Trump’s Gold Card Visa USA: A New Fast-Track to a U.S. Green Card

On September 19, 2025, President Trump introduced a major immigration reform through Executive Order 14351, creating the Gold Card Visa Program. This program is being described as a fast-track U.S. green card option for high-net-worth individuals, investors, and corporations who want to secure permanent residency in the United States while making a direct financial contribution to the country.

The Gold Card program is one of the most significant shifts in U.S. immigration policy in recent years, signaling a move toward wealth-based immigration opportunities. For prospective immigrants, this new pathway offers speed and predictability but requires a substantial financial commitment.

What Is the Gold Card Visa?

The Gold Card visa USA is a new immigration program overseen by the U.S. Department of Commerce, in partnership with the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security. Unlike traditional visa programs, the Gold Card is built around a financial gift to the United States government.

Individuals must donate $1 million to the Department of Commerce. Corporations or similar entities must donate $2 million if sponsoring an individual.

These funds are placed in a separate U.S. Treasury account and earmarked to promote American commerce and industry. The Gold Card is designed to appeal to wealthy individuals and businesses that want a direct, expedited path to U.S. permanent residency without going through slower and more uncertain immigration processes.

How the Gold Card Leads to a U.S. Green Card

The financial gift serves as strong evidence of eligibility under existing U.S. immigration laws. Specifically, Gold Card applicants may qualify for several employment-based immigrant visa categories:

EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability Green Card): For individuals who demonstrate exceptional achievements in business, science, or the arts.

EB-2 (Advanced Degree or Exceptional Ability): For highly skilled professionals who can benefit the U.S. economy.

National Interest Waiver (NIW): Allows applicants to skip the labor certification process if their contributions are deemed in the national interest.

By making the required financial gift, applicants can be fast-tracked for consideration under these categories, with the expectation of faster visa issuance and adjustment of status compared to traditional immigration pathways.

Corporate Sponsorship and Transferability

One of the most unique features of the Gold Card visa program is corporate sponsorship. A corporation can make the $2 million gift to the Department of Commerce on behalf of an executive, investor, or other professional.

If that individual leaves the company or abandons their Gold Card status, the corporation can transfer the benefit of its financial gift to another individual, subject to security and eligibility checks. This flexibility makes the program particularly attractive to multinational businesses that need to relocate talent or reward executives with permanent residency opportunities.

Comparison to the EB-5 Investor Visa

Many clients are already familiar with the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which has been the traditional route for wealthy foreign nationals seeking a U.S. green card through investment. However, the Gold Card program differs in key ways.

Investment vs. Gift: The EB-5 requires a minimum investment of $800,000 to $1,050,000 into a U.S. commercial enterprise, with job-creation requirements. The Gold Card requires a gift (not an investment) of $1 million or $2 million, with no job creation obligations.

Processing Time: EB-5 applications are notoriously slow, often taking years. The Gold Card program promises expedited processing within a framework designed by the Departments of Commerce, State, and Homeland Security.

Flexibility: The EB-5 ties applicants to a specific investment project, while the Gold Card is a pure financial contribution with fewer long-term conditions.

For high-net-worth individuals who prioritize speed and certainty over investment returns, the Gold Card may be a more attractive option than EB-5.

Who Should Consider the Gold Card Visa?

The Gold Card visa USA is not for everyone. It is clearly targeted at wealthy individuals and families who want a fast-track green card option, entrepreneurs and business leaders who want U.S. residency without being tied to long EB-5 project requirements, multinational corporations looking to bring executives, investors, or specialists into the U.S. quickly, and foreign nationals seeking stability and security in the United States for their families, with a predictable approval process.

Potential Benefits of the Gold Card

The Gold Card offers several advantages. It promises faster adjudication compared to traditional green card programs. It provides certainty, since the financial contribution itself is treated as strong evidence of benefit to the U.S. It offers flexibility for corporations, which can sponsor executives and transfer sponsorship if needed. Finally, it carries a sense of prestige, being marketed as a premium pathway to U.S. residency for global elites.

Concerns and Criticisms

While the Gold Card opens new opportunities, it also raises important questions. Accessibility is limited, since only the wealthy can realistically access this program. Fairness may be an issue, as critics argue it prioritizes money over merit or humanitarian needs. There is also uncertainty in implementation, since the program is brand new and the exact procedures, fees, and timelines are still being developed. Clients should weigh these factors carefully before pursuing this option.

Next Steps for Interested Applicants

If you are considering the Gold Card visa program, here are practical steps to take now. Stay informed, as the Department of Commerce will finalize the application process within 90 days of the executive order. Consult an immigration lawyer, who can help you compare the Gold Card to other visa options such as EB-5, EB-1, or NIW. Prepare financial documentation to demonstrate your ability to make the required gift and meet background and security checks. Finally, consider your long-term goals and whether permanent residency through the Gold Card aligns with your family and business plans in the U.S.

Final Thoughts

The Gold Card visa USA is one of the most groundbreaking immigration options of 2025. For those who can afford it, it offers a fast-track U.S. green card pathway without the usual complications of investment projects or labor certifications. It is likely to attract global entrepreneurs, investors, and corporations who want speed, certainty, and flexibility in securing U.S. permanent residency.

Because this is a new program, the rules and processes are still being developed. Professional guidance will be essential to navigate the details and ensure compliance with U.S. immigration laws.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this blog does not create an attorney-client relationship. Immigration laws and policies change frequently, and individual circumstances vary. Call Thomas M. Lee for a free phone consultation. (213) 251-5533