Introduction to the Trump Gold Card
On February 25, 2025, President Trump introduced the Gold Card visa, a $5 million pathway to U.S. residency and citizenship, designed to replace the EB-5 immigrant investor program. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has endorsed this initiative, targeting a launch date of March 11, 2025, with vetting overseen by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Commerce (Reuters, Feb 26, 2025; TIME, Feb 25, 2025). Unlike the EB-5, which requires a $800,000-$1.05 million investment and job creation, the Gold Card mandates a direct $5 million contribution to the U.S. Treasury, free of employment stipulations.
As of March 10, 2025, no enabling legislation has been enacted. Immigration authority resides with Congress under Article I, Section 8, Clause 4 of the U.S. Constitution, and Trump’s reliance on INA Section 212(f) (8 U.S.C. § 1182(f)) remains legally untested without statutory support (NatLawReview, Mar 2, 2025). Golden Gateway Capital is vigilantly monitoring developments with USCIS and Congress to ensure immediate action upon program implementation.
Eligibility Criteria
The Gold Card visa targets high-net-worth individuals prepared to contribute $5 million to the United States. This substantial commitment, described as an economic donation rather than a traditional investment, distinguishes it as one of the most exclusive investor visa programs globally. Eligibility requirements include:
- Minimum Contribution: A $5 million payment to the U.S. Treasury is required, surpassing the EB-5 threshold of $800,000-$1.05 million (8 U.S.C. § 1153(b)(5)).
- Financial Qualifications: Applicants must demonstrate lawful ownership of $5 million, substantiated by rigorous documentation such as tax returns, business sale agreements, or inheritance records (8 CFR § 204.6(j)(3)). Comprehensive due diligence will verify the absence of illicit funding.
- Applicant Profile: The program seeks sophisticated, wealthy investors without nationality restrictions. Even individuals from countries typically limited under other visa categories may qualify if criteria are met—President Trump has indicated openness to applicants such as Russian oligarchs (Feb 25, 2025).
- Background Standards: Applicants must be 18 or older, with no significant criminal history or immigration violations, aligning with U.S. admissibility standards (8 U.S.C. § 1182).
- Family Inclusion: Spouses and unmarried children under 21 may obtain residency as dependents under the primary applicant’s $5 million contribution.
Final eligibility details await legislative confirmation.
Why Choose Golden Gateway Capital
The Gold Card process is complex, with legal uncertainties and significant financial exposure—$5 million at risk from potential fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343). While the EB-5 remains active until 2027 (Public Law 117-103), its perceived vulnerabilities, as noted by Secretary Lutnick, underscore the need for expert guidance. Our firm provides unparalleled legal acumen, navigating the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.) and safeguarding your interests at every juncture. We transform this opportunity into a secure, seamless reality.
Application Process
Step 1: Initial Petition
We initiate your application with an immigrant petition to USCIS. As of March 10, 2025, no specific Gold Card form exists; we anticipate a new Form I-xxx, modeled on Form I-526 (EB-5, $11,160 fee, 8 CFR § 204.6). Required documents include:
- Proof of $5 million availability (e.g., bank statements).
- Evidence of lawful source of funds (e.g., tax returns, business contracts).
- Confirmation of $5 million commitment (e.g., escrow agreement or Treasury receipt).
- Personal documentation: passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates (for dependents).
- Police clearance certificates from countries of residence (6+ months).
Our attorneys meticulously prepare and submit your petition (USCIS: 1-800-375-5283, www.uscis.gov).
Step 2: Petition Approval and Payment
USCIS evaluates your petition, a process estimated at 3-6 months based on EB-5 timelines (USCIS.gov, Mar 2025). Upon approval, your $5 million is transferred from escrow to the Treasury via EFTPS (202-622-2000, 800-555-4477, 31 CFR § 210), held securely at an FDIC-insured institution (e.g., Chase, 800-935-9935). Full payment is prerequisite to visa issuance. We protect against fraud, enforcing 18 U.S.C. § 1546 and coordinating with the DOJ (202-514-2000).
Step 3: Residency Acquisition
- Outside the U.S.: We file Form DS-260 with your U.S. Consulate (e.g., Tokyo: 81-3-3224-5000). You provide a medical examination, original documents, and attend an interview (8 U.S.C. § 1201). Approval grants an immigrant visa for entry as a permanent resident.
- Within the U.S.: We submit Form I-485 ($1,440, 8 CFR § 103.7) for adjustment of status, including a medical exam and potential interview. Approval confers permanent residency.
Step 4: Conditional Residency (If Applicable)
Your Green Card may be conditional for 2 years (per EB-5, 8 CFR § 216.4) or permanent—pending clarification. If conditional, we file Form I-829 ($9,525) to remove restrictions, verifying payment compliance (8 U.S.C. § 1186b).
Step 5: Pathway to Citizenship
After 5 years as a permanent resident (30 months in the U.S., 8 U.S.C. § 1427), we file Form N-400 ($725, 8 CFR § 334.2). Successful completion of English and civics requirements, followed by the Oath of Allegiance (8 U.S.C. § 1448), secures your U.S. citizenship.
Call +1(480) 993-5641 for more details on our services.