Trump Unveils $1 Million ‘Gold Card’ Visa for Wealthy Foreign Applicants
President Donald Trump has introduced a new fast-track immigration programme that offers wealthy foreign nationals a pathway to live – and potentially become citizens – in the United States, provided they can pay a minimum of $1 million.
Announced formally on Wednesday, the initiative – branded the Trump Gold Card – is described by the administration as a route for “qualified and vetted” applicants who can demonstrate significant economic value to the country. In a social media post, Trump said the card would give recipients a “direct path to citizenship” and help American companies retain “invaluable talent.”
The programme, first disclosed earlier in the year, grants residency to individuals who can prove they will deliver a “substantial benefit” to the U.S. economy. According to details published on the official website, the scheme promises accelerated processing times for successful applicants. The $1 million payment is positioned as evidence of the applicant’s contribution to national economic interests.
Companies seeking to sponsor foreign employees must pay $2 million in addition to other charges. A higher-tier option – the Platinum Card – is expected to roll out soon, offering additional tax incentives for a $5 million fee.
Applicants must also pay a non-refundable $15,000 processing charge before their documentation is reviewed, and the programme notes that other government fees may apply depending on the case.
The initiative has prompted criticism from several Democratic lawmakers, who argue the system favours wealthy individuals and undermines the broader principles of U.S. immigration policy. When Trump first introduced the concept, he likened the status to a green card – the long-standing permit that allows immigrants to live and work permanently in the country regardless of income level – though the Gold Card targets “high-level” professionals.
“We want people that are productive,” Trump said earlier in the year, adding that applicants who can invest millions of dollars “are going to create jobs” and predicting demand would be strong.
The launch comes at a time when the administration is intensifying its immigration enforcement. Washington has increased fees for certain work visas, expanded deportations of undocumented migrants, and temporarily halted decisions on asylum claims. The government has also suspended visa processing for applicants from 19 countries – largely in Africa and the Middle East – listed under the president’s travel restrictions.
In September, the administration announced a proposed $100,000 fee for new applicants to the H-1B skilled-worker visa programme, sparking concern among international students and technology companies. Officials later said the fee would apply only to new applicants currently residing outside the United States.
