Donald Trump launches ‘Trump Gold Card’ visa programme; applications open at $1 million fee
PTC Web Desk: US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced the formal launch of the application process for the Trump Gold Card, a new long-term residency and visa programme aimed at high-net-worth individuals, global talent and major investors. Applications for the programme open today, with the individual fee set at USD 1 million (approximately Rs 8.8 crore). For companies, the cost is USD 2 million per applicant.
Trump first unveiled the Gold Card visa concept in February this year, originally pricing it at USD 5 million. The fee was later revised in September and reduced to USD 1 million to broaden accessibility for wealthy foreign investors and highly skilled professionals.
Speaking at the launch, Trump said the initiative aligns with his America First agenda, designed to retain top global talent, especially highly educated students from countries like India and China, and attract multinational companies to base their operations in the United States. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem added that the programme would “draw the world’s most successful entrepreneurs.”
Trump also confirmed that a Platinum Card, expected to cost around USD 5 million, will soon be introduced as part of the expanded visa framework.
Unlimited residency, not citizenship
The Trump Gold Card offers unlimited residency in the US, granting nearly all rights similar to a US citizen, except voting rights and a US passport. The system functions similarly to the current green card process.
According to Trump, the programme is specifically designed for wealthy foreigners who can pay the required fee to live and work in the US. He emphasised that the new system will prioritise “talented individuals” over those who “take away American jobs.” Trump further stated that revenue collected from the programme will be used to lower taxes and reduce federal debt.
Three new visa categories
Alongside the Gold Card, Trump introduced three new visa card types:
Trump Gold Card – Offers permanent, unlimited residency.
Trump Platinum Card – Expected to launch soon; allows stays of up to 270 days per year without a travel visa.
Trump Corporate Gold Card – Issued to companies for their employees under specific terms.
United States Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick confirmed that the Gold Card is expected to replace existing EB-1 and EB-2 visa categories, potentially phasing out these traditional green card pathways.
Corporate gold card: Rules & fees
The Corporate Gold Card allows companies to sponsor employees.
A non-refundable DHS fee of USD 15,000 is required per employee.
After background vetting, the company must pay USD 2 million per employee.
If a company wants to transfer sponsorship to a different employee, the original fee is not charged again.
A 1% annual maintenance fee and 5% transfer fee (including a new DHS background check) apply.
Benefits for applicants
Gold Card applicants receive Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card equivalent) status through EB-1 or EB-2 categories. The programme also supports family inclusion:
Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can be added to the application.
Each dependent requires a separate USD 15,000 DHS fee plus USD 1 million.
Application process
Applications must be filed online through trumpcard.gov, along with the initial USD 15,000 processing fee. After DHS completes the vetting stage, applicants are instructed to pay the remaining amount.
USCIS then sends official directions via email for creating a myUSCIS.gov account and uploading required documents.
Trump Platinum Card: Key features (coming soon)
Allows up to 270 days of stay per year without a travel visa.
Holders do not pay US taxes on foreign-earned income.
However, US citizens and existing green card holders are not eligible for this programme.
- With inputs from agencies
