Trump’s $1M Gold Card Executive Order: What You Need to Know

On September 19, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order outlining a “Gold Card” program. The order directs agencies to treat a $1M contribution as proof of “exceptional ability” or “national benefit,” which could streamline green card eligibility for wealthy applicants.

What the Gold Card Executive Order Says

The executive order establishes the framework for the Gold Card visa. Key provisions include:

• $1 million gift to the Department of Commerce for individuals; $2 million for corporate sponsorship.
• 80,000 Gold Cards would be made available, with applications opening once agencies set up the process in the next 90 days.
• Recipients may become lawful permanent residents (green card holders) after vetting by the State Department and DHS, plus a $15,000 processing fee.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick emphasized that paying the gift would now be considered proof of “exceptional value” to the U.S.

Possible Platinum Tier

The administration is also floating a “Platinum Card” option requiring a $5 million gift, granting up to 270 days of U.S. residency without U.S. income tax obligations. Unlike the Gold Card, this would not provide a path to citizenship and would require congressional approval.

What Immigration Lawyers Are Saying About the Trump Gold Card 

Immigration attorneys say that while the executive order outlines broad rules, many details remain uncertain until federal agencies design the actual process. One of the biggest open questions involves how the Gold Card will interact with existing EB-1 and EB-2 categories. 

Manifest Law’s Senior Counsel, Henry Lindpere, says, “This is a seismic shift in U.S. immigration policy. The Gold Card reframes green card eligibility around financial contributions rather than professional merit. For clients pursuing EB-2 NIWs, the main question is how pending and future applications will be treated once the agencies publish their regulations.”

What’s Next for Trump’s Gold Card Visa?

President Trump’s Gold Card is not live yet. Agencies have 90 days to set up the application procedures and guidelines, and many details remain unclear. What’s certain is that this program introduces a new wealth-based pathway to permanent residency that could reshape the balance between merit-based and investment-based immigration.

As the rules take shape in the coming months, both immigrants and employers should prepare for significant changes to the U.S. immigration landscape. 

Questions about your Green Card journey? Request a consultation with Manifest Law today.  You can also view our live updates regarding Trump’s H-1B proclamation here.