Trump Launches 'Gold Card' Visa Programme: Fast-Track US Residency for $1 Million
US President Donald Trump officially launched his long-promised ‘Gold Card’ visa programme on Wednesday, opening a new, high-speed lane for wealthy individuals and corporations to secure US residency. The programme, designed to replace the traditional EB-5 visa system, allows applicants to essentially purchase legal permanent residency and a pathway to citizenship—if they have the funds.
The initiative aims to attract top global talent and generate billions for the US Treasury by offering a faster, more lucrative alternative to existing immigration routes.
What Is The Trump Gold Card?
The Trump Gold Card is a premium US visa initiative offering legal permanent residency (Green Card) to those willing to invest significant capital directly into the US government.
It is meant to replace the EB-5 visa programme, which has existed since 1990. Unlike the EB-5, which required investment in job-creating commercial enterprises and often involved complex regulatory hurdles, the Gold Card is positioned as a direct "gift" to the Treasury in exchange for status.
The Price Tag: How Much Does It Cost?
The programme comes with a steep price of entry, categorized for individuals and corporate sponsors:
- Processing Fee: A non-refundable $15,000 fee per applicant or corporate sponsor just to apply.
- Individual Investment: A $1 million "gift" to the US government upon approval.
- Corporate Investment: Companies sponsoring foreign-born employees must pay $2 million per employee.
- Additional Costs: Applicants are also responsible for standard visa-related fees and medical exam costs.
Who Can Apply?
- Individuals: Anyone eligible for lawful permanent residency and admissible to the US.
- Corporations: US companies looking to sponsor top foreign talent.
- Family Members: Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can be included in the application, though they are subject to additional fees.
How To Apply: The Process
The administration has streamlined the process through a dedicated portal:
- Visit: The official website trumpcard.gov.
- Select: Choose between Individual, Corporate, or the Platinum waitlist.
- Register: Fill in personal or corporate details and create a myUSCIS.gov account.
- Pay Fee: Submit the $15,000 non-refundable processing fee.
- Vetting: Undergo rigorous background checks by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
- Final Payment: Once vetted and approved, pay the $1 million or $2 million investment via credit card, ACH debit, or SWIFT wire transfer.
Benefits & Rules
Successful applicants receive Legal Permanent Resident status (typically under EB-1 or EB-2 categories) with expedited processing compared to traditional backlogged paths. It also offers a potential pathway to full US citizenship.
However, there are strict caveats:
- Revocation: Status can be revoked for national security concerns or serious criminal activity.
- Taxes: All Gold Card holders are subject to US taxes on their worldwide income.
- Wait Times: Despite the "fast-track" label, nationals from certain countries may still face visa wait times of a year or more due to per-country caps.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
The Gold Card programme marks a significant shift in US immigration policy, moving towards a merit and wealth-based system. While it offers a golden ticket for the ultra-wealthy, critics argue it commodifies US citizenship, while supporters hail it as a debt-free way to boost the economy.