Key Takeaways
- Purpose: Expedited path to U.S. Lawful Permanent Residency (Green Card).
- Primary Cost: $15,000 DHS processing fee + $1 million contribution (Individual).
- Legal Basis: EB-1 or EB-2 visa classification based on “substantial benefit” to the U.S.
- Timeline: Adjudication is expedited; total process estimated to take weeks.
What is the Trump Gold Card Program?
The Trump Gold Card is designed for individuals seeking U.S. residency on an expedited basis. Unlike traditional immigration routes that may take years, this program prioritizes adjudication once the applicant has passed a background check and made the required contribution.
Legal Classification and Status
According to the program guidelines, successful applicants receive Lawful Permanent Resident status as either an EB-1 or EB-2 visa holder, subject to availability. This status allows you to live and work throughout all 50 states and territories.
Important Notes
Before proceeding, applicants must consider the following regulatory requirements and potential timeline variables.
- Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be admissible to the United States and eligible for lawful permanent resident status.
- Visa Availability: While the goal is expedited processing, a small number of countries may face wait times of a year or more based on visa availability.
Tax Implications
It is critical to understand the tax obligations. As with all U.S. citizens and permanent residents, Trump Gold Card holders are subject to U.S. tax on worldwide income, including non-U.S. income.
Program Options and Fee Structure
The program offers distinct pathways for individuals, corporations, and future tax-advantaged status.
Comparison of Card Tiers
| Feature | Individual Gold Card | Corporate Gold Card | Platinum Card (Waitlist) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Benefit | Expedited U.S. Residency (Green Card) | Residency for Employees (Transferable) | 270 Days/Year U.S. Access (No Non-U.S. Tax) |
| DHS Processing Fee | $15,000 (Nonrefundable) | $15,000 per employee | $15,000 |
| Required Contribution | $1 million | $2 million per employee | $5 million |
| Transferability | N/A | Yes (5% transfer fee) | N/A |
| Annual Fees | N/A | 1% Maintenance Fee | N/A |
The Corporate Gold Card
This option allows a corporate sponsor to secure residency for employees. A key advantage is transferability:
- If an employee leaves, the corporation can transfer the benefit to a new candidate.
- Transfer Cost: A 5% transfer fee applies (includes a new DHS background check).
- Savings: The sponsor does not need to pay a new $2 million gift contribution when swapping employees.
The Trump Platinum Card (Coming Soon)
Currently in a “Waitlist” phase, this card is designed for those seeking access without full tax residency.
- Benefit: Reside in the U.S. for up to 270 days per year.
- Tax Status: Holders are not subject to U.S. taxes on non-U.S. income.
- Eligibility Restriction: Individuals who have ever been subject to U.S. tax on non-U.S. income (e.g., U.S. citizens and current resident aliens) are not eligible.
Step-by-Step Application Workflow
1- Submission and Processing Fee
Your process begins by submitting an online application via the official website and paying the nonrefundable $15,000 DHS processing fee.
- Payment Methods: Credit Card (U.S. and international) or ACH debit (U.S. bank accounts only).
2- Vetting and Background Check
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) facilitates an in-depth background check. You must look for instructions from USCIS via email to create a myUSCIS.gov account, where you will track status and upload documents.
3- The “Substantial Benefit” Contribution
Upon successful vetting, you will receive an email instruction to submit your gift payment ($1 million for individuals; $2 million for corporate).
- Payment Methods: Swift Wire Transfer or ACH debit.
- This payment serves as evidence that you will substantially benefit the United States.
4- Visa Adjudication & Interview
Once the contribution is received, petition approval and visa adjudication proceed on an expedited basis. You must attend a visa interview and pay any separate visa-related fees or medical examination costs required by the U.S. Department of State.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can family members join the main applicant?
A: Yes. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can be included. Requirements: They must be part of the initial application. Cost: Each family member is subject to an additional $15,000 DHS processing fee and a $1 million gift.
Q: Can the status be revoked?
A: Yes. Because the Trump Gold Card is a visa, it can be revoked based on national security risks or significant criminal risks.
Q: How long does the process take?
A: Once the application and fees are received, the process is designed to take weeks, assuming the applicant submits all documents and attends the visa interview in a timely manner.
Q: Where can I get support?
A: For specific inquiries regarding the Gold or Platinum programs, applicants should contact goldcard@doc.gov.
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At Onal Gallant, we guide clients through their legal matters in the United States. Our team focuses on immigration, corporate law, U.S. investments, intellectual property law, and real estate, offering fluent services in English, Turkish, Arabic, Spanish, and Russian.