U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has taken another major step toward launching the new Gold Card Program, a permanent residence pathway created under Executive Order 14351 issued in September 2025. According to recent filings, USCIS has submitted Form I-140G to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for formal approval.
This marks the first time a dedicated petition has been introduced for this program, signaling that implementation is moving forward.
What Is the Gold Card Program?
The Gold Card Program provides a new option for individuals who wish to obtain U.S. permanent residence based on a large qualifying financial contribution.
It functions separately from employment-based immigrant categories and does not replace the EB-5 program.
Instead, it serves as an additional route for individuals and corporate applicants who meet the program’s financial and compliance requirements.
According to USCIS, the Gold Card Program is designed to attract significant philanthropic or economic contributions that support national interests.
Form I-140G: The New Petition for Gold Card Applicants
USCIS has confirmed the following about the new Form I-140G petition:
- It will be electronic-only, with no paper filing option.
- It is expected to support approximately 1,000 filings per year.
- USCIS estimates each petition will take about five hours to complete.
- The estimated total annual filing-cost burden is over $500,000Â for all applicants combined.
This form will be the official mechanism through which applicants request permanent residence under the Gold Card Program once OMB approval is complete.
Financial Requirements for the Gold Card Program
The draft instructions outline the financial contributions required from applicants:
- Individual Applicants:Â A qualifying gift of $1 million
- Corporate Applicants:Â A qualifying gift of $2 million, plus an additional $1 million per dependent
- USCIS Filing Fee: $15,000 per person, non-refundable
The Department of Commerce is responsible for reviewing financial contributions, while USCIS will make the final decision on the petition.
Documentation and Compliance Requirements
Applicants must provide extensive documentation to show that they are eligible for the Gold Card Program. USCIS has indicated that the petition will require:
1. Proof of Lawful Source of Funds: Applicants must demonstrate that all financial contributions come from lawful sources. This is a mandatory requirement.
2. Employment History: A detailed 20-year employment history, including any government or military service.
3. National Interest Waiver Documentation: If the applicant seeks a National Interest Waiver (NIW), an uncertified ETA-9089 must be included.
4. Biometrics and Interviews: Applicants may be required to appear for biometrics or attend an interview.
Individuals applying from abroad will complete these steps at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
5. Certified English Translations: Any foreign-language documentation must include a certified English translation.
6. Penalties for Misrepresentation: USCIS emphasizes that false statements or fraudulent documents may result in denial and potential criminal penalties.
Digital-First Processing
The Gold Card Program is designed as a digital-first immigration process, separate from traditional employment-based green card categories.
Once Form I-140G is finalized, applicants will file electronically and follow an online document-collection and case-management process.
This modernized structure may serve as a model for future investment-based immigration programs.
What Happens Next?
The Gold Card Program cannot launch until OMB approval is complete.
Once finalized:
- Form I-140G becomes the official application form
- USCIS will publish the final instructions and filing procedures
- Applicants, employers, and investors can begin preparing documentation
USCIS noted that the program may reshape how investment-based immigration works and create new compliance obligations for organizations supporting Gold Card applicants.
NPZ Law Group will continue monitoring federal announcements as the program moves toward implementation.
FAQs — Gold Card Program (2025–2026)
1. Is the Gold Card Program the same as the EB-5 investor visa?
No. It is a separate program created by executive order and has different requirements.
2. When can applicants start filing Form I-140G?
Not yet. Filing begins only after OMB approval and final publication.
3. What kind of contribution qualifies?
A qualifying gift of $1 million for individuals, or $2 million for corporate petitioners (plus $1 million for each dependent).
4. Will interviews be required?
Possibly. USCIS may request biometrics or interviews on a case-by-case basis.
5. Can applicants apply from outside the United States?
Yes. Overseas applicants must complete biometrics and interviews at a U.S. embassy or consulate once the program launches.
Contact Information
If you or your family members have any questions about how immigration and nationality laws in the United States may affect you, or if you want to access additional information about immigration and nationality laws in the United States or Canada, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 201-670-0006 extension 104. We also invite you to visit our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.