Overview (What is I-140G used for?)
#Form I-140G, the Immigrant Petition for the Gold Card Program, is a USCIS form used to request an employment-based immigrant visa. This petition is the first step in the Gold Card process, which was established by Executive Order 14351 on September 19, 2025. Once approved, applicants must complete consular processing with the U.S. Department of State to obtain an immigrant visa and enter the U.S. as lawful permanent residents.
Eligible petitioners include individuals or corporations filing on behalf of individuals. The petition must establish eligibility under specific immigrant visa classifications, such as aliens of extraordinary ability or exceptional ability seeking a National Interest Waiver (NIW).
The filing fee for Form I-140G is $15,000 per person, and this fee is non-refundable. It is crucial to submit all required evidence and documents to support the petition, as incomplete submissions may lead to delays or denials.
What USCIS is really evaluating (I-140G)
#USCIS evaluates whether the petition establishes sufficient funds for the required gift and the qualifications of the principal beneficiary. A common mismatch occurs when the evidence of funds does not align with the claims made in the petition.
Context & workflow (How does I-140G fit into the case?)
#Most cases file this form together with the required evidence listed on the official form page. Verify [fees](/en/united-states/visas/fees) before filing. Check [processing times](/en/united-states/visas/processing-times) for your category. Review [requirements](/en/united-states/visas/requirements) that apply to your status.
Who uses it
Petitioners filing on behalf of a beneficiary.
When it is used
- When the official instructions list this form for your case type.
- When updating or supplementing a pending petition if requested.
Evidence strategy (What evidence does USCIS expect for I-140G?)
#- Provide clear evidence of the required gift to the Department of Commerce.
- Include documentation supporting the principal beneficiary's qualifications.
- Submit Form ETA-9089 if applicable for NIW requests.
- Ensure all documents are legible and properly translated.
- Gather employment history documentation for the last 20 years.
- Include any additional evidence requested by USCIS during processing.
Failure prevention (Why petitions are rejected or delayed)
#Technical rejections
- Ensure the petition is signed by the appropriate authority, as invalid signatures can lead to rejection.
- Submit the correct edition of the form, as using an outdated version may result in processing delays.
- Include all required pages of the form to avoid incomplete submissions that could trigger requests for evidence.
Substantive weaknesses
- Avoid inconsistencies between the petition and supporting documents, as discrepancies can lead to denials.
- Provide sufficient evidence to support claims made in the petition, particularly regarding eligibility and the required gift.
- Double-check that all required documents are included and properly formatted to meet USCIS standards.
RFE triggers and how to pre-empt (What causes RFEs for I-140G?)
#- Incomplete employment history information, which can lead to a request for additional details.
- Missing required signatures, which can result in a rejection of the petition.
- Insufficient evidence of funds for the required gift, prompting USCIS to ask for more documentation.
- Inconsistencies between the petition and supporting documents, which may raise questions about eligibility.
Eligibility signals
#- Petitioner's full legal name
- Principal beneficiary's information
- Filing fee of $15,000
- Evidence of sufficient funds for the required gift
- Legible copies of all documents
- Signature of the principal beneficiary
- Form ETA-9089 for NIW requests
- Biometric services appointment if required
Form sections (Which sections matter most on I-140G?)
#General Instructions
This section outlines the basic requirements for completing the petition, including signature and fee details.
Specific Instructions
Detailed guidance on how to fill out each part of the form, including eligibility criteria.
Processing Information
Information on what to expect after submission, including potential requests for additional evidence.
Address Change
Instructions for notifying USCIS of any address changes within 10 days.
DHS Privacy Notice
Details on how the information provided will be used and shared.
Paperwork Reduction Act
Information about the legal requirements for information collection.
What it asks for (What fields and questions appear on I-140G?)
#- Part 1. Petition Type
- Part 2. Information About the Petitioner
- Part 3. Information Principal Beneficiary Who is Requesting a Gold Card
- Item Number 3. Individual Self-Petitioner’s Full Legal Name
- Item Number 5. Sex
- Item Number 9.a. Country of Citizenship or Nationality
- Item Number 10. Alien Registration Number (A-Number)
- Item Numbers 14.a. - 14.c. Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
- Item Numbers 18. - 21. Employment History
- Part 6. Statement, Declaration, Certification, and Signature of the Principal Beneficiary
- What Is the Purpose of Form I-140G, Immigrant Petition for the Gold Card Program?
- Who May File Form I-140G?
- Eligibility
- 1. First preference alien of extraordinary ability; and
What you need before you start (What should you gather before I-140G?)
#- Provide Full legal name as on the birth certificate
- Provide Indication of sex as per birth certificate
- Provide Country of citizenship or nationality
- Provide Form I-94 admission number and expiration date
- Provide Employment history for the last 20 years
- Provide Signature of the principal beneficiary
- Provide Supporting documents for the required gift
- Provide Form ETA-9089 if seeking NIW classification
- Provide Legible copies of all submitted documents
- Provide Accurate identity details that match your supporting documents
- Provide Documents that support the information you enter
- Provide Official instructions for signature and submission rules
- Provide Signature. You (or your signing authority) must properly complete and electronically sign your petition. If the petition is
- Evidence. When you file your petition, you must submit all requested evidence and supporting documents
- Provide NOTE: If you submit original documents when they are not required or requested, the documents may be destroyed
- Provide Translations. If you submit a document with information in a foreign language, you must also submit a full English
Evidence checklist (Which documents should you prepare for I-140G?)
#- Evidence of identity (passport, government ID, or USCIS-issued document).
- Evidence of current immigration status or admission/parole.
- Evidence that supports the eligibility category selected.
- Evidence of any required family relationship or sponsorship.
Checklist (What are the key steps before filing I-140G?)
#- Review the declarations before signing.
- Submit the petition electronically or by mail.
- Include the filing fee of $15,000.
- Ensure the petition is signed by the appropriate authority.
- Provide legible copies of all required documents.
- Include translations for any foreign language documents.
- Prepare for a potential biometric services appointment.
- Check for completeness before submission.
- Confirm that all evidence supports the claims made in the petition.
- Use Adobe Reader for any electronic submissions.
- Download the current I-140G from the official form page.
- Save the PDF locally and open it in a compatible PDF viewer (PDFs often work best in Adobe Reader).
- If the form includes validation or barcode pages, complete the validation steps and include all barcode pages in your submission.
- Follow the form’s signature instructions (some PDFs require printing and hand-signing).
- Complete every required section and review for consistency.
- Follow the signature and submission instructions exactly.
- Keep copies of everything you submit.
Fees (verify before filing)
#Fees change over time and can vary by category. Verify the latest schedule before filing.
USCIS filing feesCommon mistakes (What errors delay I-140G petitions?)
#- Failing to sign the petition, leading to rejection.
- Submitting original documents when not required.
- Not providing translations for foreign language documents.
- Omitting required evidence or supporting documents.
- Incorrectly indicating the number of individuals requesting a Gold Card.
- Not including the correct filing fee.
Examples (What does a strong I-140G submission look like?)
#- Situation: An applicant is preparing I-140G and must include all required evidence. Task: They submit a complete packet within a 30-day preparation window. Action: They compile identity records, eligibility evidence, and the filing fee before submitting. Result: The petition is accepted without a request for missing items.
- Situation: A filer is close to a deadline for I-140G. Task: They submit within the required 90-day timeline. Action: They finalize the packet and file within the stated window. Result: The case proceeds without a late-filing issue.
- Situation: A petitioner must reference a receipt number. Task: They match the receipt number to the underlying petition. Action: They include the exact receipt number on I-140G and attach the notice copy. Result: USCIS can verify the underlying filing quickly.
Common misconceptions (What do people often misunderstand about I-140G?)
#- The filing fee is refundable if the petition is denied, which is incorrect as the fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
- Only U.S. citizens can file this petition, whereas both individuals and corporations can file on behalf of individuals.
- All documents must be originals; copies are acceptable unless specifically instructed otherwise.
- The required gift amount is the same for all applicants, but it varies based on whether the petitioner is an individual or a corporation.
How this guide is built (Where this I-140G guidance comes from)
#This guide is built from the official instructions for Form I-140G, ensuring that you have the most current and relevant information. It provides non-legal advice to help you navigate the application process effectively.
FAQs
What is the filing fee for Form I-140G?
The filing fee for Form I-140G is $15,000 per person. This fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of the petition, so it's important to ensure you have the correct amount ready when submitting.
What documents are required for the Gold Card petition?
You must submit evidence of the required gift, employment history, and any supporting documents that demonstrate eligibility under the Gold Card program. This includes proof of funds for the gift, which is $1 million for individuals or $2 million for corporations.
How long does it take to process Form I-140G?
Processing times can vary. Once USCIS accepts your petition, they will check it for completeness and may request additional information, which can affect the overall timeline.
Can I submit documents in a foreign language?
Yes, but you must also provide a full English translation signed by the translator, certifying its accuracy. This ensures that all information is clearly understood during the review process.
What happens if I change my address after filing?
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must notify USCIS of your new address within 10 days of moving. This is crucial to maintain communication regarding your petition.
What should I do if I receive a request for evidence?
Carefully review the request and provide the requested information or documents by the specified deadline. Failing to respond adequately may delay your petition or lead to denial.
Is an interview required for all applicants?
Not all applicants will be required to attend an interview, but USCIS may request one based on your petition. Be prepared to provide biometrics during the interview if requested.
What if I do not have an Alien Registration Number?
If you do not have an A-Number, USCIS may assign one to you during the processing of your petition. This number helps track your immigration records.
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.
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