The Trump administration has introduced the Trump Gold Card, an initiative offering qualifying foreign nationals a potential route to U.S. permanent residency through a substantial financial gift to the government. Before committing funds, prospective applicants should compare this option with established business and employment-based immigration pathways.

Foreign entrepreneurs and investors may have other ways to establish a U.S. business, obtain work authorization, and pursue a Green Card. These include E-2 Treaty Investor visas, H-1B petitions for qualifying entrepreneurs and professionals, and the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. E-2 and H-1B visas are temporary classifications; permanent residency requires a separate qualifying process.

What Is the Trump Gold Card Program

President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14351 on September 19, 2025. The order directs the government to consider qualifying gifts as evidence supporting eligibility under existing employment-based immigrant classifications, including EB-1 extraordinary ability and EB-2 exceptional ability and national interest waiver provisions.

The initiative does not create a new immigrant visa category enacted by Congress. Applicants must still satisfy applicable immigration requirements, including admissibility, background screening, and immigrant visa availability.

How Much Does the Trump Gold Card Cost

According to the official Gold Card program guidance, the advertised contributions and initial processing fees are:

• Individual applicant: a $1 million gift and a $15,000 nonrefundable DHS processing fee.
• Corporate-sponsored employee: a $2 million gift and a $15,000 processing fee per employee.
• Each accompanying qualifying spouse or unmarried child under 21: an additional $1 million gift and $15,000 processing fee.

A family of four using the individual program would therefore face approximately $4,060,000 in gifts and initial processing fees, excluding other expenses. Corporate sponsors should also review the published maintenance and transfer fees.

The contribution is a gift, not an investment in a business. It provides no equity interest or contractual investment return. Applicants should obtain advice about financial and tax consequences before proceeding.

How Do You Apply for the Trump Gold Card

Applications begin through the Trump Gold Card application website. The published process includes paying the initial fee, following USCIS instructions to submit Form I-140G and supporting documents, completing vetting, and making the gift when instructed.

Petition approval is distinct from obtaining permanent residency. Applicants must complete applicable consular processing or adjustment of status procedures and satisfy the requirements for that process.

Does the Gold Card Guarantee Permanent Residency

No. The executive order expressly conditions implementation on applicable law. A financial contribution does not eliminate eligibility requirements, security screening, grounds of inadmissibility, or statutory visa limits.

Because the initiative uses existing employment-based classifications, applicants should review the Department of State Visa Bulletin and the rules governing visa availability. Expedited petition processing does not necessarily mean immediate issuance of a Green Card. Legal and administrative developments may affect the program, so applicants should confirm current requirements before making significant commitments.

Alternatives for US Business Investment and Permanent Residency

Foreign nationals interested in investing in the United States or establishing an American business do not necessarily need to pursue the Gold Card. The appropriate strategy depends on nationality, qualifications, business plans, financial resources, and long-term immigration goals.

E-2 Treaty Investor Visa

The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa allows eligible nationals of qualifying treaty countries to develop and direct a business in which they have invested, or are actively investing, substantial capital.

There is no fixed statutory minimum investment. The amount must be substantial in relation to the business, and funds must be committed and at risk. The enterprise must be real and operating rather than a passive investment, and must satisfy the nonmarginality requirement.

E-2 may be appropriate for starting a company or purchasing an existing business. Status may be extended while eligibility continues, and qualifying spouses and unmarried children under 21 may accompany the investor. Eligible spouses in E-2S status are authorized to work incident to status.

E-2 does not automatically convert into a Green Card. An investor may qualify for a separate immigrant category, but planning must account for E-2 requirements, including the intent to depart when E-2 status ends.

As an immigration attorney, I assist eligible investors with E-2 applications, immigration planning for U.S. business ownership, and evaluating potential future permanent residency options.

H-1B Visas for Entrepreneurs and Business Owners

The H-1B specialty occupation classification may be available to certain founders and business owners through a qualifying U.S. company in which they hold an ownership interest. Ownership alone does not establish eligibility.

The company must offer qualifying specialty occupation employment, and the beneficiary must meet the applicable education or equivalent qualification requirements. Wage obligations, a certified Labor Condition Application, employer compliance, and applicable cap requirements remain relevant.

Under the H-1B modernization rule, beneficiary-owners with a controlling interest must spend a majority of their time performing specialty occupation duties. Their initial petition and first extension are generally limited to 18 months each. Applicable filing costs, entry restrictions, and current policies also require individual review.

H-1B is an employment visa rather than an investment visa. It does not itself confer permanent residency, although qualifying professionals may pursue a separate employment-based Green Card process. Family members may qualify for H-4 status; a spouse’s ability to work depends on separate eligibility requirements.

I assist businesses, professionals, and qualifying entrepreneurs with H-1B petitions and long-term employment-based immigration strategies.

EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program provides a statutory investment-based route to permanent residency. The current statutory thresholds generally require:

• $800,000 for a qualifying targeted employment area or infrastructure project.
• $1,050,000 for other qualifying investments.

The investment must satisfy applicable requirements, including the creation of at least 10 qualifying full-time jobs. The EB-5 investment requirements provide for inflation adjustments beginning January 1, 2027, so applicants should verify the amount applicable to their filing date.

EB-5 capital is invested in a commercial enterprise and must remain at risk; repayment is not guaranteed. Qualifying spouses and unmarried children under 21 may generally obtain derivative residence without each making a separate qualifying investment. Successful applicants initially receive conditional permanent residency and must later meet the requirements to remove conditions.

Other Employment Based Green Card Options

Entrepreneurs and professionals may also qualify based on their accomplishments, education, experience, or proposed work. Potential options include:

• EB-1A extraordinary ability for individuals who meet the applicable sustained acclaim and evidentiary requirements.
• EB-2 National Interest Waiver for eligible advanced degree professionals or individuals of exceptional ability whose proposed endeavors satisfy the waiver criteria.
• EB-1C multinational managers and executives for qualifying individuals and multinational organizations.

These options require more than business ownership or an intention to invest. Each category has specific legal and evidentiary requirements.

Which Immigration Option Is Right for You

The most appropriate strategy depends on your nationality, resources, professional background, family circumstances, business objectives, and immigration history. Some applicants may consider the Gold Card; others may find an established category better suited to their goals.

A successful strategy may involve temporary status first and a separate permanent residency petition later. Early legal planning can help identify the appropriate sequence and avoid commitments that do not support the intended immigration benefit.

How an Immigration Attorney Can Help

As an immigration attorney, I help foreign nationals evaluate immigration options for investing in the United States, establishing or purchasing businesses, obtaining appropriate work authorization, and pursuing lawful permanent residency.

My practice includes E-2 Treaty Investor visas, H-1B petitions for qualifying entrepreneurs and professionals, EB-1 extraordinary ability petitions, EB-2 National Interest Waivers, and other applicable immigration classifications. I assess immigration eligibility and legal strategy in light of your business plans and long-term goals.

Before committing $1 million or more to the Gold Card, consider whether an established immigration pathway may better serve your needs.

This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Eligibility depends on individual circumstances and applicable law. Requirements, fees, procedures, and investment thresholds may change.

Should you have any questions or if you would like to schedule a consultation, please contact me by submitting the form or by calling me at (248) 900-3399.  I accept clients from across the U.S. and around the world.  My law office is conveniently located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan for in-person meetings.  For phone consultation, you can reach me from any part of the United States or abroad.