On September 19, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order creating the “Gold Card” program which is a new immigration pathway that ties permanent residency eligibility to significant financial contributions. The initiative represents a major shift in U.S. immigration policy, reframing immigration benefits as a means to attract wealth and investment.
Key Features of the Gold Card Program
Financial Gift Requirement:
- $1 million unrestricted gift by an individual; or
- $2 million gift by a corporation on behalf of an employee.
Immigrant Visa Eligibility – Contributions will be treated as evidence of:
- Extraordinary ability (EB-1),
- Exceptional ability and national benefit (EB-2), and
- National interest waiver eligibility.
Administration of the Program: The Program will be overseen by the Department of Commerce in coordination with Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State.
Expedited Processing: Applicants will receive priority adjudication and visa issuance.
What is the Corporate Gold Card?
- Allows corporations to sponsor employees with a $2 million gift.
- Corporate sponsors may later transfer sponsorship to another employee without providing a new gift.
- Subject to annual maintenance and transfer fees.
What is the Trump Platinum Card (Not Yet Active)?
It is a planned companion program offering up to 270 days of U.S. residence per year without U.S. taxation on foreign income, in exchange for a $5 million contribution. This program is currently limited to a waitlist.
Practical Implications for Employers and Individuals
This program creates a fast-track route to U.S. residency for wealthy individuals and corporate-sponsored employees. Unlike EB-5, the Gold Card does not require job creation or business investment; there is only an unrestricted financial gift.
Compliance, vetting, and national security checks remain in place, and visa numbers remain subject to statutory limits.
The policy is controversial and expected to face legal challenges around statutory authority and equal access.
What are the Next Steps?
Department of Homeland Security, Department of State and Department of Commerce must implement the program within 90 days of the Executive Order, including application procedures, fees, and processing timelines.
Employers interested in leveraging the Corporate Gold Card should monitor forthcoming regulations and guidance.
Individuals considering this pathway should weigh immigration benefits against significant financial commitments.
WR Immigration Guidance
We are closely tracking the rollout of the Trump Gold Card and Platinum Card programs. As implementation details become available, we will provide updates and guidance for employers and individuals exploring these options.
WR Commentary
Presently some foreign nationals in the U.S. in lawful status on H-1B or F-1s can apply to adjust status based on an investment of $800,000 in a rural, high unemployment or infrastructure project under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act.
It would appear that given the choice between donating $1-2 million in order to get in line in line for the backlogged EB-2 category, or the EB-1 category (which is also backlogged for Indian and Chinese applicants) the EB-5 RIA option is clearly more favorable, although we anticipate that the window to concurrently file and obtain a five year work and travel permit, will close soon. For those who can afford this type of investment, act immediately.
For more information or to discuss how this program may impact your organization’s immigration strategy, please contact your WR Immigration attorney.
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