The Trump Gold Card Visa: September 2025 Update
The Trump Administration has officially launched the Gold Card visa program by Executive Order, lowering the contribution threshold from the $5 million originally announced in February to $1–2 million. While the framework is in place, key details—including filing procedures, fees, and start date—are still pending.
In February 2025, the Trump Administration announced plans for a new immigration option for high-net-worth individuals. At the time, the proposal was widely reported as requiring a $5 million investment for eligibility.
On September 19, 2025, the President issued an Executive Order formally establishing the Trump Gold Card program. The order marks a significant shift from the earlier reports:
- The required contribution is $1 million for individual applicants or $2 million for a corporate sponsor contributing on an individual’s behalf—not the $5 million that was originally floated.
- Contributions will be made as unrestricted gifts to the U.S. Department of Commerce, deposited in a special Treasury fund to promote U.S. commerce and industry.
- These gifts will be treated as evidence of eligibility under existing employment-based immigrant visa categories (EB-1A, EB-2, and EB-2 NIW).
What We Know Now
The Executive Order directs the Departments of Commerce, State, and Homeland Security to create application and adjudication procedures within 90 days of the order. The framework will include:
- An expedited process for Gold Card applications.
- Administrative fees (amount not yet specified).
- Rules for corporate-sponsored applicants, including the possibility of transferring sponsorship to a different individual.
What Remains Unknown
At this stage, there is no published application start date, no details on filing fees, and no specific guidance on how adjudications will be handled in practice. Visa numbers will remain subject to existing annual limits under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Next Steps For Potential Applicants
Applications cannot yet be filed. The agencies have until mid-December 2025 to release detailed procedures. In the meantime, interested individuals should contact our office to express interest and receive updates, and begin gathering financial documentation that may be useful once guidance is released.
At Barella Global, we are closely monitoring developments. We will provide updates as soon as implementing guidance is available from the government.