The U.S. immigration landscape is constantly evolving, and a new development has caught the attention of hospitals, long-term care facilities, and international healthcare professionals alike. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced Form I-140G, Immigrant Petition for the Gold Card Program, a new pathway designed for high-net-worth foreign nationals seeking U.S. residency through investment.
At VisaMadeEZ, an immigration law firm focused on helping healthcare organizations hire international nurses, we are closely monitoring how this “Gold Card” program could intersect with healthcare recruitment, immigration strategy, and long-term workforce planning.
What Is Form I-140G and the Gold Card Program?
Form I-140G, Immigrant Petition for the Gold Card Program, is the petition used to request immigrant status under a newly created, investment-driven visa program often referred to as the “Gold Card” visa. Unlike employment-based immigrant categories traditionally used to sponsor international registered nurses such as the I-140 under the EB-3 category this program is based primarily on financial investment, not on professional background, skills, or shortage occupations.
According to publicly available information and reporting (including The Guardian), the Gold Card program allows certain foreign nationals to obtain U.S. residency by making a substantial payment in exchange for a special, high-value visa. A separate, higher-tier option is reportedly in development, with enhanced tax and stay benefits.
Registration Requirement on trumpcard.gov
Before filing Form I-140G, applicants must complete a mandatory registration step:
1. Register on trumpcard.gov
Applicants must first create an account and register through the designated federal portal, trumpcard.gov.
2. Receive Submission Confirmation
Only after receiving the system-generated confirmation that the registration has been accepted can the applicant proceed with filing Form I-140G with USCIS.
This two-step process is similar in structure to other registration-based U.S. immigration systems (such as the H-1B electronic registration), but here it is attached to a high-value investment-based immigrant category.
Filing Fee and Cost Structure: $15,000 Per Individual
The filing fee for Form I-140G is $15,000 per individual. This fee applies not only to the principal applicant but also to qualifying family members, including:
- The principal beneficiary (main applicant)
- The spouse
- Any dependent children, where applicable
For a family of four, the government filing fees alone can climb significantly. Importantly, this is separate from the actual Gold Card investment amount, which is the core financial requirement of the program.
Gold Card Investment Levels: $1 Million and a $5 Million “Platinum” Option
The Gold Card program as reported includes two distinct tiers:
1. Gold Card – $1 Million Investment
- Foreign nationals may obtain U.S. residency by paying $1 million for a “gold card” visa.
- This appears designed for high-net-worth individuals seeking U.S. permanent residence or a similar long-term status through a direct financial contribution rather than traditional employment or family sponsorship.
2. Platinum Tier – $5 Million Option Under Development
- A $5 million “platinum” option is reportedly in development.
- One key feature being discussed is that platinum card holders may be able to spend up to 270 days per year in the United States without being subject to U.S. taxation on non-U.S. income, potentially making it extremely attractive to global investors, executives, and high-earning professionals.
This tax-related aspect makes the Platinum tier markedly different from traditional immigrant or nonimmigrant categories used for nurses and other healthcare workers.
What Does This Mean for Healthcare Employers and International Nurses?
For most healthcare organizations hospitals, clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies the Gold Card program is not designed as a primary tool for recruiting foreign nurses. Instead, it functions as a niche option for wealthy foreign nationals who can meet the investment threshold.
However, there are some important implications:
1. Alternative Immigration Pathway for High-Net-Worth Healthcare Professionals
While the program is clearly investment-focused, some physicians, healthcare executives, or even nurses with significant assets or family wealth might explore this route. In those rare cases, Form I-140G could become part of a broader strategic immigration plan.
For example, a nurse from abroad whose family owns substantial businesses may consider using the Gold Card program as a parallel or backup strategy to more traditional nurse immigration routes.
2. Limited Direct Impact on Nurse Staffing Shortages
The Gold Card program does not address U.S. nurse shortages directly. Healthcare employers seeking to recruit international registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and specialist nurses will still rely primarily on:
- EB-3 immigrant visas (via Form I-140, not I-140G)
- Schedule A, Group I for nurses where applicable
- Nonimmigrant options where available, depending on the role and credentials
The Gold Card option does not replace the need for careful workforce planning, visa screening, and long-term retention strategies for international nursing staff.
3. Strategic Use for Investors, Owners, and Healthcare Leaders
Some hospital owners, health system investors, or senior executives who are foreign nationals may find the Gold Card or Platinum option attractive, especially if they wish to:
- Maintain a primary tax residence outside the U.S.
- Spend extended time in the U.S. managing healthcare assets
- Obtain residence rights separate from standard employment-based visas
While this is not specific to nursing, it can influence corporate and ownership structures in the healthcare sector, indirectly affecting long-term recruitment strategy and funding for international nurse hiring programs.
How VisaMadeEZ Supports Healthcare Organizations and International Nurses
At VisaMadeEZ, our core mission is to make U.S. immigration easier for healthcare employers and international nurses. We focus on:
- Immigration pathways for nurses (EB-3, Schedule A, immigrant visas)
- Visa strategy for hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies
- End-to-end support from credential evaluation and licensing through immigrant petition and green card processing
While the new Form I-140G Gold Card Program is not a standard solution for nurse staffing, it’s one more piece in the complex puzzle of U.S. immigration law. Our role is to:
- Analyze how new programs interact with healthcare immigration
- Ensure that nurse recruitment strategies remain compliant and efficient
- Advise healthcare systems if investor-based options like the Gold Card or Platinum tier complement their broader immigration and business planning
Key Takeaways for SEO & Strategy
For those searching for information on USCIS Form I-140G, Gold Card visa requirements, or understanding how the Gold Card Program impacts healthcare immigration, here are the key points:
- Form I-140G is used for the Immigrant Petition for the Gold Card Program, an investment-based visa option.
- Applicants must register on trumpcard.gov and obtain confirmation before filing Form I-140G.
- The USCIS filing fee is $15,000 per person, including the principal applicant, spouse, and children.
- The Gold Card visa reportedly requires a $1 million payment, with a $5 million Platinum option under development.
- The Platinum tier may allow up to 270 days in the U.S. without U.S. tax on non-U.S. income, making it attractive to some global investors.
- This program is not a primary route for recruiting nurses, but it may be relevant for high-net-worth healthcare professionals or investors.
Considering Hiring International Nurses?
If you are a hospital, nursing home, healthcare staffing agency, or clinic looking to hire international nurses, the Gold Card program will likely not be your main tool but it is part of the larger immigration environment you operate in.
VisaMadeEZ can help you:
- Choose the right visa category for international nurses
- Navigate USCIS forms and filing, including standard I-140 petitions for EB-3 nurses
- Develop a long-term international nurse recruitment strategy that complies with evolving U.S. immigration rules
Contact VisaMadeEZ to schedule a consultation and explore how we can support your healthcare immigration and international nurse hiring needs in a changing regulatory landscape.
