Trump Gold Card:
An EB-1A Extraordinary Ability Pathway
On December 10, 2025, President Donald Trump’s administration officially launched the Trump Gold Card, an expedited immigration program that provides a pathway for qualified applicants to live and work in the United States through the existing EB-1A Extraordinary Ability and EB-2 National Interest Waiver visa categories.
The program is accessible through Trumpcard.gov, where applicants can now begin the process with a $15,000 Department of Homeland Security filing fee, plus a $1 million contribution to the U.S. government.
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Explore how the Gold Card may fit within your broader immigration and planning objectives.
What Is the Trump Gold Card Program?
The Trump Gold Card is not a new visa category, but an accelerated route that allows qualified foreign nationals to pursue permanent residency by leveraging existing employment-based immigration frameworks. It’s the same category that has long been used by distinguished individuals in business, science, athletics, and the arts.
President Trump described it as “a Green Card, but a much better and stronger path for great people.”
This program merges two priorities: encouraging high-value economic contribution to the U.S. and attracting individuals with exceptional professional achievement.
How the Gold Card Works
- 1
Application portal
Applicants begin the process on Trumpcard.gov with a $15,000 DHS processing fee.
- 2
Background vetting
USCIS conducts an in-depth vetting process, including detailed background checks.
- 3
Contribution requirement
Once vetted, applicants make a $1 million contribution (referred to as a “gift”) to qualify for the visa.
- 4
Corporate track
Companies may sponsor employees through a $2 million contribution per employee.
- 5
Family members
Spouses and dependent children may apply along with the principal applicant, each subject to the applicable fees and contribution amounts.
Gold Card = EB-1A Extraordinary Ability
The Trump Gold Card leverages the EB-1A Extraordinary Ability category, which recognizes individuals who have sustained national or international acclaim in their fields.
Under the program, the $1 million contribution is treated as evidence that the applicant will substantially benefit the United States, consistent with the Executive Order language directing the program’s implementation.
However, applicants are still subject to the underlying eligibility standards of existing immigration law. This means that the contribution alone does not automatically satisfy all regulatory criteria for EB-1A, and successful petitions must still align with the statutory and adjudicatory framework that defines extraordinary ability.
This ensures that the overall petition remains defensible under existing USCIS adjudicatory standards and consistent with the program’s legal foundation.
Strategic Advantages of the Gold Card EB-1A Pathway
Why Choose Ganey Law Group
At Ganey Law Group, we have deep experience helping global investors, entrepreneurs, and executives navigate complex U.S. immigration pathways.
Our team has successfully structured EB-1A Extraordinary Ability and investment-based immigration cases for clients worldwide. With this new Gold Card framework, we are uniquely positioned to guide you through both the legal and strategic dimensions of this opportunity.
Our approach focuses on framing the financial contribution as part of a broader compelling narrative of professional achievement and national economic benefit—rather than simply as a standalone payment—so that the petition aligns with both the program’s guidelines and traditional EB-1A evidentiary expectations.
While others are still interpreting the new program, we are already preparing EB-1A filings that integrate contribution strategy with eligibility requirements, so our clients are first in line when processing begins.
The Convergence of Investment and Immigration Strategy
The Gold Card represents a new convergence of financial capacity and extraordinary achievement.
Your contribution functions as more than just a payment. It is a statement of extraordinary business success and a commitment to America’s future economic growth.
Next Steps
The Trump Gold Card program is now officially live. Application details and DHS payment processing are available at Trumpcard.gov.
The underlying EB-1A framework, however, remains complex and evidence-driven. We strongly recommend working with experienced immigration counsel to ensure your contribution and petition align with EB-1A requirements and the program’s procedural expectations.
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Speak with a Senior Attorney
Explore how the Gold Card may fit within your broader immigration and planning objectives.