The landscape of U.S. investment immigration is on the cusp of a significant transformation. The Trump administration has taken a pivotal procedural step towards rolling out its highly anticipated Gold Card Permanent Residence Program and the even more exclusive Platinum Card Access Program. For high-net-worth individuals and global corporations, these developments signal unprecedented new pathways to U.S. residency and privileged access.

At Cohen, Tucker + Ades, we are closely monitoring every update, analyzing the nuances of these proposed programs to prepare our clients for what promises to be a groundbreaking shift in U.S. immigration policy.

Gold Card: A New Path to Permanent Residence

The most recent news centers on the Gold Card program. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has submitted a draft of the new application, Form I-140G, to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. This is a crucial administrative checkpoint, indicating the program is nearing its planned December 18 launch.

Unlike traditional investor visas (like EB-5), the Gold Card program introduces a direct donation model to the U.S. Treasury. Here’s what the draft details reveal:

• Donation Tiers:

  • $1 Million for individual petitioners seeking permanent residency.

  • $2 Million for corporate-sponsored petitioners.

• Application Fee: An estimated non-refundable $15,000 per applicant.

• Green Card Categories: Successful applicants will likely qualify under existing highly skilled worker categories such as EB-1 (Extraordinary Ability) or EB-2 National Interest Waiver, streamlining a path typically reserved for specific professional achievements.

• Process Overview: The application is expected to be a multi-step process, beginning with filing with the Department of Commerce, followed by the donation payment, and finally, submitting the Form I-140G to USCIS.

The Gold Card offers Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card) status, which means successful applicants will be subject to global taxation like other U.S. residents and citizens. This is a critical point that demands thorough pre-planning.

Platinum Card: The Ultimate Non-Resident Access with a Tax Advantage

Beyond the Gold Card, the administration has also proposed an even more exclusive Platinum Card Access Program. While this program’s full implementation will likely require Congressional action, its proposed benefits are revolutionary for ultra-high-net-worth individuals:

• Donation: A significant $5 Million contribution.

• Key Benefit: This is where the Platinum Card truly differentiates itself. Holders could spend up to 270 days per year in the U.S. without being subject to U.S. taxes on their non-U.S. income. This offers unparalleled flexibility and access to the U.S. without triggering the tax residency obligations typically associated with extended stays.

The Platinum Card offers a unique proposition: extensive U.S. presence combined with strategic tax efficiency, making it incredibly attractive for global entrepreneurs and investors whose wealth is predominantly outside the U.S.

Navigating the Complexities with Cohen, Tucker + Ades

Both the Gold and Platinum Card programs, while promising, are inherently complex. They represent a significant departure from existing immigration frameworks and will introduce new challenges regarding:

• Source of Funds Documentation: Rigorous scrutiny will be applied to prove the lawful source of the substantial funds.

• Tax Planning: Especially for the Gold Card, understanding and planning for U.S. global taxation is paramount. For the Platinum Card, maximizing its tax-exempt benefit requires precise legal and financial structuring.

• Compliance: Ensuring ongoing adherence to all program requirements and U.S. immigration laws will be crucial.

At Cohen, Tucker + Ades, our team is already deep into analyzing the draft instructions and anticipating the full regulations. We are actively developing bespoke strategies for high-net-worth foreign nationals and sponsoring corporations. Our comprehensive approach goes beyond just application filing; we provide crucial legal, tax, and compliance guidance to navigate these new pathways successfully.

Is a Gold or Platinum Card Right for You?

These programs are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Understanding your eligibility, the implications of each tier, and the strategic timing for your application is essential.

If you are a high-net-worth individual or a corporation considering these unprecedented new paths to U.S. residency or privileged access, we invite you to reach out.

Contact Cohen, Tucker + Ades today for a confidential consultation. Let us help you understand your options and develop a proactive, strategic action plan to secure your future in the United States when these programs officially launch. Schedule a Consultation: https://cohentuckerlaw.com/contact-us/ or 212-840-0050.

Disclaimer: This blog post contains general information and is for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Cohen, Tucker + Ades P.C. Immigration laws and fee schedules are subject to frequent change. The information provided herein may not reflect the most current legal developments. You should not act or refrain from acting based on information contained in this post without seeking professional counsel from an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction. Cohen, Tucker + Ades P.C. expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this post.

Sources: 

Office of Management and Budget | Gold Card Program’s Procedural Step (Form I-140G to OMB) 

The White House |THE GOLD CARD

Trump.Gov |The Trump Gold Card is Here