A Comprehensive Guide for Iranians
The Trump Gold Card, introduced by Executive Order in September 2025, is now officially available to applicants. This card is promoted as a faster pathway to lawful permanent residence in the United States compared to traditional employment-based or family-based immigration processes.
According to the information released, the application fee for the Trump Gold Card is $15,000 per person, which has attracted significant attention from individuals seeking U.S. immigration opportunities—particularly among Iranian applicants.
In this article, SharifTrip aims to present a clear, up-to-date, and reliable overview of the Trump Gold Card, avoiding exaggeration, promotional claims, or unrealistic promises.
What Is the Trump Gold Card?
The Trump Gold Card is a visa program based on an individual’s ability to provide a substantial benefit to the United States. Based on published information, applicants must first pay a non-refundable $15,000 case processing fee to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Once this fee is received, the application enters an expedited review and adjudication process, provided that all required documents and additional fees are submitted in a timely manner.
Following the completion of security and background vetting, the payment of a $1 million gift serves as evidence that the applicant is capable of providing a substantial benefit to the United States.
Depending on the applicant’s individual circumstances, additional minor fees may also be payable to the U.S. Department of State.
Main Requirements of the Trump Gold Card
Based on available information, the general requirements of this program include:
- Payment of a $15,000 non-refundable processing fee
- Successful completion of security and background checks
- Payment of a $1 million gift upon final approval
- Eligibility for lawful permanent residence in the United States
- Availability of an immigrant visa based on the applicant’s country of birth
It should be noted that for certain countries, visa availability may result in longer waiting periods.
What Legal Status Does a Successful Applicant Receive?
Subject to determination by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and visa availability, a successful applicant will receive lawful permanent resident status (a Green Card) under either the EB-1 or EB-2 immigrant visa classification.
What Is the Trump Corporate Gold Card?
In addition to the individual option, the Trump Corporate Gold Card has been introduced for U.S. and international companies and employers. Under this model, a corporate sponsor may apply on behalf of one or more employees.
- Processing fee: $15,000 per employee
- Gift amount: $2 million per employee, payable after successful vetting
A key advantage of this structure is that if the company stops sponsoring one employee, it may use the previously contributed gift amount to sponsor a new employee without paying a new $2 million contribution.
Are Family Members Included in the Trump Gold Card?
Yes. A spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 may be included in the initial application alongside the primary applicant. For each family member, separate fees apply, including a $15,000 processing fee and a $1 million gift.
Including family members at the outset allows them to benefit from privileges such as expedited processing.
Taxation and Legal Risks for Iranian Applicants
All U.S. lawful permanent residents, regardless of how they obtain their status, are subject to U.S. worldwide taxation. This is a particularly important consideration for Iranian applicants who earn income outside the United States.
Additionally, national security concerns or serious criminal issues may result in visa revocation. As with any U.S. immigration pathway, no process is entirely risk-free.
What Is the Trump Platinum Card?
The Trump Platinum Card is a separate program that would allow individuals to reside in the United States for up to 270 days per year without being subject to U.S. tax on non-U.S. income.
This program has not yet been officially implemented, and at present, applicants may only join the waiting list.
Why Is There a Waiting List for the Trump Platinum Card?
Because the Trump Platinum Card has not yet been formally launched, interested applicants are encouraged to join the waiting list now to ensure immediate processing once the program becomes active.
There is no guarantee that the required contribution for the Platinum Card will remain at $5 million in the future; therefore, early registration is strongly recommended.
Conclusion and Expert Opinion from SharifTrip
The Trump Gold Card should not be viewed as a guaranteed shortcut to U.S. immigration. Rather, it should be analyzed as a proposed framework operating within the existing EB visa system. This pathway is not suitable for everyone and requires careful evaluation of financial capacity, legal eligibility, and individual risk factors.
At SharifTrip, we consistently advise Iranian applicants to seek professional, fact-based legal consultation before taking any action and to avoid high-risk or non-transparent immigration routes.
Should you wish, SharifTrip’s experts are available to review your case individually and recommend the most appropriate and lawful immigration or residency pathway based on your specific circumstances.
