TL;DR

President Trump signed an executive order establishing the Gold Card Program, which allows individuals who make a $1 million gift to the U.S. (or $2 million via a corporate sponsor) to receive an expedited pathway to lawful permanent residence (a green card). The program replaces some of the EB-1 and EB-2 visa categories for those individuals. Businesses can sponsor employees and use gift contributions under certain conditions.

What Is the Gold Card Program?

• The program was formally created by executive order on September 19, 2025. The White House+2CBS News+2

• To qualify, an applicant must pay a processing fee, undergo vetting from the State Department and DHS, and make a financial gift of $1 million if applying individually. CBS News+2Trump Gold Card+2

• For corporate sponsorship, a business can sponsor an individual employee under the Corporate Gold Card, which requires a $2 million gift per employee upon completion of vetting. Trump Gold Card+2The White House+2

• Approved Gold Card holders are granted lawful permanent resident status (in EB-1 or EB-2 classification) if they meet admissibility requirements and visa availability. Trump Gold Card+2CBS News+2

How the Gold Card Program Applies to Individuals

If you’re considering applying as an individual, here’s how it works:

Advantages for Individuals

• Fast-tracked pathway to a green card (in theory faster than going through standard EB-2 or EB-1 if eligible).

• Less dependency on employer sponsorship or job offers if your financial gift meets the requirement.

• Offers a route for wealthy individuals who can meet the financial thresholds.

Risks / Things to Consider

• Large financial cost, nonrefundable fees, and gift requirement.

• Vetting and admissibility scrutiny will likely be intense.

• Uncertainties around implementation, visa number limits, and possible changes in regulation or legal challenges.

How the Gold Card Program Applies to Businesses

For companies and employers, there’s also a path via the Corporate Gold Card:

Advantages for Businesses

• Can attract or retain high-talent individuals without lengthy sponsorship via standard employment-based green cards.

• Predictability if the employee meets the requirements.

• Potential competitive advantage in recruiting globally.

Risks / Things for Businesses to Consider

• High cost per employee.

• Corporate financial contribution must be handled properly.

• Legal, tax, and immigration compliance risks.

• Could face public or political scrutiny/opposition.

Who Is Eligible / Who Is Not

• Must be admissible (medical, criminal, security, immigration history). Trump Gold Card+1

• Visa must be available; there may be caps or limitations. Trump Gold Card

• Applicants must show evidence their financial gift will substantially benefit the United States. Trump Gold Card+2The White House+2

• Corporate sponsors must meet requirements and pay gift contributions. Trump Gold Card

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

❓ What does “gift” mean in this context?
It’s an unrestricted financial contribution given to the U.S. Department of Commerce (or another designated agency) that demonstrates benefit. It isn’t an investment expecting a return like in EB-5, but rather a donation/gift. The White House+2WR Immigration+2

❓ If I already qualify under EB-1 or EB-2, should I still apply for the Gold Card?
Possibly. If your current EB-1 or EB-2 path is slow due to backlog or job offer issues, the Gold Card might be faster if you can meet the financial gift and vetting requirements. But it’s expensive, so cost-benefit analysis is important.

❓ Can a business reuse gift contributions if sponsoring new employees?
Under the Corporate Gold Card rules, yes — once a gift is used for one sponsored employee, that contribution may be used as a basis for a future employee without needing a new $2 million gift. Trump Gold Card

❓ Are Gold Card holders taxed differently?
No special tax status is promised by default. Gold Card holders are treated like other permanent residents. Usual tax and residency obligations apply. Trump Gold Card

❓ Can the Gold Card be revoked?
Yes. As with any visa or immigration status, eligibility can be revoked for failing admissibility criteria, violating terms, national security issues, or fraud. Trump Gold Card

How Fong Ilagan Can Help

If you’re considering the Gold Card route — whether as an individual looking for permanent residence or a business wanting to sponsor employees — Fong Ilagan can assist you with:

• Understanding whether you meet eligibility criteria.

• Preparing documentation and petitioning correctly.

• Navigating the financial gift and processing fee requirements.

• Anticipating legal risks and compliance issues.

📞 Call our office today or fill out our contact form here on the website to find out if the Gold Card option makes sense for you.
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