Trump's "Gold Card" Visa Program Goes Live: What You Need to Know
A new $1 million fast track immigration pathway to U.S. residency launched on December 10, 2025
President Donald Trump officially launched the "Trump Gold Card" visa program on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. This new program offers an expedited pathway to U.S. residency for wealthy individuals and corporations willing to make significant financial contributions to the United States government.
1 What is the Trump Gold Card?
The Gold Card is a new immigration pathway that allows foreigners to pay $1 million to expedite their visa application, or have companies pay $2 million to sponsor a foreign worker they want to bring into the U.S.
According to the official website (trumpcard.gov), the Trump Gold Card is described as a visa based upon an individual's ability to "provide a substantial benefit to the United States."
"Basically it's a Green Card, but much better. Much more powerful, a much stronger path," Trump told reporters at the White House.
2 How Does the Application Process Work?
The process begins with applicants paying a $15,000 nonrefundable Department of Homeland Security processing fee to initiate their application. Following this, applicants must undergo a thorough background check conducted by DHS.
Once a person is approved, they are required to make a $1 million contribution (referred to as a "gift") to the U.S. government. The website promises U.S. residency "in record time" after completing these steps, with processing expected to take weeks rather than the years typical of traditional pathways.
💰 Cost Breakdown
3 What Do Successful Applicants Receive?
A successful applicant receives lawful permanent resident status as an EB-1 or EB-2 visa holder. These are employment-based visas typically awarded to individuals with extraordinary or exceptional abilities in their fields.
President Trump stated that the Gold Card visas hold the same privileges as a traditional green card, allowing holders to live and work permanently in the United States.
4 Corporate Gold Card Option
The Trump Corporate Gold Card is designed for businesses wishing to sponsor foreign employees. Companies must pay the $15,000 nonrefundable processing fee for each employee, and once vetting is complete, the corporate sponsor must pay a $2 million contribution per employee.
One notable feature: corporate sponsors may transfer sponsorship from one employee to another without paying a new $2 million contribution, though this is subject to a 1% annual maintenance fee and a 5% transfer fee.
"You can't hire people from the best colleges because you don't know whether or not you can keep the person," Trump said, explaining the program's appeal to business leaders.
5 Coming Soon: The Platinum Card
The Trump Platinum Card has not yet been launched, but interested applicants can join a waitlist. This premium option, expected to cost $5 million, will allow holders to live in the U.S. for 270 days per year without being subject to tax on non-U.S. income.
The administration has indicated that the Platinum Card contribution may increase, encouraging interested parties to join the waitlist early.
✓ Key Points to Remember
- There is no cap on the number of Gold Cards that can be issued
- Visas can be revoked if a person poses a national security risk
- Certain nationalities may face longer processing times based on visa availability
- Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can be included but each requires separate fees and contributions
- The program modifies the existing EB-5 immigrant investor visa program
- Commerce Secretary Lutnick said some 10,000 people have already signed up during the pre-registration period
💡 What This Means for Students
This program is designed specifically for high net worth individuals seeking an expedited path to U.S. residency. For students and professionals seeking funded graduate opportunities, traditional pathways such as student visas (F-1), work visas (H-1B), and scholarship funded programs remain the most accessible and practical routes to studying and working in the United States.