The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have secured emergency approval for Form I-140G, the official petition for the Gold Card program. This form:
- Is designed for electronic submission only
- Requires detailed evidence of lawful funds and 20 years of employment history
- May involve biometrics and interviews at US embassies or consulates
OMB granted clearance for the form on November 19, signaling the administration’s commitment to meeting the December 18 target date for program launch.
Projected Impact
USCIS anticipates 1,000 annual filings, creating a compliance burden of approximately 5,000 hours and USD 515,000 in costs. The program will operate as a digital-first process, distinct from traditional employment-based visa categories, but it raises questions about potential backlogs and legal challenges.
Compliance and Screening
Applicants will undergo rigorous vetting, including:
- National security and anti-money laundering checks
- Verification of lawful source of funds
- Certified translations for foreign documents
False statements or fraudulent documentation may result in denial and criminal prosecution.
Background
The Gold Card program offers a route to US permanent residency through substantial financial contributions. Applicants must provide:
- USD 1 million gift to the US Treasury for individual petitioners
- USD 2 million gift for corporate petitioners
- A non-refundable USD 15,000 filing fee per person
The program aims to attract high-net-worth individuals and businesses, leveraging economic investment to strengthen US interests.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.