The long-awaited U.S. golden visa program, known as the Trump Gold Card, is now live. It provides wealthy foreign nationals a direct pathway to permanent U.S. residency starting at $1 million per person. Former President Donald Trump unveiled the program at the White House, aiming to attract high-net-worth investors and reshape the country’s immigration and economic policies.
What the U.S. Golden Visa Program Offers
The U.S. golden visa program speeds up the process for individuals and businesses that want U.S. residency and eventual citizenship through substantial financial contributions. Under the Trump Gold Card initiative, applicants gain expedited permanent residency by contributing $1 million and paying a $15,000 processing fee after a background check. Corporations can sponsor foreign employees by contributing $2 million per person.
The government promotes the visa as “a stronger version of the green card,” allowing holders to live and work across all 50 states. Applicants who complete the steps gain legal permanent resident status similar to EB-1 or EB-2 visa categories, giving them a more direct path to citizenship.
Why the Program Matters Now
This launch marks a major shift in U.S. immigration strategy. Trump and his team say the U.S. golden visa program will attract “top global talent,” especially graduates from elite U.S. universities who often struggle with long-term visa options. The administration also plans to use the program to generate federal revenue and stimulate economic growth as wealthy investors begin contributing to local communities.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick reported that tens of thousands of people registered before the official launch, showing strong global demand. Analysts predict that the program could generate billions for the federal budget, which Trump says could fund national development projects.
Costs and Who Can Apply
The cost structure of the U.S. golden visa program has become one of its biggest talking points. Applicants must pay a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee to the Department of Homeland Security and undergo a detailed background check. After approval, they submit the $1 million contribution to secure permanent residence through the Trump Gold Card.
Applicants can include their spouse and unmarried children under 21, although each additional family member may require separate fees. Companies that sponsor foreign workers must contribute $2 million per employee, helping them retain skilled international talent.
A Platinum Card, priced at $5 million, is also under development. This version may allow holders to stay in the U.S. for up to 270 days per year without paying taxes on foreign income. Officials have not yet finalized the details or release date.
Eligibility and Application Steps
Applicants must meet standard U.S. admissibility criteria and pass an extensive vetting process conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, the State Department, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
After completing the background check and paying the processing fee, applicants must fulfill the contribution requirement. Once approved, they receive permanent residency, allowing them to live, work, and study anywhere in the United States. After meeting residency and legal conditions, they may later apply for citizenship.
How It Differs from Traditional Investor Visas
The U.S. golden visa program departs significantly from the older EB-5 investor visa. Under EB-5 rules, applicants typically needed to invest $800,000–$1,050,000 in qualifying businesses and create or preserve at least 10 U.S. jobs, a process many found complex and lengthy.
The Trump Gold Card removes those job-creation requirements. Instead, applicants directly contribute funds to the U.S. government and access a clearer, faster route to residency. Supporters say the program modernizes investment-based immigration, while critics argue it prioritizes wealth over broader community benefits.
Mixed Reactions and What Lies Ahead
Public reactions remain divided. Supporters in the business and investment sectors praise the program for attracting international capital and talent. Critics warn it may undermine fairness by making immigration easier for the wealthy.
As applications roll in and implementation details become clearer, the program’s real impact on U.S. immigration trends and economic growth will continue to unfold.
Read More about: Permanent Pause on Migration from All So-Called “Third World Countries”
