The US government has stated that the application process should take “weeks” but that the total processing time for applicants from certain countries may be more than one year (based on visa availability).

The application process for the Gold Card includes two components:  Petition and Immigrant Visa Application.

For a detailed description of the various steps in the application process for the Trump Gold Card, click in the infographic above.

The Petition (Form I-140G) is submitted by the Petitioner to USCIS.

The Petition has two possible categories:

• INA 203(b)(1)(A) Alien of Extraordinary Ability
  • Before the introduction of the Gold Card, Aliens of Extraordinary Ability could submit an I-140 Petition on their own behalf for EB-1A status.
• INA 203(b)(2)(B) Alien of Exceptional Ability who is seeking a National Interest Waiver (NIW)
  • Before the introduction of the Trump Gold Card, Aliens of Exceptional Ability seeking an NIW could submit an I-140 Petition on their own behalf for EB-2 status.

The Petition can only be submitted to USCIS after payment of the filing fee.

After the Petition is approved, Beneficiaries submit an Immigrant Visa Application to a US consular post overseas.