Trump Gold Card Nears Launch: $5M Bet for Family?

Trump’s Gold Card visa has moved one step closer to launch. USCIS has secured emergency approval to release Form I-140G, the document required to begin the programme as early as December 18, 2025.

Fast-Track Residency at a High Cost

Proposed in February 2025 and finalised through Trump’s September proclamation, the scheme allows wealthy foreigners to buy instant US residency. It is positioned as a “gift” but comes with a cost of $1 million per person, or $2 million when a corporation sponsors the applicant.

Approval Push After Earlier Delays

The Office of Management and Budget approved the form after a shutdown stalled the review earlier this month. USCIS is now racing to meet the White House deadline for a December rollout.

Each Family Member Must Pay Separately

Houston immigration attorney Steven Brown highlighted important details. He noted that the $1 million gift applies to every family member. Unlike normal green card routes, no dependents qualify for free. A family of four would need to pay $4 million plus four filing fees of $15,000 each, totalling $4,060,000 before legal costs. These fees are non-refundable even if USCIS denies the case.

Corporate Sponsorship Costs Even More

For corporate-sponsored applicants, the numbers rise sharply. The sponsor must pay $2 million, while each dependent pays $1 million. A family of four would owe $5 million along with $60,000 in filing fees.

Higher Than EB-5 With No Clear Rules

The cost far exceeds EB-5, which requires an $800,000 investment for an entire family. Under the Gold Card, each child adds another million-dollar charge. USCIS has also not released regulations, timelines or vetting rules. More clarity is expected in the coming weeks as families weigh whether a $4–5 million fast-track to US residency is worth it.