The Trump Gold Card remains one of the most closely watched immigration programs in the United States in 2026, offering a fast-track path to lawful permanent residency for wealthy foreign nationals who make substantial financial contributions to the federal government. As of February 17, 2026, the program is active, applications are open, and federal agencies continue to process submissions under the framework established in late 2025.
The initiative was introduced through executive action in September 2025 during President Donald Trump’s administration. It created a new wealth-based immigration route designed to attract high-net-worth individuals and corporate executives to the United States. Since its launch, the policy has sparked legal challenges, policy debate, and significant public attention.
Overview of the Trump Gold Card Program
The Trump Gold Card provides a pathway to U.S. lawful permanent resident status in exchange for a substantial monetary contribution. Unlike traditional employment-based immigrant visas, this program does not require job creation or proof of extraordinary professional achievement.
Applicants must meet several core requirements:
- Pay a $15,000 non-refundable processing fee
- Make a $1 million contribution if applying as an individual
- Make a $2 million contribution if sponsored by a corporation
- Pass full background, security, and admissibility screening
Upon approval, successful applicants receive permanent resident status equivalent to a green card. They gain the legal right to live and work in the United States indefinitely. Eligible spouses and minor children may be included in the same application.
The program operates through a designated federal application portal and involves review by immigration and homeland security authorities.
Timeline: From Announcement to Active Processing
The program was formally announced in September 2025. Federal agencies then established administrative procedures, payment systems, and review standards over the following months.
Applications officially opened in December 2025. By early 2026, processing was underway, and contributions were being collected under the program’s structure.
As of mid-February 2026, there has been no suspension of the initiative. Federal authorities continue to accept new applicants.
Financial Structure and Requirements
The most defining element of the Trump Gold Card is its financial threshold. The required contributions are structured as direct monetary gifts to the U.S. government rather than investments in private enterprises.
Individual Applicants
- $1 million contribution
- $15,000 processing fee
Corporate Sponsorship
- $2 million contribution
- $15,000 processing fee
- Sponsorship of one qualifying executive or employee
Corporate participants may have flexibility in transferring sponsorship between eligible employees, subject to additional administrative fees.
Unlike traditional investor programs, the funds are not tied to job-creation benchmarks. Applicants do not need to demonstrate that their contribution will create a specific number of U.S. jobs.
Comparison With the EB-5 Investor Visa
The United States has long offered the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which requires foreign nationals to invest between $800,000 and $1,050,000 in a U.S. commercial enterprise and create at least 10 full-time American jobs.
The Trump Gold Card removes the employment creation requirement entirely. Instead, it centers on direct government contributions.
Here is a clear breakdown of the differences:
| Feature | Trump Gold Card | EB-5 Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum financial requirement | $1M (individual) | $800K–$1.05M investment |
| Job creation requirement | No | Yes (10 U.S. jobs) |
| Nature of funds | Government contribution | Private enterprise investment |
| Processing fee | $15,000 | Standard immigration filing fees |
| Residency outcome | Permanent resident status | Permanent resident status |
Supporters describe the new program as streamlined and direct. Critics argue that it shifts immigration access toward wealth rather than economic development metrics tied to job creation.
Security Screening and Admissibility
Despite the financial focus, the program does not waive standard immigration safeguards. Every applicant must undergo:
- Criminal background checks
- National security screening
- Verification of lawful source of funds
- Medical admissibility review
- Review for prior immigration violations
A financial contribution alone does not guarantee approval. Applicants who fail admissibility standards are denied, regardless of payment.
Federal agencies continue to review documentation and conduct vetting before granting permanent resident status.
Revenue Impact and Public Attention
Since applications opened, the program has drawn significant attention domestically and internationally. Public discussion has focused on both its financial impact and its policy implications.
Early reporting indicated that pledged contributions surpassed one billion dollars within weeks of launch. That figure positioned the initiative as one of the most financially impactful immigration programs introduced in recent years.
Interest has varied by region. Some international markets show cautious engagement, while others report strong inquiry from high-net-worth individuals exploring U.S. relocation options.
Within the United States, the policy has become a recurring topic in political debate, business forums, and immigration law discussions.
Legal Challenges in 2026
The Trump Gold Card faces ongoing legal scrutiny. Critics argue that expanding eligibility through executive action may conflict with existing statutory limits on employment-based visa categories.
Legal challengers claim Congress traditionally determines immigrant visa structures and numerical allocations. They question whether executive authority can restructure eligibility criteria without legislative approval.
As of February 17, 2026:
- No court ruling has halted the program
- Applications continue to be processed
- The initiative remains legally active
Future court decisions or congressional action could shape how the program evolves. For now, it operates under the original executive framework.
Pathway to U.S. Citizenship
Recipients of permanent resident status through the Trump Gold Card may apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting standard naturalization requirements.
These typically include:
- Five years of continuous lawful permanent residence
- Required physical presence in the United States
- Demonstration of good moral character
- Passing English and civics examinations
The program does not grant automatic citizenship. It grants permanent residency, which may later qualify for naturalization under existing law.
Economic and Policy Debate
The introduction of the Trump Gold Card has intensified national conversations about the direction of immigration policy.
Supporters argue that:
- High-net-worth immigrants contribute capital and investment
- Wealthy residents often stimulate business growth
- Direct contributions provide immediate federal revenue
Opponents raise concerns that:
- Immigration pathways should prioritize skills or family reunification
- Wealth-based access may undermine merit-based categories
- Executive authority should not reshape visa structures without Congress
The program represents a clear shift toward monetized residency access, which continues to divide opinion across political lines.
Corporate Participation and Executive Mobility
The corporate sponsorship option has drawn interest from multinational firms. Companies may sponsor a senior executive or highly valued employee for permanent residency through a $2 million contribution.
This option provides:
- Immigration stability for leadership roles
- Long-term U.S. workforce retention
- Reduced uncertainty compared to temporary work visas
Businesses evaluating long-term strategic expansion in the United States view this pathway as a potential alternative to employment-based visa categories that face annual caps.
Administrative Structure in 2026
The program operates through coordinated oversight among federal immigration and homeland security authorities. Applications are submitted electronically. Fees must be paid before vetting begins.
Authorities review:
- Financial documentation
- Proof of lawful funds
- Identity verification materials
- Family eligibility documentation
Processing times vary depending on application volume and complexity of background checks.
As of today, no federal agency has announced termination or suspension of the program.
Broader Impact on U.S. Immigration Policy
The Trump Gold Card marks a notable departure from traditional investor programs. It does not require business formation or job tracking. Instead, it centers on direct financial capacity.
Its long-term influence may depend on:
- Judicial outcomes
- Congressional action
- Future presidential administrations
For now, it stands as a functioning wealth-based immigration pathway that coexists with existing employment and investor categories.
Where the Program Stands Today
As of February 17, 2026:
- Applications remain open
- Contributions are being collected
- Federal agencies are processing submissions
- Legal challenges continue but have not halted operations
The Trump Gold Card remains active and operational. It continues to generate both revenue and debate across the United States.
The policy represents a significant shift in how residency eligibility can be structured. Whether it becomes a lasting feature of American immigration law will depend on developments in courts and Congress over the coming months.
Do you believe the Trump Gold Card strengthens U.S. immigration policy or raises new concerns? Share your thoughts and stay informed as updates continue in 2026.