One of the most discussed topics for high net worth individuals and global companies aiming for permanent residency (green card) in the USA in 2026 is the Trump Gold Card. Unlike the classic EB-5 program, which follows the logic of “invest, create jobs,” this program offers a new pathway focused on digital applications and promises quick results through a non-refundable financial gift made to the US government. However, this perception of speed and “ease” does not eliminate critical risks behind the process, such as admissibility, proof of source of funds, security screenings, and category compliance (EB-1 / EB-2 NIW).
In this guide, we delve into the known framework of the Trump Gold Card as of 2026, who can apply, the step-by-step process, costs, possible reasons for delays, and especially strategic use cases for companies.
What is the Trump Gold Card, and what does it promise?
The Trump Gold Card is described as a permanent residency pathway framed by Executive Order 14351 and associated with existing immigration categories (primarily EB-1 and EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW)). The distinguishing feature of the program is that it considers the non-refundable “gift” payment to the US government as prima facie (sufficient at first glance) evidence of the application’s eligibility.
As a result of a successful application, the applicant aims to obtain:
- Permanent residency status (rights compatible with a green card),
- Work authorization,
- Process management for dependents such as spouse and children,
- A general pathway to citizenship after 5 years (conditions will be evaluated separately)
.
What need does it address? Key differences compared to EB-5
One of the most well-known pathways for investors wishing to settle in the USA is EB-5; however, the nature of the investment, job creation requirements, and project risks can complicate and prolong the process. On the Trump Gold Card side, the focus is on the non-refundable gift made to the government and its alignment with EB-1/EB-2 standards.
This difference may appear attractive, especially for profiles looking for quick decisions, not wanting to take commercial risks, or not wanting to deal with EB-5 project dynamics. Still, remember: the program is not an “automatic green card for everyone.” Admissibility, proof of source of funds, and security screenings remain decisive.
Who can apply? Eligibility criteria (2026)
The prominent framework for the program includes financial capacity, admissibility according to US immigration law, and alignment of the application with the EB-1 or EB-2 NIW standard. According to research data, there is no direct nationality-based restriction specified for this program; however, multi-layered vetting (security/compliance screening) is applied.
Basic conditions
- High financial capacity: Ability to cover the gift amount and processing fee per person (individual or corporate sponsorship).
- Legality of source of funds: Detailed documentation of sources such as business income, investment gains, inheritance, etc., and AML (anti-money laundering) compliance.
- Clean record: Absence of risks such as criminal record, security issues, sanctions, previous immigration violations.
- Visa bulletin / quota dynamics: Country-based backlogs and delays in some subcategories; may affect planning.
Why is EB-1 / EB-2 NIW alignment important?
While the Trump Gold Card treats the payment as a “strong proof of eligibility,” it is stated that the backbone of the application is related to the logic of EB-1 or EB-2 NIW standards. In practice, this requires:
- Your profile to fit into a rational narrative in the context of “extraordinary ability” (EB-1) or “national interest” (NIW),
- Consistent presentation of resume, career, business plan/positioning, area of impact, and past achievements,
- Smooth passage of immigration compliance and security screenings.
Gift amounts and 2026 cost table
According to the current framework in research data, gift amounts and basic fees are as follows:
Types of Gold Cards and gift amounts
- Individual Gold Card: 1,000,000 USD (individual application)
- Corporate Gold Card: 2,000,000 USD (company sponsoring an employee)
- Platinum Card: 5,000,000 USD (differences in tax approach are noted; it is stated that the full version has not yet been clarified)
Additional fees (non-refundable)
- Processing fee: 15,000 USD per person (DHS/USCIS side; payment method is referred to as credit card/ACH)
- Consulate/immigrant visa fee: Approximately 325 USD (if the applicant completes the process outside the USA)
Important note: Both gift amounts and processing fees are nonrefundable according to research data. Therefore, pre-application eligibility analysis, source of funds documentation plan, family structure, and country/category timing are critically important.
Application process (step by step): 2026 Trump Gold Card
Current information indicates that the process progresses entirely electronically and that the main platform is trumpcard.gov. It is noted that paper applications are not accepted. The total duration is estimated to be 4–12 months; there is a possibility of faster options with premium processing.
1) Pre-registration and initial screening (approximately 2–4 weeks)
- Opening an account on trumpcard.gov and entering basic biographical information,
- Family information and financial summary declaration,
- Payment of the 15,000 USD processing fee per person,
- Initial security screening and first check for fund compliance by DHS.
2) Gift payment + USCIS petition (I-140G) stage
Candidates who pass the initial screening transfer the relevant gift amount (1M/2M/5M) to the Department of Commerce via wire/ACH. Then, an electronic Form I-140G petition is submitted to USCIS.
At this stage, typical evidence includes:
- Proof of gift payment,
- Documentation of source of funds (AML compliance),
- Professional/career documents supporting EB-1 or EB-2 NIW compliance,
- Proof of relationship and identity for dependents (spouse/children).
3) Approval and finalization (approximately 4–8 weeks for I-140G)
After USCIS approval, the “visa number allocation” step is mentioned. There are two main paths thereafter:
- Those proceeding from outside the USA: Consular interview + immigrant visa stamp (approximately 325 USD fee).
- Those proceeding from within the USA: Status adjustment with I-485, biometrics, and interview if necessary.
Once the process is completed, the applicant can access the permanent residency rights associated with Gold Card/green card status and SSN processes.
Which institutions are involved in the process?
- DHS / USCIS: Security screenings, I-140G, processes for status changes within the USA
- Department of Commerce: Receipt and reporting of gift payments
- Department of State: Consular processes and immigrant visa procedures from outside the USA
Required documents: Areas with the most errors
The Trump Gold Card does not proceed with the simplicity of “I paid the gift, it’s done.” Especially source of funds and past eligibility determine the fate of the application. When preparing for 2026, the following document set should be structured in a “audit-ready” manner:
Identity and family
- Passport(s)
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Birth/custody documents for children
Financial documents (Source of Funds)
- Bank statements
- Tax returns and proof of income
- Company partnership structure, profit distribution records, sales contracts
- Investment portfolio reports
- If applicable, transaction documents and exchange records for cryptocurrency assets
- Legal inheritance documents for sources like inheritance/gift
History and eligibility
- Criminal record/police records
- Sanctions and security declarations
- Health examination (at the necessary stage)
- US entry-exit history: I-94 and previous visa/denial records (for those who have been in the USA)
If corporate sponsorship is used
- Company documents, income statements, proof of activities
- EIN and corporate identity information
- Sponsorship justification: role definition, needs analysis, global mobility plan
Platinum Card and tax dimension: What do we know, what do we not know?
Research data mentions a gift amount of 5,000,000 USD for the Platinum Card and a tax claim that no tax will be applied on foreign income if staying in the USA for up to 270 days per year. However, the same sources emphasize that this product has not yet been fully published and that there are “waitlist / unclear procedures.”
Therefore, when evaluating the Platinum side in 2026 planning:
- Do not assume “tax advantage is certain” until the program’s official texts and application guidelines are clarified,
- Address issues such as US tax residency (like substantial presence) and global income taxation separately,
- Manage risks with written scenarios due to the non-refundable nature of payments
is necessary.
Delay and denial risks: What to watch for in 2026
Although the program seems fast, the following issues can extend the duration and put the outcome at risk:
- Country/category backlogs: Especially demand intensity in the EB-2 line and Visa Bulletin dynamics may affect timing.
- Weak “traces” of source of funds: If the origin of the money, which accounts it passed through, tax compliance, and contract/book records are not clear, the file will be prolonged.
- Security screenings: A work/life history spread across many countries, similar name matches, and contacts with sanction risks may lead to extra scrutiny.
- Mismanagement of expectations: The approach of “gift = automatic approval” overlooks the realities of EB-1/EB-2 compliance and admissibility.
Strategic use for companies: When does the Corporate Gold Card make sense?
The Corporate Gold Card, with a gift amount of 2,000,000 USD, positions itself as an alternative for companies planning to place key personnel in the USA for the long term. The critical question here is: Why and for what role should this person be in the USA?
For companies aiming for global growth, the main scenarios include:
- Transfer of senior executives/technology leaders who will open new markets in the USA
- Long-term operational leadership for a subsidiary/branch to be established in the USA
- Transfer of critical functions such as regulation, sales, product launch to the USA
At this point, Corpenza’s expertise comes into play: aligning the immigration plan with the company’s operational reality from the perspective of company formation, international accounting & payroll/EOR, global mobility, and tax optimization in models like “posted worker.” Especially in corporate sponsorship, not only the application file but also the layers of payroll, salary structure, social security, and compliance should be designed from the outset.
How to follow from official sources?
Since program details may evolve in practice, check for updates only through official channels. Especially these two sources serve as fundamental references:
- Program portal: trumpcard.gov
- Presidential action announcement: White House – The Gold Card
Conclusion: The right strategy for 2026 is not “speed” but file integrity
The Trump Gold Card stands out as a new immigration pathway that progresses with less “operational risk” for high-budget applicants, thanks to its digital application backbone that carries speed potential. However, titles such as non-refundable fee structure, proof of source of funds, security screenings, and EB-1/EB-2 compliance necessitate a professional file architecture.
Corpenza offers a holistic framework for documenting asset and income structures in individuals and for addressing the company’s expansion plan in the USA in conjunction with company formation, payroll/EOR, and accounting compliance. Thus, the application is managed not just as an “immigration process” but as a part of the global operational plan.
Disclaimer
This content is for general informational purposes; it does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Immigration programs and application details may change over time. We recommend confirming current conditions from official sources before applying and seeking support from qualified professionals for situation-specific analysis.
