visa FAQ and work with a qualified immigration attorney (see our attorney selection guide) to navigate the application process.

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The Gold Card Application Process

The Gold Card application process is handled through trumpcard.gov. The process involves the following steps:

The Actual Application Process (from trumpcard.gov)

The Gold Card uses existing EB-1A and EB-2 NIW visa categories (the same categories used for O-1 visa applicants). The process involves these steps:

1. Register at trumpcard.gov: Create an account and submit your application through the official portal at trumpcard.gov
2. Pay $15,000 DHS Processing Fee: A non-refundable processing fee of $15,000 per person (see our complete cost breakdown), paid via pay.gov
3. USCIS Vetting: Federal agencies conduct criminal, security, and background screening, plus source-of-funds verification
4. File Form I-140G: After passing vetting, USCIS notifies you to file Form I-140G online through myUSCIS. This petition requires: 20-year employment history, education records, government/military service history, disclosure of all financial accounts including cryptocurrency, and detailed source-of-funds documentation
5. Remit $1M Gift (After Approval): Upon conditional approval, remit the $1 million (individual) or $2 million (corporate) non-refundable gift to the Department of Commerce via ACH or wire transfer. The gift comes after vetting, not upfront
6. Consular Processing: Complete consular processing at a U — for tips, see our Gold Card interview guide.S. embassy or consulate abroad, or file for Adjustment of Status if already in the U.S.
7. Receive Lawful Permanent Resident Status: Upon final approval, receive your green card and lawful permanent resident status. Be sure to understand the tax implications of becoming a US permanent resident

Key Differences from EB-5

Feature	EB-5 Program	Gold Card Program
Minimum Amount	$800,000 – $1,050,000 (investment)	$1M / $2M / $5M (non-refundable gift)
Job Creation Requirement	10 jobs	Not specified
Processing Priority	Standard	Expedited
Source of Funds	Must be lawful	Must be lawful
Visa Category	EB-5 (dedicated)	EB-1A / EB-2 NIW (existing categories)

Considering alternatives? See our Gold Card vs Portugal Golden Visa comparison.

The Gold Card is a premium product with faster processing and more flexibility than the EB-5 route. Current program details are available at trumpcard.gov.

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Required Documentation

Applicants must compile extensive documentation. The following categories of materials are required:

Financial Records

• Source of Funds Documentation: Complete tax returns, bank statements, business records, and other evidence demonstrating how the gift funds were legally obtained
• Gift Fund Documentation: Evidence of available capital, liquid assets, and financial capability to make the required gift
• 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 are substantially more extensive than standard visa applications due to the gift amount and the premium nature of the Gold Card program.

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USCIS Involvement and Processing Timeline

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the primary agency processing Gold Card applications. Applications are submitted through trumpcard.gov.

Agency Roles

• USCIS: Primary adjudication of I-140G petitions (Gold Card immigrant 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

Estimated Processing Timeline

Processing times generally follow this 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

Actual processing times may vary. The EB-5 program, for comparison, currently has processing times of 18-36 months for initial petitions alone.

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Cost Breakdown: Beyond the Gold Card Gift

Prospective applicants need to understand that the Gold Card gift ($1M individual, $2M corporate) represents only part of the total cost. Applicants should anticipate additional expenses:

Filing and Processing Fees

Fee Type	Estimated Cost
DHS Processing Fee (via pay.gov)	$15,000 per person
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

• Post-Gift Compliance: Legal and accounting fees for ongoing compliance requirements
• 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.

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What to Do Right Now If You’re Interested

Anyone interested in the Gold Card pathway should take practical steps to position themselves for a successful application.

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 needed for your Gold Card application

Choose an attorney with experience in gift-based and investment-based immigration pathways. 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

Begin gathering the documentation you will need for your application:

• 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 submit your application promptly.

3. Explore Alternative Pathways

In addition to the Gold Card, 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. The Gold Card program launched in December 2025 and is accepting applications at trumpcard.gov. The individual Gold Card requires a $1 million non-refundable gift, and the Corporate Gold Card requires a $2 million gift. A $5 million Platinum tier has been announced but requires Congressional approval.

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 is a separate program with tiered gift levels ($1M/$2M/$5M) and its own application process at trumpcard.gov.

How do I protect myself from Gold Card scams?

Only apply through the official portal at trumpcard.gov. If anyone claims to offer Gold Card access outside the official channels, consult an immigration attorney immediately. There have been reports of scams targeting individuals interested in the program.

Is the program fully operational?

The Gold Card ($1M individual) and Corporate Gold Card ($2M) tiers are currently live at trumpcard.gov. The $5 million Platinum tier has been announced but requires Congressional approval before becoming available.

Related: Trump Gold Card Processing Times: What Attorneys Actually Say vs. Government Claims

Overview: What is the Trump Gold Card Visa? Complete Guide

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Consult a qualified immigration attorney before making any decisions.