US Gold Card Visa 2026: Cost, Process and Status

The US Gold Card visa is a new pathway to American permanent residence created by a 2025 executive order. It requires a substantial financial contribution to the US government in exchange for processing under existing employment based green card categories.

This new programme, officially launched in late 2025, has generated significant interest among global high net worth individuals seeking to relocate. Known colloquially as the 'Trump Gold Card' and accessible through the trumpcard.gov portal it represents a novel approach to investment migration in the United States. This guide provides a detailed factual overview of the US Gold Card visa as of September 2026 covering its costs the application process its current status and how it compares to established routes like the US EB-5 visa and the E-2 Treaty Investor visa. This is one of many options for moving abroad and gaining residency in a new country.

As the programme is very new prospective applicants should be aware that details may change and legal challenges are possible. The information presented here is based on official announcements and reporting since the programme's inception. Sovereign Residence recommends consulting official government sources and qualified independent advisors before making any decisions.

What is the US Gold Card Visa?

The US Gold Card visa is the informal name for a new immigration programme established by a presidential executive order signed on 19 September 2025. The details of the order were subsequently published in the Federal Register on 24 September 2025 formally creating the legal basis for the programme. It is not a distinct visa category in the way that visitor or student visas are. Instead it functions as a new mechanism for qualifying for an existing employment based immigrant visa specifically within the EB-1 and EB-2 green card categories.

The programme's stated goal is to attract high value individuals and corporate investment to the United States by offering a streamlined path to permanent residence in exchange for a significant financial contribution. The entire application and information process is centralised through a dedicated government website trumpcard.gov which began accepting applications on 10 December 2025 according to a Reuters report from that month.

Crucially the programme's foundation in an executive order rather than congressional legislation has important implications. An executive order is a directive from the President that manages operations of the federal government. While it has the force of law it can be modified reversed or cancelled by a subsequent president's executive order. It can also be subject to legal challenges in federal court which can question its constitutionality or whether it oversteps the president's authority. This inherent flexibility and potential for change makes the Gold Card programme fundamentally different and potentially less stable than immigration pathways established by an act of Congress such as the EB-5 programme.

Gold Card Cost: A Contribution not an Investment

The financial requirements for the Gold Card are straightforward and consist of two main parts: a processing fee and a much larger contribution. It is vital to understand that this is a non-refundable contribution to the US government not an 'at-risk' investment from which a return could be expected.

First every applicant must pay a non-refundable processing fee of US$15,000. This fee is paid to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at the time of initial application through the official portal. The non-refundable nature of this fee means it will not be returned even if the application is ultimately denied.

Following successful vetting and preliminary approval applicants must make a qualifying contribution. The required amount depends on the application route:

• Individual Applicant: A contribution of US$1 million.
• Corporate Sponsorship: A contribution of US$2 million for a sponsored employee.

This financial model distinguishes the Gold Card from programmes like the EB-5 visa. The EB-5 programme requires capital to be invested in a new commercial enterprise that creates jobs. The investor's capital is 'at risk' meaning it could be lost if the business fails but it also has the potential for a return and eventual repayment. The Gold Card's contribution on the other hand is a direct payment to the government. There is no expectation of repayment or financial return. It is a fee for a service rather than a commercial investment.

Prospective applicants must carefully consider this distinction. The capital is spent not invested. The return is purely the immigration benefit of a US green card not a financial one.

Gold Card Qualification: The EB-1 and EB-2 Connection

Perhaps the most complex aspect of the Gold Card is its use of existing EB-1 and EB-2 green card categories. The executive order does not create a new 'Gold Card' green card. Instead it creates a new way to be deemed eligible for an EB-1 or EB-2 green card. Understanding these categories is key to understanding the programme.

• EB-1: Employment-Based First Preference. This category is for 'priority workers' and is traditionally very difficult to qualify for. It includes three subcategories: EB-1A for persons of extraordinary ability in the sciences arts education business or athletics; EB-1B for outstanding professors and researchers; and EB-1C for certain multinational managers or executives. Applicants typically need to show extensive evidence of sustained national or international acclaim such as a major internationally recognised award like a Nobel Prize or meet a high threshold of other criteria like publications commanding a high salary or playing a critical role for distinguished organisations.

• EB-2: Employment-Based Second Preference. This category is for professionals holding an advanced degree or its equivalent or for persons with exceptional ability in the sciences arts or business. It often requires a job offer and a labour certification process to show there are no qualified US workers available. An important exception is the National Interest Waiver (NIW) which allows an applicant to bypass the job offer and labour certification if they can prove their work is in the national interest of the United States.

Applicants must still pass Department of Homeland Security vetting and qualify under the existing employment-based categories. How applications are assessed in practice is not yet clear from public information. Official guidance on trumpcard.gov is the primary source for these new evidentiary standards. The implication is that the US government has determined that such a significant financial contribution is itself an act of 'national interest' or evidence of an individual's 'extraordinary' standing sufficient to grant them a place in these elite green card queues.

This interpretation is based on the programme's structure. Applicants should monitor official sources for clarification on how USCIS adjudicators are instructed to weigh the financial contribution against the standard EB-1 and EB-2 requirements.

Status of the Programme in 2026

As of September 2026 the Gold Card programme is still in its infancy. Its launch in December 2025 was met with considerable global attention but the operational reality has been slow to unfold. This is not unusual for a new government programme of this complexity especially one initiated by executive order.

According to an Associated Press report in April 2026 Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed that one Gold Card had been approved so far. This single approval in the first four months of operation suggests a cautious and deliberate vetting process by the Department of Homeland Security. It also indicates that despite the high financial barrier the programme is functional and has produced a successful outcome for at least one applicant.

Further adding to the programme's development a higher 'platinum' tier has been announced by officials. However details regarding the cost benefits and requirements of this platinum level have not been made public or put into effect. For all practical purposes this tier should be considered a proposal for the future not a currently available option.

Given this context prospective applicants in 2026 should view the Gold Card as an emerging and potentially volatile opportunity. The low number of approvals the lack of detail on the platinum tier and the programme's reliance on an executive order all point to a high degree of uncertainty. Legal challenges to the programme's validity or policy changes from the administration could alter its terms or even its existence with little notice.

Want help comparing your options? Get matched with a specialist from one of our partner advisory firms.

US Gold Card vs EB-5 and E-2 Visas Compared

For a high net worth individual considering a move to the United States the Gold Card is a new option alongside the more established EB-5 and E-2 visas. Choosing the right path depends on personal goals financial circumstances nationality and whether the primary objective is temporary residence or a permanent green card. The following table provides a high level comparison. For a more detailed analysis please see our EB-5 vs E-2 visa comparison.

How to apply for the US Gold Card in 2026: Step-by-step

The application process for the Gold Card is managed through its official website. Based on the information released the process follows a clear sequence of steps. As the programme is new applicants must follow the instructions on trumpcard.gov precisely.

1. Assess Eligibility and Prepare Documentation Before starting you must confirm you meet the basic criteria outlined on the official website. This includes having the financial capacity for both the non-refundable fee and the main contribution. You should begin gathering key personal and financial documents that will be needed to prove your identity and the lawful source of your funds for the vetting stage.

2. Submit Initial Application via trumpcard.gov The process begins online. You must create an account on the trumpcard.gov portal and complete the initial application form. This step requires you to pay the US$15,000 non-refundable processing fee to the Department of Homeland Security. This payment is required to get your application into the queue for review.

3. Undergo Department of Homeland Security Vetting Once your initial application and fee are accepted your case will be subjected to a thorough vetting process by DHS. This will include comprehensive background checks on the principal applicant and any accompanying family members. It will also almost certainly involve a detailed review of the source of your funds to ensure they were lawfully obtained. This is a critical stage where many applications for similar global programmes can face delays or rejection.

4. Receive Preliminary Approval If the DHS vetting process is completed successfully you will receive a notification of preliminary approval. This is not the final issuance of a green card but it is the official confirmation that you have passed the security and background checks and are invited to make your financial contribution.

5. Make the Qualifying Contribution Upon receiving preliminary approval you will be instructed on how to make the qualifying contribution of US$1 million for an individual or US$2 million for a corporate sponsorship. This is a direct transfer of funds to the US government. You must ensure you have the liquid capital ready for this transfer to avoid jeopardising your application.

6. Finalise Green Card Adjudication After your contribution is received and confirmed the final step is the formal adjudication of your green card. This will likely involve filing additional forms with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) such as Form I-485 for Adjustment of Status if you are already in the US or pursuing consular processing at a US embassy abroad if you are outside the US. This is the stage where you are formally granted status as a Lawful Permanent Resident under the EB-1 or EB-2 category.

For the wider context, read our full eb-5 visa 2026: investment and green card process.

Tax and Residency Implications

Obtaining a US green card through the Gold Card programme is a life changing event with profound tax and residency consequences. Many new permanent residents are unpleasantly surprised to learn that their new status makes them a US tax resident subject to US tax on their worldwide income regardless of where they live. Understanding these rules is essential.

Under US tax law you become a US tax resident if you meet the 'green card test'. This test is met on the first day you are present in the United States as a Lawful Permanent Resident. From that day forward the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers you a US tax resident and you are generally required to report all your income from all sources inside and outside the United States. This includes salaries business profits dividends interest and capital gains.

Furthermore you will likely have extensive information reporting obligations. This includes filing a Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) for your foreign bank accounts and potentially filing forms related to foreign trusts corporations and other assets under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). Failure to comply can result in severe penalties.

To maintain your green card you must maintain your status as a permanent resident of the United States. A green card is not a travel pass for occasional visits. If a Customs and Border Protection officer believes you have abandoned your US residence by living abroad for too long you could be at risk of losing your green card. Absences of more than one year will automatically create a problem while even absences of more than 180 days can trigger scrutiny. Before becoming a US citizen or resident it is vital to engage in pre-immigration tax planning with qualified professionals to structure your assets and affairs in the most tax efficient manner.

Path to US Citizenship

A green card is the first step towards becoming a US citizen. The Gold Card provides a direct route to a green card and therefore opens a potential pathway to naturalisation. However citizenship is not automatic. It requires a separate application and a distinct set of requirements.

Generally a permanent resident can apply for US citizenship after five years of continuous residence. The clock for these five years starts on the day you become a Lawful Permanent Resident. During this five year period you must demonstrate that you have been physically present in the United States for at least half of that time which is 30 months. You must also show that you have not had any single absence from the US longer than one year and preferably not longer than six months.

In addition to the residence and physical presence requirements you must demonstrate good moral character pass a test on English and US civics (history and government) and take an Oath of Allegiance to the United States. The process involves filing Form N-400 Application for Naturalization with USCIS and attending a biometrics appointment and an interview.

For a Gold Card recipient this means that five years after obtaining their green card and assuming they have met all the residence and other requirements they could become a US citizen with one of the world's most powerful passports.

Ready to take the next step? Get matched with a specialist who can review your circumstances.

Frequently asked questions

Is the US Gold Card the same as the EB-5 visa?

No they are very different. The Gold Card requires a non-refundable contribution of $1 million to the US government. The EB-5 visa requires an at risk investment of at least $800,000 into a commercial enterprise that creates 10 jobs. With EB-5 your capital is invested and has a chance of return whereas the Gold Card's fee is a sunk cost for an immigration benefit.

Can my family apply with me for a Gold Card?

The official announcements have not provided extensive detail on derivative beneficiaries. However because the programme uses the existing EB-1 and EB-2 categories it is highly likely that the standard rules would apply. This typically allows a principal applicant to include their spouse and unmarried children under 21 in their green card application. You must verify this on the official trumpcard.gov website.

Is the $1 million Gold Card contribution an investment?

No it is explicitly a contribution not an investment. The funds are paid directly to the US government and are not returned. This is a critical distinction from investment based visas where capital is put at risk in a business with the potential for profit and eventual repayment. The Gold Card's 'return' is purely the immigration benefit of receiving a US green card.

What is the official website for the Gold Card?

The official government website for all information and applications related to the US Gold Card programme is trumpcard.gov. This portal was launched in December 2025 for applicants to submit their information and pay the required fees. Any other website claiming to be an official portal should be treated with extreme caution. All prospective applicants should rely solely on this official source.

How many Gold Cards have been issued?

As of April 2026 the programme is still very new and appears to be moving cautiously. According to an Associated Press report citing Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick only one Gold Card had been approved at that time. This low number in the first few months suggests a very thorough and potentially slow vetting process is in place for early applicants.

Is the Gold Card programme permanent?

No the programme is not guaranteed to be permanent. It was created by a presidential executive order which means it can be altered or rescinded by a future president more easily than a programme created by an act of Congress. It could also face legal challenges which could impact its future. This makes it a potentially less stable option compared to legislated immigration routes.

What are the EB-1 and EB-2 categories?

They are employment based green card categories for high-skilled individuals. The EB-1 category is for those with extraordinary ability outstanding professors and researchers and multinational executives. The EB-2 category is for professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability. The Gold Card uses a large financial contribution as a novel way to meet the high standards of these elite categories.

Do I need a lawyer to apply for the Gold Card?

While the application is designed to be submitted directly through an online portal the complexity and high stakes make professional advice highly advisable. The programme interacts with complex areas of US immigration law (EB-1/EB-2) and has significant financial and tax implications. Consulting with an experienced immigration lawyer can help you navigate the vetting process and understand the long term consequences of obtaining a green card.

Is the $15,000 fee refundable if I am rejected?

No the US$15,000 processing fee paid to the Department of Homeland Security is explicitly non-refundable. This fee covers the cost of the government's vetting and background checks. An applicant will not get this money back regardless of the outcome of their application so it should be considered a sunk cost from the outset.

What is the Platinum Card?

The Platinum Card is a proposed higher tier of the Gold Card programme that has been mentioned by officials. However as of September 2026 no official details about its cost benefits or application process have been released or put into effect. For now it should be considered an idea for future development not a currently available immigration option.

Sources

• Federal Register (24 September 2025)
• trumpcard.gov
• Reuters (December 2025)
• AP (April 2026)