New Way to Get a U.S. Green Card
The United States has introduced a new pathway to permanent residence known as the Gold Card Green Card. This option is designed for individuals with exceptional skills, notable achievements, or strong professional backgrounds who can also make a meaningful financial contribution to the U.S. economy.
If you are looking for a way to live and work in the United States permanently, the Gold Card Program may be an option for you. To apply, you must file a specific government form called Form I-140G.
This guide explains what the Gold Card Program is, how much it costs, and how the application process works—in plain, easy-to-understand language.
What Is Form I-140G?
The Gold Card is a special “fast-track” Green Card. Usually, getting a Green Card can take many years. This program is designed to move faster for people who have great talent and are willing to make a financial gift to the United States government.
Form I-140G is a petition filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to request eligibility for the Gold Card Green Card.
It is different from the regular Form I-140 because:
- It is only for Gold Card applicants
- It allows self-petitioning (you can apply for yourself)
- It requires a financial gift to the U.S. government
- It is designed for high-achieving professionals and individuals
Once Form I-140G is approved, the applicant can move forward with the green card process through consular processing.
Who Can Apply? (The Two Paths)
To be eligible, you can’t just have money; you also need to show that you are very good at what you do. You must fit into one of these two groups:
Individual Applicants (Self-Petitioners)
- The Expert Path (EB-1A): For people at the very top of their field, like famous artists, top scientists, or successful business leaders.
- The Professional Path (EB-2 NIW): For people with advanced degrees or special skills whose work will help the United States (like doctors, researchers, or innovators).
No employer is required in these cases.
Employer or Corporate Gold Card Sponsors
A U.S. company may file Form I-140G on behalf of an employee who qualifies under:
- EB-1A, or
- EB-2 NIW
The employer must also meet financial requirements.
Gold Card Eligibility & Cost Requirements
To qualify for the Gold Card through Form I-140G, applicants must meet both ability-based and financial requirements.
Ability-Based Eligibility
Applicants must qualify under one of the following:
Extraordinary Ability (EB-1A)
This category is for people who are at the top of their field, such as:
- Scientists
- Researchers
- Business leaders
- Artists
- Athletes
- Entrepreneurs
You must show strong proof of national or international recognition.
Exceptional Ability with National Interest Waiver (EB-2 NIW)
This category is for professionals whose work:
- Has great value to the United States
- Benefits the country in an important way
- Does not require a job offer
Financial Gift Requirement
The Gold Card is expensive because it is a “fast-track” program. The Gold Card program requires a mandatory financial gift to the U.S. government.
| Applicant Type | Required Gift |
|---|---|
| Individual applicant | $1,000,000 |
| Corporate sponsor | $2,000,000 |
| Each dependent | $1,000,000 |
Important notes:
- This is not an investment
- The money is non-refundable
- Funds must come from a legal source
- Proof of lawful funds is required
Proof of Lawful Funds
Applicants must show where the money comes from, such as:
- Salary or business income
- Sale of property
- Investments
- Inheritance
- Savings
All documents must be clear, legal, and well-explained.
The Filing Fee
On top of the gift, you must pay a $15,000 DHS processing fee for every person in your application.
Supporting Documents Checklist
When filing Form I-140G, you may need to submit:
- Passport copy
- Resume or CV
- Education certificates
- Work experience letters
- Awards or recognitions
- Proof of extraordinary or exceptional ability
- Financial records showing lawful funds
- Translations (if documents are not in English)
Missing or unclear documents can delay your case.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing Form I-140G
The government has a very specific order you must follow:
- Register Online: You must go to TrumpCard.gov first. You cannot just send a form in the mail.
- Wait for an Invitation: The government will check your background. If they like your application, they will send you an email invitation.
- Create an Account: You will make a “MyUSCIS” account online.
- Fill Out Form I-140G: This is where you list your 20-year work history and show proof of your skills and your money. Check the complete instructions for Form I-140G.
- Digital Filing: You upload everything online. Do not mail paper forms! They will be rejected.
- Fingerprints (Biometrics): You will be asked to go to an office to have your photo and fingerprints taken.
- The Interview: You will talk to an officer to confirm your details.
- Get Your Visa: Once approved, you receive your visa to enter the U.S. as a Permanent Resident (Green Card holder).
What Happens After Filing?
After you file Form I-140G:
- USCIS sends a receipt notice
- Your case is reviewed for completeness
- USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) if more information is needed
- Background checks are conducted
- A decision is made
You can track your case online using your USCIS account.
Gold Card Processing Time
After the application and processing fee are submitted, USCIS typically completes the review within a few weeks.
Processing time can vary depending on:
- Case complexity
- Evidence quality
- Requests for additional documents
Delays are possible if documents are missing or unclear.
Address Change: If the petitioner is not a U.S. citizen, they must inform USCIS of any change in address within 10 days of moving. To report a new address, visit uscis.gov/addresschange or contact the USCIS Contact Center for assistance.
Penalties: If you intentionally provide false information, hide important facts, or submit fake documents with Form I-140G, USCIS will deny your application and may also deny other immigration benefits. You may also face serious legal penalties, including possible criminal charges.
Consular Processing for the Gold Card
After Form I-140G approval, applicants must complete consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside the United States.
Key Points
- Adjustment of status inside the U.S. is generally not available
- Applicants attend an immigrant visa interview abroad
- Medical exams and background checks are required
Once approved, the applicant enters the U.S. as a permanent resident.
Visa Availability and Priority Dates
Gold Card applicants still depend on:
- EB-1 or EB-2 visa availability
- Country-specific limits
- Visa Bulletin updates
Even with I-140G approval, visa availability may affect timing.
Important Things to Remember
- Be Honest: The government looks back 20 years at your job history. Make sure every date and title is correct.
- Tell the Truth About Money: You will need to show tax returns and bank statements from at least the last 7 years.
- Family is Included: Your spouse and children can get Green Cards too, as long as the fees and “gifts” are paid for them.
- Online Only: This whole program is digital. If someone asks you to mail a paper Form I-140G, it is likely a scam or a mistake.
FAQs: The U.S. Gold Card Program
1. What is the Trump Corporate Gold Card?
This is a special track for companies. For a $2 million gift, a company can sponsor an employee for residency. If that employee leaves, the company may “transfer” the benefit to a new employee for a 5% transfer fee, provided the new employee passes the same background checks.
2. Can Trump Gold Card status be revoked?
Yes. Like any U.S. immigration benefit, Gold Card status can be revoked if the holder does not follow the rules or if the person provided false information. Always be honest and accurate in your application.
3. How long does the “vetting” take?
The administration has stated that once the processing fee and application are received, the initial vetting “should take weeks.” However, total time to residency depends on your specific category and the current Visa Bulletin for your country of birth.
4. Does the Gold Card lead to U.S. Citizenship?
Yes. Gold Card holders receive Lawful Permanent Resident status. After five years of holding this status (and meeting physical presence requirements), you are eligible to apply for U.S. Naturalization to become a citizen.
5. What is the difference between the Gold Card and the EB-5 Investor Visa?
1. EB-5: Requires an $800k–$1.05M investment in a U.S. business that creates 10 jobs. The money may eventually be returned to the investor.
2. Gold Card: Requires a direct gift to the government with no job-creation requirement. It is a “payment for residency” model rather than a business investment model.
6. Is the $1 million gift refundable if I am denied?
The $15,000 processing fee is strictly non-refundable. The $1 million (or $2 million) gift is typically requested only after initial background approval has been granted. Once paid, these contributions are generally considered unrestricted gifts to the U.S. Treasury.
7. Can my family join me on a Gold Card?
Yes. Spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 are eligible as “derivatives.” However, each family member must pay their own $15,000 processing fee and the $1 million gift requirement to receive their own Gold Card.
8. What is the Trump Platinum Card?
The Platinum Card is the “Ultra-Premium” tier of the Gold Card program. While the standard Gold Card provides expedited U.S. residency, the Platinum Card is specifically designed for high-net-worth global citizens who want to live in the U.S. while protecting their international income from U.S. taxes.
Conclusion
Form I-140G provides a new opportunity for qualified individuals to apply for a Gold Card Green Card. While the process offers flexibility and self-petitioning options, it also comes with strict eligibility rules and high financial requirements.
Careful preparation, clear documentation, and understanding each step can help avoid delays and improve your chances of success.
