In a major policy move aimed at reshaping America’s high-skilled immigration system, U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled the new Trump gold card program on Thursday. The initiative promises long-term residency to wealthy foreign nationals who meet strict eligibility and financial requirements. Priced at $1 million (approximately ₹9 crore), the Gold Card offers a pathway to live and work in the United States with most of the rights enjoyed by American citizens-excluding voting privileges and a U.S. passport.
Trump described the program as a decisive shift toward a merit-driven immigration structure designed to attract global talent and boost federal revenue. Companies sponsoring foreign professionals, however, will pay an even higher amount, with corporate fees going up to $2 million per applicant.
A Revised Vision After Earlier Announcements
This announcement follows Trump’s earlier proposal, made in February, to introduce a similar visa category under the same name. At that time, the cost was expected to be around $5 million, which was later reduced to a more accessible $1 million for individual applicants. According to the administration, the revision aims to strike a balance between encouraging foreign investment and keeping the program competitive globally.
While unveiling the Trump gold card program, the President emphasized that U.S. visas should benefit highly skilled and talented individuals—not those who could potentially compete with American workers in low-skill job markets. He also stated that the revenue collected through this initiative would help reduce federal taxes and pay down national debt.
What the Gold Card Offers
The Trump Gold Card grants unlimited residency rights, functioning in many ways like a permanent resident card. Recipients can live, work, invest, and travel freely within the country. While they are not granted voting rights or a passport, they do receive nearly all other privileges available to U.S. permanent residents.
Alongside the Gold Card, the administration is preparing to launch additional categories, including:
- Trump Gold Card (now open)
- Trump Platinum Card (launching soon)
- Corporate Gold Card (already introduced for businesses)
The Platinum Card will offer limited annual stay rights, while the Corporate Gold Card allows companies to sponsor select employees for residency through higher contribution amounts.
Replacing Existing Visa Categories
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced that the new Gold Card category may eventually replace the long-standing EB-1 and EB-2 visa pathways—two of the most sought-after employment-based green card routes in the U.S.
- EB-1 visas currently cater to individuals of extraordinary ability, outstanding professors, researchers, and multinational executives.
- EB-2 visas target professionals with advanced degrees, such as a master’s degree or higher.
If phased out, the Trump gold card program could become the primary route for wealthy investors, high-skilled professionals, and entrepreneurs seeking permanent U.S. residency.
Key Questions and Answers on the Trump Gold Card Program
1. What exactly is the Trump Gold Card?
The Trump Gold Card is a newly introduced long-term residency program offering foreigners the opportunity to live and work in the United States. It functions similarly to a high-value visa and provides a potential pathway toward U.S. citizenship through existing naturalization rules.
2. Who is eligible for this card?
Unlike traditional green card categories, which evaluate skills, job offers, or family ties, the Trump gold card program is designed primarily for:
- High-net-worth individuals
- Business owners and investors
- Corporate executives
- Highly skilled professionals with proven achievements
The central requirement is the ability to invest $1 million as part of the immigration process.
3. What is the Corporate Gold Card?
The Corporate Gold Card is issued to foreign employees sponsored by their companies. Each sponsored applicant requires:
- A non-refundable $15,000 DHS processing fee
- A $2 million contribution once the waiting period is cleared
Companies can use the same card for a different employee if sponsorship changes, though additional maintenance and transfer fees apply.
4. Can companies transfer sponsored employees?
Yes. If a company replaces one sponsored employee with another, it does not need to repay the full investment. However, it must cover:
- 1% annual maintenance fee
- 5% transfer fee, which includes background checks and administrative processing
5. What benefits does the applicant receive?
Successful applicants receive:
- Permanent residency under guidelines similar to EB-1 or EB-2
- The right to live and work indefinitely in the U.S.
- The ability to apply for citizenship after meeting legal residency requirements
6. Can family members be included?
Yes. A spouse and unmarried children under age 21 can be added to the application. Each dependent requires:
- A $15,000 DHS fee
- A $1 million contribution
All family members also receive expedited processing.
7. How does the application process work?
Applicants must submit an online request and pay the initial DHS fee. After the mandatory waiting and screening period, they receive instructions to proceed with the final investment payment. All further steps, document submissions, and verifications are handled through official government portals.
8. How are payments made?
- The $15,000 initial fee can be paid using a U.S. or international credit card, or through ACH debit for U.S. banks.
- The $1 million or $2 million investment can be paid via ACH debit or international wire transfer after approval.
- Additional government fees for visa processing are charged separately.
9. What is the Trump Platinum Card?
The upcoming Platinum Card allows the holder to stay in the U.S. for up to 270 days per year without requiring a travel visa. It offers extended stays but not permanent residency.
10. What are the benefits of the Platinum Card?
Platinum Card holders will not be required to pay taxes on income earned outside the United States, making it appealing to global entrepreneurs and investors.
Note: Current U.S. citizens and existing green card holders are not eligible for the Gold or Platinum card programs.
