Gold Card: The New US$1 Million Green Card of the USA

The Gold Card Program is the latest permanent residency program in the United States, created by Executive Order 14351 signed in September 2025 and officially launched in December of the same year. Unlike traditional green card pathways, the program combines professional merit with a substantial financial contribution to the U.S. government, offering expedited processing for candidates who meet the requirements. The I-140G Form, an exclusive form for the program, introduced a new procedural category in the U.S. immigration system.

The program is aimed at high-net-worth professionals who qualify under the EB-1A or EB-2 NIW categories and are willing to make a minimum contribution of US$ 1 million to the U.S. government. Although comparisons with the EB-5 visa are inevitable, the Gold Card has a distinct legal nature: the contribution is classified as a gift, not as an investment, which eliminates requirements such as job creation and active capital management.

How the Process Works

The journey in the Gold Card Program follows specific steps defined by USCIS. The first step is preliminary registration on the official portal TrumpCard.gov, where the candidate provides basic information for initial screening. After approval at this stage, DHS and USCIS conduct a detailed verification of identity, security background, and the source of declared funds.

Once the initial verification is complete, the candidate is instructed to create or access their account in the MyUSCIS system. It is through this account that the I-140G Form is completed and submitted exclusively online, with no paper submission option. The form requires extensive information, including a complete employment history for the past 20 years, detailed educational background, data on citizenship and nationality, as well as documentation on the source and path of the funds.

Costs and Financial Contribution

The cost structure of the Gold Card Program is divided into two distinct phases. The first is the protocol fee of US$ 15,000 per person, due at the time of I-140G submission. This fee applies to the principal beneficiary and each dependent included in the petition, such as spouse and children under 21. The amount is non-refundable, regardless of the petition outcome or processing time.

The second phase is the contribution to the U.S. government, due after approval of the I-140G petition. The amounts vary according to the type of petition:

This contribution is officially characterized as a non-refundable gift to the United States government. Unlike the EB-5, where capital is invested in commercial enterprises with an expectation of return, in the Gold Card the amount is a direct donation to the U.S. Treasury, with no obligation for job creation or active investment management.

Eligibility Pathways

The Gold Card Program offers two professional qualification pathways, both linked to existing green card categories. The first is EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability), for professionals with nationally or internationally recognized extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. The eligibility criteria are the same as the traditional EB-1A: proof of at least three of the ten criteria established by USCIS or receipt of a major recognized award.

The second pathway is EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver), for professionals with exceptional ability who demonstrate that their work in the U.S. serves the national interest. Candidates choosing this pathway must submit Form ETA-9089 without labor certification, accompanied by supporting evidence. The analysis follows the Matter of Dhanasar framework, which assesses substantial merit, national scope, and net benefit to the U.S.

The choice between EB-1A and EB-2 NIW should consider the current Visa Bulletin, as green card availability wait times may vary between categories. In April 2026, both categories are current for most countries, but candidates born in China and India may face different queues depending on the chosen subcategory.

Required Financial Documentation

One of the most rigorous aspects of the Gold Card Program is proving the lawful source of funds. USCIS applies financial due diligence standards comparable to those of the EB-5 program, requiring detailed documentation that may include personal income tax returns for the past seven years, bank statements for the past five years showing accumulation and movement of funds, income certificates from employers, and documentation of securities sales.

For funds originating from cryptocurrencies, the program requires blockchain tracking with identification of wallets and regulated exchanges. Funds from real estate sales require appraisal reports, purchase and sale contracts, and proof of taxes paid. When funds derive from corporate shareholding, financial statements and corporate tax returns for the past seven years are required.

In addition to proving the source, the candidate must trace the complete path of the funds to the U.S. Department of Commerce. Payments can be made by credit card with a receipt from the Pay.gov system, or by bank transfer with full tracking that includes intermediary institutions, SWIFT/BIC or IBAN codes, and proof of each step of the transaction.

Gold Card vs EB-5

Although both programs involve high amounts, the structural differences are significant. In EB-5, capital is invested in commercial enterprises that must create at least ten direct jobs for American workers, and the investor may eventually recover their capital. In the Gold Card, the contribution is an irrevocable gift to the government, with no job creation requirement and no possibility of reimbursement.

The Gold Card also differs by requiring professional qualification via EB-1A or EB-2 NIW, while EB-5 imposes no professional merit requirements beyond financial capacity. This combination of capital and merit positions the Gold Card as a pathway for high-level professionals who possess both exceptional technical competence and substantial financial capacity, making it a niche program within the U.S. immigration system.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.