President Donald Trump has officially launched the Trump Gold Card, a new immigration program allowing foreign nationals to gain U.S. residency through substantial financial contributions. The program provides a fast-tracked pathway for individuals and businesses, requiring applicants to pay a $15,000 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) processing fee and, upon background approval, a contribution of $1 million for individuals or $2 million for corporate-sponsored employees.
The Trump Gold Card is intended for applicants who can demonstrate they will provide a “substantial benefit” to the United States. Successful applicants will receive lawful permanent resident status under employment-based EB-1 or EB-2 visas, which are reserved for individuals with extraordinary or exceptional abilities. Family members, including spouses and children under 21, may be included in the application for additional fees.
Applicants begin the process online and must complete DHS vetting before submitting the contribution. Following approval, they attend a visa interview and submit any additional documentation requested by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the Department of State. The process is expected to take several weeks.
In addition to the Gold Card, the administration previewed the Trump Platinum Card, which will allow eligible foreign nationals to spend up to 270 days per year in the United States without being subject to taxes on non-U.S. income. The Platinum Card requires a $15,000 DHS processing fee and a $5 million contribution, and the program has opened a waiting list for interested applicants.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick described the program as a “much more powerful” version of the green card, emphasizing that it will ensure “these are the best people coming in; they’re economically capable of driving our economy.” Trump also said that the cards will allow “our Great American Companies [to] finally keep their invaluable Talent.”
