The U.S. immigration landscape has shifted with the introduction of the Gold Card Program, a newly launched immigrant visa category designed for individuals of substantial financial capacity and exceptional ability. The program offers an expedited route to U.S. permanent residency through a combination of background clearance, eligibility review, and a significant financial gift to the U.S. government.
What Is the U.S. Gold Card Program?
The Gold Card Program is a new immigration pathway created under recent immigration reforms. It allows qualifying individuals to apply for U.S. permanent residency by submitting:
- Form I-140G, Immigrant Petition for the Gold Card Program
- A $15,000 DHS processing fee
- A financial gift of:
- $1,000,000 for individual applicants, or
- $2,000,000 for corporate-sponsored applicants
Upon USCIS background approval and acceptance of the petition, applicants proceed to consular processing to complete their immigrant visa interview and enter the U.S. as lawful permanent residents.
Who Qualifies for the Gold Card?
The program is designed for applicants who meet both financial and merit-based criteria. Eligible applicants typically include:
- High-net-worth individuals
- Entrepreneurs and investors
- Founders, executives, or individuals with extraordinary ability
- Corporate applicants sponsoring top talent
- Professionals who would otherwise qualify under EB-1 or NIW but prefer a faster and more predictable process
While the financial gift is a major component, USCIS still requires documentation showing:
- Lawful source of funds
- Background and security clearance
- Evidence of exceptional ability or national-interest value (for certain categories)
I-140G: The Core of the Gold Card Application
Form I-140G is the dedicated petition used to request classification under the Gold Card program. It is distinct from the traditional I-140 used in EB-1/EB-2 categories.
The I-140G establishes:
- The applicant’s eligibility
- USCIS screening and background approval
- Verification of financial qualifications
- A pathway to an immigrant visa number
Only after I-140G approval can the applicant move forward to the consular interview stage.
At YA Law Corporation, our U.S. immigration team, led by Homa Yahyavi, provides strategic guidance for clients interested in the Gold Card option, including corporate applicants, high-net-worth individuals, and families seeking a faster and more predictable pathway to U.S. residency.