What You Need to Know About the New Gold Card Visa Program
On September 19, 2025, the White House updated their new immigration initiative called the “Gold Card” Visa Program. This executive order hopes to allow foreign nationals to obtain an expedited path to U.S. lawful permanent residency (green card) if they make a qualifying financial gift to the U.S. Department of Commerce.
This presents a significant new opportunity for immigration through investment, especially for high-net-worth individuals and international businesses with ties to the U.S.
This is a new proposal from the President that has not yet been sanctioned by Congress.
What Is the Trump Gold Card?
The Gold Card is a U.S. immigrant visa pathway for individuals who contribute either:
- $1 million as an unrestricted gift directly to the U.S. Department of Commerce, or
- $2 million if the gift is made on their behalf by a corporation or similar entity.
This donation is treated as evidence of the immigrant’s exceptional ability and value to national interest, qualifying them for priority visa categories such as:
- EB-1A for individuals with extraordinary ability
- EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW)
- Other eligible employment-based categories under 8 U.S.C. § 1153(b)
Applicants can benefit from expedited processing and may be granted permanent residence without a job offer, employer sponsorship, or labor certification in many cases.
What is the Trump Platinum Card?
The Platinum Card is a proposed premium visa option that would require a contribution of $5 million and would grant holders the ability to stay in the United States for up to 270 days per year without being subject to U.S. taxes on foreign income, under certain conditions. The Platinum Card still requires Congressional approval and implementation of legislative or regulatory changes—especially involving U.S. tax and immigration law—to take effect.
Key Features of the Gold Card Program
| Eligible Contributions | Unrestricted financial gift to the Department of Commerce (15 U.S.C. § 1522) |
| Donation Amount | $1M for individual gifts; $2M via corporation or similar entity |
| Visa Benefits | Considered under EB-2 NIW, EB-1A, and other immigrant visa categories |
| Agencies Involved | Department of Commerce, Department of Homeland Security (USCIS), Department of State |
| Timeline | Agencies must implement application procedures within 90 days of the order (i.e., by December 18, 2025) |
Why It Matters for Investors & Immigrants
The United States remains a top destination for international investors, entrepreneurs, and families seeking opportunity. With its financial institutions, real estate opportunities, and global connections, the United States is ideally positioned for the world’s wealthiest individuals.
The Trump Gold Card visa may offer:
- A new alternative to the EB-5 program, without the long waits or job creation requirements
- A pathway to U.S. residency based on national interest and financial contribution
- Potential for corporate sponsors to designate individuals for immigration benefits
- A faster, streamlined process for qualified applicants
Legal Considerations for the Gold Card Program
Whether you are an investor, entrepreneur, or corporate sponsor, you should be aware of several legal and procedural issues:
1. Source of Funds Scrutiny
The government will likely scrutinize the source and legality of the donated funds—much like in EB-5 cases.
2. Corporate Sponsorship Rules
The executive order allows a company (such as a New York–based LLC, C‑Corp, or foreign affiliate) to donate on behalf of an individual. This could open doors for business immigration strategies involving foreign executives, founders, and investors.
3. No Labor Certification Required
Because the Gold Card treats the contribution as satisfying national interest standards, the usual PERM process is likely unnecessary.
4. Ongoing Regulatory Updates
The Departments of Commerce, State, and Homeland Security must finalize application procedures by December 2025. Investors and immigration attorneys will need to monitor Federal Register updates closely. It is worth noting that there are critics who believe this program cannot be implemented without congressional assistance.
How Our Immigration Law Firm Can Help
At Wildes & Weinberg, our immigration attorneys are experienced in handling complex investor and employment-based immigration matters.
We can assist with:
- Eligibility evaluations for individuals and corporations interested in the Gold Card
- Structuring lawful donations that meet federal requirements
- Filing EB-1, EB-2 NIW, or other visa petitions with supporting documentation
- Corporate representation for businesses sponsoring foreign nationals
- Coordination with financial advisors, tax professionals, and compliance teams
Why Choose a New York–Based Immigration Attorney?
Navigating this new program requires more than just immigration knowledge. As business and investment immigration lawyers in New York, we understand the intersection of immigration law with other areas and how to position your application for success under current government standards.
Final Thoughts: Should You Apply for a Gold Card Visa?
The Gold Card visa is not for everyone—it requires a significant financial contribution and is subject to legal and regulatory complexity. But for eligible applicants, especially those with business interests or who plan to contribute to the U.S. economy, it will offer a new route to lawful permanent residency.
Contact a Trump Gold Card Immigration Lawyer Today
If you’re interested in the Gold Card visa or want to explore whether you or your company may qualify, contact our New York–based Trump Gold Card Lawyers for a confidential consultation by emailing us at michael@wildeslaw.com
*This was posted on Sept. 22, 2025, as Attorney Advertising and may not be updated. You can read the proclamation for yourself here.
