U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released its new, highly anticipated, digital-only Form I-140G, “Immigrant Petition for the Gold Card Program.” This form marks the first step for applicants seeking an employment-based visa under the new Gold Card program, which was established by Executive Order 14351, “The Gold Card,” on September 19, 2025.
The new petition introduces a two-step process and features substantial financial requirements, including a high filing fee and a mandatory, separate financial gift. Before completing Form I-140G, applicants must first register on the separate government website trumpcard.gov and receive confirmation that their submission was accepted. The petition can only be filed after this pre-registration is confirmed. USCIS will contact the applicant when it is time to create or log in to their USCIS online account to file.
The fee for Form I-140G is $15,000 per person. This fee is required for the principal beneficiary, any accompanying spouse, and any children, as applicable. USCIS has specified that this fee is non-refundable, regardless of the action taken on the petition.
Separate from the filing fee, petitioners must demonstrate that they possess sufficient funds to make a required, unrestricted financial gift to the Department of Commerce. The gift amount varies based on the petitioner: an individual self-petitioner must pay $1 million per person, including the principal beneficiary, spouse, and children listed on the petition, while a corporation or entity petitioner must pay $2 million for the principal beneficiary and $1 million per person for any accompanying spouse or children.
The Gold Card program is limited to two high-skill employment-based classifications: aliens of extraordinary ability (INA section 203(b)(1)(A)) and aliens of exceptional ability seeking a National Interest Waiver (NIW) (INA section 203(b)(2)(B)). If requesting the NIW classification, the petitioner must also submit an uncertified Form ETA-9089, Application for Permanent Employment Certification, with supporting evidence.
Petitioners must establish that the funds used for the gift were obtained through lawful means. Required documentation to prove the lawfulness of funds includes complete bank records demonstrating the accumulation and path of funds, covering a minimum of the past five (5) years, as well as personal income tax returns for the petitioner and spouse (if applicable) for the period when the funds were accumulated, covering a minimum of the past seven (7) years. If funds were derived from cryptocurrency, the source must be traceable through blockchain, with wallet identification through regulated financial institutions.
The petition requires detailed biographical information from the principal beneficiary, including the last 20 years of employment history. Applicants must also list any positions held with the government or military at any time, even if the service occurred more than 20 years ago. History from post-high school to the present, including training academies or military academies, must be provided, along with any honors or awards.
Form I-140G is a digital-only submission. It can only be filed through the petitioner’s USCIS online account and cannot be mailed as a paper-based form. USCIS will issue a notice directing the petitioner to log in to upload the form. To learn more about the online account, USCIS directs users to its “How to Create a USCIS Online Account” page.
Petitioners may be required to appear for an interview or provide biometrics (fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature) at any time to verify identity and conduct background and security checks. The agency also warns that knowingly and willfully falsifying or concealing a material fact will lead to denial of the Form I-140G, may result in denial of other immigration benefits, and can trigger severe penalties and criminal prosecution.
Following approval of Form I-140G and once an immigrant visa number is available, the applicant must complete consular processing with the U.S. Department of State at an embassy or consulate abroad to be admitted as a lawful permanent resident.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
