Status as of October 26, 2026. The Trump Gold Card is an administration-operated immigration program established by Executive Order 14351 of September 19, 2025. It is designed to expedite immigration through existing EB-1 or EB-2 classifications. It is not automatic permanent residence or citizenship purchased with money. The statutory requirements, visa availability and admissibility rules still matter.
How much does a Gold Card cost?
The official government website lists a nonrefundable $15,000 DHS processing fee and, following background approval, a $1 million gift by an individual applicant. Under the corporate version, a sponsor pays a $15,000 processing fee and a $2 million gift per employee. Additional State Department and medical costs may apply. The site also lists a 1% annual corporate maintenance fee and a 5% employee-transfer fee. Spouses and unmarried children younger than 21 can be included, but the published program terms require an additional $15,000 fee and $1 million gift for each accompanying family member.
How to apply
Review eligibility and current instructions on the official government website.
Submit an individual or corporate application and pay the stated nonrefundable DHS processing fee.
Complete government screening and provide any requested evidence or records.
After vetting, follow the officially supplied payment instructions for the gift; do not assume payment alone establishes eligibility.
Complete all applicable immigrant-visa or adjustment-of-status steps; a visa number must be available.
Is Gold Card a separate green card category?
No independent immigration category was created by Congress for Gold Card. The executive order instructs DHS and the State Department to treat a qualifying gift as evidence relevant to EB-1 extraordinary ability, EB-2 exceptional ability and EB-2 national-interest waiver provisions, to the extent consistent with law. It explicitly respects statutory visa-number limits. A gift does not automatically waive grounds of inadmissibility or erase backlogs.
How is Gold Card different from EB-5?
Gold Card asks for an unrestricted government gift; EB-5 is a statutory immigrant-investor classification requiring a qualifying investment and job creation. The executive order calls for consideration of a future EB-5-related application, but it does not replace the EB-5 legal requirements.
Is the program legally contested?
Yes. Plaintiffs including the American Association of University Professors filed AAUP v. DHS, No. 1:26-cv-00300 (D.D.C.), in February 2026. They challenge the legality of using financial contributions as evidence for employment-based visa eligibility. The case remains ongoing in the last checked case summary. Filing a lawsuit does not by itself halt the program, but the legal challenge creates uncertainty.
Can applicants buy the Platinum Card now?
No. The government website labels the proposed $5 million Platinum Card as Coming Soon. Its claimed potential tax advantages must not be treated as currently effective tax law or a presently available visa status.
Questions before paying
Does paying guarantee a visa? No. Is the $15,000 refundable? No, under the listed terms. Does a Gold Card immediately grant citizenship? No. Are family members automatically covered by one gift? No, check the separate per-person charges. For tax exposure, corporate sponsorship and visa eligibility, seek qualified professional advice before making any substantial transfer.