Form I-140G: How to Apply for Trump’s New Gold Card Program

What Is Form I-140G?

Form I-140G is the new immigrant petition for people seeking permanent residence through the Gold Card program, an employment-based visa that requires a financial gift to the U.S. Department of Commerce and proof of extraordinary or exceptional ability.

Once your I-140G petition is approved and an immigrant visa number is available, you’ll complete consular processing through the U.S. Department of State. After your visa is issued, you may travel to the United States and be admitted as a lawful permanent resident.

Disclaimer: The Gold Card program is brand new, and several key aspects of its implementation remain unclear. USCIS has not yet issued full guidance on how petitions will be evaluated In addition, because the program was created through an executive order, it could face legal challenges that may affect its rollout or continued viability. Boundless will update this guide as more information becomes available.

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Who Can File Form I-140G?

The Gold Card program is available only through two existing employment-based immigrant visa classifications. When you file Form I-140G, you must select one of the following on the form:

• Extraordinary ability (EB-1A), or
• Exceptional ability with a national interest waiver (EB-2 NIW)

At this stage, the government has not yet clearly stated whether Gold Card applicants must submit full, traditional EB-1A or EB-2 NIW evidence, or whether the required financial gift alone could be sufficient once a classification is selected. Until USCIS issues more detailed guidance, applicants should expect that their professional background and achievements will be reviewed in connection with one of these two categories, even if the evidence requirements are still unclear.

Need guidance on employment-based visa options? Boundless helps companies and individuals navigate O-1, EB-1A, and EB-2 NIW pathways as new programs roll out. Learn more today.

Gold Card Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Gold Card program, petitioners must show:

1. Ability-Based Requirements

You must meet the criteria for extraordinary ability (EB-1A) or exceptional ability (EB-2 NIW). U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will review your evidence to determine whether you qualify for one of these classifications.

2. Required Financial Gift

You must show you have lawfully obtained funds to make the required gift to the U.S. Department of Commerce:

• Individual self-petitioners:
  • $1 million per person, including spouse and children requesting Gold Cards.
• Corporation filing for an employee:
  • $2 million for the principal beneficiary, plus
  • $1 million per dependent (spouse or children) requesting Gold Cards.

These funds must be unrestricted and available for transfer once USCIS approves the petition.

3. Proper Filing and Signature

• The petition must be electronically signed by the petitioner or authorized corporate signatory.
• Unsigned or improperly signed petitions will be rejected.

4. Required Evidence

You must submit all requested supporting documents when filing. USCIS may request original documents later, but you should submit copies unless instructed otherwise.

5. Translations

Any document in a foreign language must include a full English translation with a translator certification.

6. Biometrics

USCIS may require a biometrics appointment for background checks. Failure to attend may result in denial.

Cost of Form I-140G

Applying through the Gold Card program involves two separate costs:

1. USCIS Filing Fee

• $15,000 per person
  This fee is paid when submitting Form I-140G. It is non-refundable, regardless of the decision or how long the case takes.

2. Required Financial Gift to the U.S. Department of Commerce

This payment is not part of the filing fee. It is a separate requirement of the Gold Card program, and petitioners must show they have lawfully obtained funds to make the gift after the petition is approved.

• If filing as an individual (self-petition):
  • $1 million per person, including the principal applicant, spouse, and each child requesting a Gold Card.
• If filing as a corporation or similar entity on behalf of an individual:
  • $2 million for the principal beneficiary, plus
  • $1 million per dependent (spouse or children) requesting a Gold Card.

USCIS requires proof of sufficient lawful funds at the time of filing, but the gift itself is made after approval.

How Long Does Form I-140G Take to Process?

Because this is a newly created program, USCIS has not yet released standard processing times. Early applicants should expect:

• Initial completeness check
• Possible Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
• Possible USCIS interview
• Visa Bulletin wait time based on preference category (EB-1A vs. EB-2 NIW)

After approval and visa availability, applicants complete consular processing, which typically takes several months.

Boundless will update this timeline as USCIS releases more data.

How to Apply for the Gold Card (Form I-140G)

Step 1: Gather Evidence

Collect documentation showing:

• Extraordinary or exceptional ability
• Proof of lawful funds for the required gift
• 20-year employment history
• Any government or military positions held
• For NIW applicants: an uncertified ETA-9089

Step 2: Create or Sign In to Your USCIS Online Account

You must file Form I-140G electronically. Only applicants with receipt numbers starting with IOE will have an Online Account Number, but having one is not required.

Step 3: Complete Form I-140G

Provide details about:

• Petitioner (individual or corporate)
• Principal beneficiary
• Dependents requesting Gold Cards
• History of employment and immigration records
• Required signatures
• Interpreter or preparer certification, if used

Step 4: Pay the Filing Fee

Submit the $15,000 per person fee electronically.

Step 5: Attend Biometrics (if required)

USCIS will issue an appointment notice if biometrics are needed.

Step 6: Respond to Any Requests for Evidence

USCIS may ask for more information or original documents.

Step 7: Receive USCIS Decision

USCIS will notify you electronically and by mail.

Step 8: Complete Consular Processing

Once a visa is available:

1. Submit required forms to the U.S. Department of State
2. Attend a consular interview
3. Receive your immigrant visa
4. Travel to the U.S. to become a permanent resident

The Gold Card program is new, and USCIS is still expected to release more detailed guidance about how petitions will be evaluated. If you plan to apply, start gathering documentation early, especially proof of lawful funds, employment history, and evidence related to your chosen classification. Boundless will continue to monitor updates from USCIS and the Department of State so you have the most accurate information as the program develops.

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