Trump’s New Gold Card Visa: Cost, Requirements, Form I-140G, and How the Process May Work
Trump’s New Gold Card Visa: Cost, Requirements, Form I-140G, and How the Process May Work
By Alena Shautsova, New York Immigration Lawyer
📞 917-885-2261
🌐 www.shautsova.com
The U.S. immigration landscape may soon undergo a dramatic shift with the introduction of the proposed “Gold Card” visa, a high-value pathway to permanent residence that would allow wealthy foreign nationals to obtain a U.S. green card through a substantial financial contribution. As debate continues, draft materials reveal a clearer picture of what the program may look like—including the introduction of a new USCIS form, Form I-140G.
Below, I break down the evolving details: what the Gold Card is, its cost, eligibility, the I-140G filing process, and what immigrants should do today to prepare.
What Is the Gold Card Visa?
The proposed Gold Card visa is a new immigration pathway offering foreign nationals permanent residence in exchange for a significant financial contribution to the United States government.
Unlike the traditional EB-5 Investor Visa, which mandates job creation and investment in a U.S. business, the Gold Card follows a different model: a direct financial contribution or “gift” to the U.S. Treasury.
The program is intended to simplify the investor-immigration process while dramatically increasing the financial threshold.
Cost and Main Requirements
- Contribution Amount
Draft program details describe two possible contribution levels:
- $1,000,000 for individual applicants
- $2,000,000 for corporate-sponsored or business-linked applicants
Unlike EB-5, this contribution is non-refundable and not tied to business operations or job creation.
- Application Fee
Applicants would also pay an application fee of approximately $15,000 at the time of filing Form I-140G.
- Form I-140G — The New Immigration Form
A key feature of the draft system is the creation of a new USCIS form, the:
➡️ Form I-140G, Immigrant Petition Under the Gold Card Program
This petition is expected to include:
- Evidence of the applicant’s identity
- Proof of lawful source of funds
- Documentation of the required financial contribution
- Background and security verification
- Associated filing fees
This form is not yet published for public use, but it is referenced in internal drafts and early planning materials for the program.
Proposed Application Process
Based on current drafts, the Gold Card application process may follow these steps:
Step 1: Submission to the U.S. Department of Commerce
Applicants would begin by submitting a request to the Department of Commerce, which is expected to oversee the contribution process.
Step 2: Pay the Program Fee
A $15,000 fee would be paid upon opening the request.
Step 3: File Form I-140G with USCIS
The applicant would prepare and file Form I-140G, including documentation verifying:
- The financial contribution
- Legal source of funds
- Biographical information
- Security and background checks
- Step 4: Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status
After approval of Form I-140G:
- Applicants outside the U.S. would complete consular processing, or
- Applicants inside the U.S. may pursue adjustment of status, if allowed under the final rules.
The final regulations will determine how adjustment of status is handled under the program.
Step 5: Issuance of Permanent Residence
Once all requirements are fulfilled, the applicant would be issued a U.S. green card.
How the Gold Card Compares to Other Immigration Options
EB-5 Investor Visa vs. Gold Card
Feature EB-5 Gold Card Investment $800k–$1.05M $1M–$2M contribution Job Creation Mandatory Not required Risk Must invest in a business Contribution is non-refundable Form I-526/I-829 I-140G The Gold Card is simpler but more expensive, and it eliminates the job-creation requirement.
Merit-Based Visas vs. Gold Card
EB-1A, EB-2 NIW, and O-1 rely on:
- Extraordinary ability
- National interest contributions
- Employer sponsorship in some casesThe Gold Card, in contrast, relies primarily on wealth rather than professional achievements.
For many skilled professionals, traditional pathways may remain more realistic than the Gold Card.
Pros & Cons of the Gold Card Program
Potential Benefits
- Faster route to a green card
- No job-creation requirement
- Clear, simplified criteria
- Attractive for investors and global entrepreneurs
Concerns and Risks
- Program is not yet finalized
- Very high cost limits accessibility to ultra-high-net-worth applicants
- May face legal and political challenges
- Contribution is non-refundable
- Applicants must still comply with all U.S. tax and legal obligationsWhat This Means for Immigrants—Especially My Clients
As a New York immigration attorney serving clients worldwide, including Russian and Ukrainian immigrants seeking NIW, EB-1, O-1, asylum, and family-based options, here’s my advice:
- Do not wait for the Gold Card to become law
If you qualify today for EB-2 NIW, EB-1A, O-1, VAWA, or asylum, you should take action now.
The Gold Card could face delays—or may never be implemented.- If you are a high-net-worth individual, prepare your financial documents
You will need:
- Proof of legal source of funds
- Bank records
- Corporate ownership documents
- Global tax compliance records
- Maintain multiple immigration pathways
Whether you are an investor, entrepreneur, or skilled professional, you should keep your options open by documenting achievements and preparing strong case filings.
- Understand tax implications
U.S. permanent residents must report worldwide income.
Complex tax planning may be necessary for wealthy applicants.Conclusion
The proposed Gold Card visa represents a major potential shift in U.S. immigration policy. With the introduction of Form I-140G, a multi-million-dollar financial contribution, and a streamlined process compared to EB-5, this pathway could attract investors seeking a faster route to U.S. residency.
But because the program is not finalized, immigrants should continue pursuing reliable existing options while preparing strategically for potential changes.
For guidance on the Gold Card, EB-2 NIW, EB-1A, O-1, or any U.S. immigration matter, you are welcome to contact New York Immigration Lawyer Alena Shautsova:
📞 917-885-2261
✉️ a.shautsova@shautsova.com
🌐 www.shautsova.com
