Trump Unveils $1 Million ‘Gold Card’ Visa Offering Fast-Track US Residency
Former US President Donald Trump has introduced a new immigration pathway that grants rapid residency to wealthy applicants willing to pay a minimum of $1 million.
Announcing the launch on social media, Trump described the Trump Gold Card as a “direct path to citizenship for qualified and vetted individuals”, adding that it would help American companies retain “valuable talent”.
What Is the Trump Gold Card?
According to the programme’s official website, the Gold Card is a special US visa for individuals who can demonstrate a significant economic contribution to the country. The initiative was initially teased earlier this year and now forms part of the administration’s broader effort to overhaul immigration rules.
The visa promises “record-time” processing, with the $1 million fee itself considered proof that an applicant will bring substantial financial benefit to the United States.
Higher Costs for Employers and Premium Options
Businesses looking to bring in foreign professionals through the scheme will have to pay $2 million, plus additional government fees.
A “Platinum Card”, offering tax incentives and other premium benefits, is expected to launch soon at $5 million.
Each applicant must also pay a non-refundable $15,000 processing charge before their case is reviewed.
Criticism Over Wealth-Based Immigration
The plan has drawn significant criticism since first being announced in February. Several Democratic lawmakers argue the initiative prioritises wealthy individuals, creating an immigration system that benefits only the elite.
When unveiling the concept, Trump compared the Gold Card to a green card — which allows people from diverse economic backgrounds to live and work in the US before becoming eligible for citizenship after five years. However, he stressed that the new visa targets “high-level professionals”.
“We want productive people,” Trump said, adding that applicants willing to invest millions “will create jobs”. He predicted the programme would be highly popular, calling it “a bargain”.
Launch Comes Amid Broader Immigration Crackdown
The introduction of the Gold Card coincides with an aggressive tightening of immigration rules under the Trump administration. Authorities have:
- Increased fees for work visas
- Accelerated deportations of undocumented immigrants
- Reinstated restrictions on applicants from 19 countries — mostly in Africa and the Middle East
- Paused asylum decisions while re-evaluating cases approved under President Biden
In September, Trump also signed an order requiring a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applicants seeking skilled-worker jobs. The announcement initially caused widespread concern among international students and technology firms, though the White House later clarified the fee applies only to first-time applicants currently living outside the US.