The Trump administration has achieved a major milestone in its highly anticipated gold card visa program. It provides a significant update to those wishing to obtain US residency through a considerable investment.
The announcement comes as the government is finalizing its gold card OMB draft. All these are steps towards a December 18 launch. Thus, the gold card visa program is making the global immigration news.
This news post explains everything you need to know at present. You will know about the gold card application process. It will also guide you through requirements. With the info, this wealthy immigrant visa in the USA might influence permanent residency routes in 2025.
What Is the Gold Card Visa Program?
A gold card visa is a new US permanent residency scheme. It focuses on individuals who can make a substantial financial contribution to the US.
In short, the program was announced by President Donald Trump. However, it is official through an executive order in September 2025.
The gold card visa program targets high-net-worth immigrants. These are people who want to have a quick and easy pathway to residency. They may also want a possibility of getting US citizenship.
The program is separate from such existing schemes as EB-5. This is because it focuses on direct donations to the government rather than investments in projects.
Gold Card Visa Requirements and Costs
The person aiming to obtain a US gold card visa through the immigration program must make a “completely free gift.” Such donations must be at least $1 million to the Department of Commerce for individual applicants.
For a corporation filing for an individual, the limit is $2 million. Regardless, some proposals suggest the price should be $5 million for a premium investor.
According to the present instructions, there are no quotas or limits for countries, so the program is open to anyone in the world.
In contrast to the EB-5 visa, which requires a minimum investment of $800,000–$1.05 million in a job-creating enterprise, the gold card visa does not require direct job creation or ongoing investment explicitly.
By doing so, the program intends to avoid fraud and long waiting times that have been a problem for the EB-5 program, while the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) promise that the processing of the gold card visa will be much faster.
Key Milestone: OMB Draft and Launch Timeline
The filing of the gold card OMB draft by the USCIS in late November marked an important step toward creating an online application portal for the program.
According to recent reports, the government plans to start the gold card application process on December 18, 2025.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) examination is confirmation that all the steps and regulatory paperwork are ready, indicating that the potential applicants will shortly have a direct link to initiating the process online.
Applicants will see an update when the final version of Form I-140G, which is necessary for the first submissions, is ready. Also, people who have an interest will get more information on the supporting documents and proof of funds nearer to the official launch date.
Gold Card Application Process Explained
The gold card application process aims to be simple:
- Filing an online application and Form I-140G (pending OMB approval).
- Showing the financial means that are sufficient for the gold card visa threshold.
- Undergoing background checks and standard vetting, including security and public health clearance.
- Waiting for a fast USCIS and Department of Commerce review, as promised in Trump’s executive order.
Those applicants who are given approval can enjoy US permanent residency in “record time.” They can live and work in the US for an unlimited time and will have a way to get US citizenship eventually.
If someone is on a corporate-sponsored visa and the individual voluntarily gives up their application, then the gift can be transferred between the candidates.
Gold Card Updates and What’s Next for 2025
As per the last available information in November 2025, the launch of the gold card visa program is pending, but most of the regulatory hurdles no longer exist. The OMB’s final approval, which is expected to be in December, is the next step.
In the first phase, the Trump administration intends to distribute a minimum of 80,000 gold cards.
Legal professionals foresee a large number of applicants as the simplified gold card application process is attractive to affluent foreign nationals who don’t want long waiting times and the complexity of other visa categories.
Who Should Consider Applying?
- Privileged people who want quick and sure residency.
- Top executives from around the world are looking for a US entry.
- Investors who were formerly discouraged by the limitations, quotas, and slow processing of EB-5.
The gold card visa program turns the US into a desirable immigration destination for ambitious entrepreneurs, investors, and the families that come with them, facilitating their settlement with less restriction.
Final Words!
Are you one of the first to participate in the US gold card immigration? Because of the large number of people with an interest in the program and changes in regulations, it is always a good idea to get help from an immigration lawyer.
They will help you through the steps that the gold card application process requires, make sure that your documents are in order, and give you a hand in sorting out the latest requirements of the Trump gold card.
Why not start getting ready now? Check if you are eligible financially, gather your documents, and keep an eye out for the December launch announcement. You can also start by making your preparation at your own pace.
For step-by-step help and professional advice in accomplishing your US gold card immigration goals, get in touch with a skilled immigration lawyer without delay. Do not forget to wait for the next gold card updates 2025.
To stay updated and informed, keep an eye out for our news section. You can also drop your immigration queries for professional lawyers to reply at Gehi and Associates.
