The Trump administration has officially launched the Gold Card Visa Program, a new immigration initiative offering a direct pathway to US permanent residency and citizenship for qualified applicants. The program, announced via a government website and President Trump’s social media post, is designed to attract high-net-worth individuals and top global talent to the United States.
What Is the Gold Card Visa?
The Gold Card Visa provides a fast-track route to permanent residency for foreign nationals who meet strict eligibility and vetting requirements. Key features include:
- $1 million contribution to the US Treasury for individual applicants.
- $2 million contribution for corporate-sponsored applicants.
- Non-refundable $15,000 processing fee per applicant.
- Eligibility under EB-1 or EB-2 visa categories, typically reserved for individuals with extraordinary ability or advanced professional qualifications.
Applicants must be admissible under US immigration law, pass comprehensive security screening, and meet all requirements for permanent resident status.
Platinum Tier Coming Soon
A future Platinum Card option will allow individuals to spend up to 270 days per year in the US without triggering US tax obligations on foreign income, for a $5 million contribution. Interested applicants can join a waitlist via the official program website.
Why It Matters
The Gold Card program reflects the administration’s strategy to:
- Retain highly skilled foreign graduates from US universities.
- Attract substantial foreign investment to boost economic growth.
- Offer businesses a tool to secure top global talent amid tightening immigration rules.
Important Details
- Financial commitment does not guarantee approval – applicants must meet all legal and security requirements.
- Gold Card holders will pay US taxes like other permanent residents.
- Violations of DHS rules or national security concerns can lead to visa revocation.
Next Steps
The official Gold Card application portal is now live. Interested individuals and corporations can register to apply. The Platinum Card tier will be introduced at a later date.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.