September 2025 marks a major shift in U.S. immigration policy as President Donald Trump signed an executive order launching the Trump Gold Card program.
This new initiative aims to attract significant foreign capital through non-refundable contributions to the U.S. government, in exchange for a much faster pathway to permanent residency (Green Card) compared to traditional visa categories.

According to the initial announcement, the Trump Gold Card includes three types of cards with different requirements and benefits. Below is a detailed breakdown for investors to evaluate and choose the right option.

1. Individual Gold Card – Trump Gold Card

This version targets financially strong individuals seeking a fast-tracked Green Card.

Highlights:

• A non-refundable processing fee must be paid before the application review begins.
• DHS conducts background and security checks once the file is complete.
• Upon approval, the applicant must contribute USD 1 million to the U.S. government..
• Estimated Green Card processing time: just a few months..

Suitable for individuals seeking a quick and simplified process and who are comfortable with a high contribution amount.

2. Corporate Gold Card – Trump Corporate Gold Card

This program is designed for companies wishing to transfer multiple senior or strategic employees to the United States.

Main requirements:

• Companies must pay a separate processing fee for each employee.
• Contributions can be reassigned to another employee if the original candidate becomes ineligible.
• Annual maintenance fees and employee transfer fees apply.
• Required contribution: USD 2 million per employee..

The biggest advantage is its flexibility for global workforce management.

3. Platinum Card – Trump Platinum Card

This is the highest-tier option, designed for ultra-high-net-worth investors.

Requirements & benefits:

• Estimated contribution amount: USD 5 million
• No job-creation requirement as in EB-5
• Some tax incentives have been mentioned in the proposal, but have not yet been confirmed by the U.S. government
• Currently on a waitlist—awaiting official announcement from DHS

Because it operates on a “first come, first served” basis, investors should register early to secure priority placement.

4. How Is the USD 1 Million Contribution Applied to Families?

A key question not yet clarified by the U.S. government:

Will the USD 1 million (or USD 2 million for corporate cases) apply only to the principal applicant, or to each accompanying family member?

At present, only one point is confirmed: the contribution applies to the principal applicant..
If extended to each dependent, the total cost for families could double or triple.Investors should monitor USCIS’s final guidance closely.

5. Trump Gold Card Application Process

Applications are submitted online via trumpcard.gov and include:

1. Create an account and provide personal information.
2. Upload required documents: passport, asset proof, police clearance, etc.
3. Pay a non-refundable processing fee of USD 15,000.
4. USCIS & DHS conduct security and background checks.
5. Applicant pays the required contribution (1M / 2M / 5M USD).
6. Green Card issuance—significantly faster than traditional EB categories.

Estimated processing time: only a few months, faster than EB-2, EB-3, or even EB-5.

6. Impact of the Trump Gold Card on the U.S. Immigration System

6.1. Impact on EB-1 & EB-2

The U.S. government indicates that the Gold Card may serve as an alternative to EB-1 and EB-2,
potentially reshaping the high-skilled immigration landscape.

6.2. Impact on EB-5

Although early discussions suggested that the Gold Card might replace EB-5, recent updates do not mention discontinuing EB-5.

This means:

• EB-5 investors maintain full benefits.
• The USD 800,000 investment remains significantly lower than Gold Card contributions.
• EB-5 continues to be a cost-effective and practical option for families seeking U.S. residency.

7. EB-5 – A Practical Path for Vietnamese Families

The EB-5 program (USD 800,000) remains a stable and optimized solution, especially for families with children planning to study in the U.S.

Three key advantages:

1. Boosts university admission chances by converting applications from “international” to “domestic.”
   → Significantly increases the chances of admission to Top 50 – Top 20 – Ivy League universities.
2. Reduces long-term college expenses by 40–60%.
   → Provides a major advantage when applying to leading public universities.
3. Provides a secure career pathway
   → Not dependent on the H-1B visa, avoiding risks of tightening or potential cuts.

Conclusion

The Trump Gold Card introduces a new opportunity for international investors, but its high cost and unclear guidance for dependents remain challenges.
Meanwhile, EB-5 continues to stand out for its affordability, stability, and proven immigration pathway.

If you need a deeper comparison of the Trump Gold Card or guidance on investment-based immigration, OMG VISA is ready to support you with the latest and most accurate information.