Trump’s $1M “Gold Card” is Live: What It Means for Your EB-1 & O-1 Future

A high-quality representation of the Trump Gold Card, featuring the Presidential Seal and American flag motifs.

The Trump Gold Card is a new US residency program launched on December 10, 2025, that grants Lawful Permanent Resident status in exchange for a $1 million "gift" to the U.S. Treasury. 

Individual Applicants are required to gift $1 million + $15,000 processing fee for each family member. Corporate Sponsors are required to gift $2 million per employee + $15,000 processing fee. Unlike the traditional EB-5 investor visa, this program does not require job creation or capital "at risk"—instead, the financial contribution is treated as evidence of "extraordinary ability" under existing EB-1 and EB-2 categories.

Merit vs. Money: The New Landscape

The "Trump Gold Card" (officially applying via Form I-140G) is being marketed as a "direct path to citizenship". 

However, for the vast majority of clients—researchers, founders, and artists—the traditional

O-1 and EB-1 pathways rely on your talent and intellectual capital, not a seven-figure non-refundable donation, remain valid.

Crucially, because Gold Card recipients will be absorbing visas from the standard EB-1 and EB-2 pools, we anticipate a potential backlog (retrogression) for merit-based applicants. Meaning it may make the green card process longer for “traditional” EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability) and EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) applicants.

Is the "Platinum Card" Next?

The administration has also teased a $5 million "Platinum Card" offering tax exemptions for long-term stays (up to 270 days), though this tier requires Congressional approval and is not yet active.

Global Talent’s Verdict

While the Gold Card offers certainty for the ultra-wealthy, the EB-1A Green Card remains the "Gold Standard" for talent—requiring no investment and offering the same permanent residency rights.

Unsure if you qualify for a merit-based Green Card? Stop guessing. Check your eligibility instantly at https://EB1Quiz.com. For O-1 visa inquiries, use https://O1Quiz.com.

Free-Consultation Note

At Global Talent Immigration Law Group, we specialize in turning your achievements into U.S. residency. If you’re ready to explore your merit-based options, we invite you to schedule a free consultation today to secure your place in line.