Trump announced the initiative on Wednesday via social media, describing the programme as a “direct path to citizenship for all qualified and vetted people,” adding that it would help American companies retain “invaluable talent.”
According to the scheme’s official website, the Gold Card is a premium US visa available to individuals who can demonstrate that their presence will bring “substantial benefit” to the country. The programme comes amid the Trump administration’s intensified immigration crackdown, which includes higher work visa fees and stricter enforcement measures.
The Gold Card promises expedited residency processing and requires a minimum payment of $1 million, which the programme describes as proof of the applicant’s potential economic contribution. Companies seeking to sponsor foreign employees must pay $2 million, while a “platinum” version of the card—offering additional tax incentives—will soon be available for $5 million.
Applicants must also pay a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee, with additional government charges possible depending on individual circumstances.
The scheme has faced criticism from Democrats since it was proposed earlier this year, with opponents arguing that it creates an unfair system favouring the wealthy. Trump, however, maintains that the programme targets “high-level professionals” and job creators.
“The people who can pay $5 million are going to create jobs,” Trump said, predicting that the Gold Card “will sell like crazy.”
The launch coincides with sweeping immigration actions by the Trump administration, including mass deportations, a pause on immigration applications from 19 countries listed under Trump’s travel restrictions, and a halt to all asylum decisions pending review of thousands of cases approved under President Joe Biden.
In September, the administration also introduced a $100,000 fee for H-1B skilled worker visa applicants currently outside the US—a move that sparked concern among international students and tech firms. The White House later clarified that the fee applies only to new overseas applicants.
