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Trump Gold Card Details Announced on Nov. 19: Not Just $1 Million Down the Drain, But Also Waiting Periods and Fund Checks?
- Yuki Lin
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
On November 19, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officially submitted a draft of a new form, called I-140G, to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This form relates to the Gold Card application process and details. Once again, the “Trump Gold Card” has become a hot topic in the immigration community.
If you carefully study the related rules and the current U.S. immigration law framework, you’ll find an inconvenient truth: the Gold Card may not be the “pay $1 million and get a green card immediately” VIP shortcut that many imagine.
Many might think the Gold Card means “pay $1 million and skip all the complicated steps.” But based on the details so far and U.S. immigration law, that idea is too optimistic.
● It’s Not “Pay and Get a Green Card” — You Still Face Waiting Periods
The introduction of the I-140G form means the Gold Card still falls under the “employment-based immigration” category. Under current U.S. law, the Gold Card will likely use the existing visa quotas for EB-1 or EB-2 categories.
Here’s the big problem: For applicants born in mainland China, both EB-1 and EB-2 categories currently have waiting periods of about 3 to 4 years.
If you pay $1 million but are told you have to wait just like EB-1A applicants for several years to get a green card, the “time value” of this deal drops a lot. This is no longer something money alone can fix—it’s limited by the annual visa numbers.
● It’s Not “No Questions Asked” — Funding Source Checks Are Still Strict
Some may think, “I’m donating $1 million to the U.S. government, so they won’t care where my money came from.” The answer is: Absolutely, they will care, and probably more strictly.
According to leaked details, I-140G applicants must still prove the $1 million funds are from legal sources. Besides the usual funding source checks, for the first time in U.S. immigration history, cryptocurrency assets are included in the mandatory disclosure requirements.
You must explain where your money came from, provide tax documents, and show the money’s path.
In other words, all the steps required for EB-5 still apply for the Gold Card, and even more strictly. Just because it’s a “donation” doesn’t mean compliance is easier.
You can check the I-140G form here:
● No Global Tax Exemption Benefits
The official Gold Card program has two main categories:
Trump Platinum Card: $5 million donation; allows holders to live in the U.S. 270 days a year and exempts them from U.S. tax on foreign income—but no application requirements or details are available yet.
Trump Gold Card: Divided into $1 million donation for individuals and $2 million for corporations.
The current I-140G form applies to the Trump Gold Card. The official website clearly states all Gold Card holders will be treated the same as other permanent residents and citizens, and will NOT receive any global tax exemption.
When We Remove the “Gold Card” Label and Look at the Reality:
“Pay $1 million + still wait in line + still explain fund sources + money is non-refundable”
In this light, the advantages of the EB-5 new program become very clear.
● Certainty: Legal Protection
The EB-5 new policy is based on the Integrity and Reform Act (RIA) passed by Congress in 2022, giving it a strong legal foundation. The Gold Card, even if the I-140G form is finalized, risks legal challenges due to the “buying green card” suspicion. For families wanting a sure green card, pauses caused by unclear policies are the biggest time cost.
● Speed Comparison: No Waiting Period for EB-5 New Program
The Gold Card falls under EB-1 and EB-2 categories, so even if it launches, you still wait in line for green card quotas. The EB-5 new program has a special 32% quota reserved by Congress, and currently has no waiting period.
GLOBEVISA clients have gotten I-526E green card eligibility in as fast as 2.5 months, and in the absence of waiting periods can submit “dual applications,” getting combo cards in 3 to 6 months, enjoying green card benefits like free work, residence, and life.
So, on the core measure of “speed,” the EB-5 new program is truly the “express lane.”
Here is the EB-5 new policy visa bulletin for mainland China born applicants—currently with no waiting period.
● Cost Comparison: Gold Card Donation is Non-Refundable, EB-5 Investment is Refundable
Both are “pay-to-get-green-card” routes and require funding source checks. EB-5 only requires explaining the source of $800,000, which goes into a business project creating jobs. After the investment period, the principal can be returned.
The Gold Card requires explaining more funding sources for $1 million or $2 million, with greater pressure to prove legality, and the money is a donation, non-refundable.
One gets the principal back and maybe interest, the other loses at least $1 million. Which is better for investors? It’s obvious.
The Gold Card program shows the U.S. government wants to raise money through immigration but will NOT lower safety checks on funds or break the visa quota system.
As smart applicants, don’t be fooled by the flashy name “Trump Gold Card.” The EB-5 program has no waiting period, refundable funds, and mature procedures—things the Gold Card cannot offer.
In immigration, “ready rewards” are always better than “empty promises.”
With over 10 years in EB-5, GLOBEVISA has more than 50 integrated offices across six states worldwide, helping over 5,000 families get U.S. green cards with zero denials. Since the 2022 EB-5 new policy started, GLOBEVISA has successfully raised funds for over 15 EB-5 projects, with monthly batches exceeding 30 families and industry-leading fastest 21-day filing times. GLOBEVISA is a proud member of IIUSA (Invest In the USA), ranks in the global EB-5 top 25 agencies, and earned the “2024 I-829 Approval Contribution Award” and “2024 I-526 Approval Contribution Award.” Trust GLOBEVISA to expertly guide your EB-5 journey and start your U.S. life now!
If you want me to help translate or explain any official terms or details further, just ask!
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