Washington: US President Donald Trump has launched the long-anticipated ‘Trump Gold Card’ scheme, a fast-tracked US visa programme designed for wealthy foreign nationals willing to pay at least $1 million for accelerated residency and a pathway to citizenship.
Announced earlier this year and now fully activated, the programme promises a direct path to citizenship for all qualified and vetted people, Trump said on social media, calling it an exciting opportunity for American companies to retain invaluable talent.
.@POTUS: “Very excitingly for me and for the country, we’ve just launched the Trump Gold Card… all funds go to the United States Government. It could be a tremendous amount of money… It’s somewhat like a green card, but with big advantages over a green card.” https://t.co/QOq70LZsve pic.twitter.com/NkzWikGIDf
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) December 10, 2025
According to the scheme’s official website, the Trump Gold Card targets high-earning professionals and investors who can demonstrate a substantial benefit to the United States. The card guarantees residency approval in ‘record time’, with the $1 million fee itself counted as evidence of the applicant’s economic value to the country.
Businesses wishing to sponsor employees must pay $2 million plus additional charges, while a premium Platinum Gold Card providing special tax incentives will be introduced soon for $5 million.
The programme also includes a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee, with the possibility of further government charges depending on individual circumstances. Images of the Gold Card website widely circulated online, depict the slogan ‘Unlock life in America’ alongside a gold-toned card featuring Trump’s portrait.
Growing criticism over wealth-focused immigration pathway
Since its initial announcement in February, the Gold Card has drawn backlash from several Democrats who argue that the visa model unfairly prioritises wealthy individuals over ordinary immigrants. Critics say the scheme stands in stark contrast to traditional US green cards, which are available to applicants regardless of income.
Trump, however, has defended the programme, emphasising its focus on productive individuals and job creators. Trump remarked that, “The people that can pay $5 million, they’re going to create jobs. It’s going to sell like crazy. It’s a bargain.”
The rollout comes as the administration escalates its broader immigration restrictions. The US has raised fees for work visas, ramped up deportations of undocumented migrants and paused immigration applications from 19 countries, mostly in Africa and the Middle East affected by the president’s travel ban.
Additionally, the government has frozen decisions on all asylum cases and begun reviewing thousands approved during President Joe Biden’s tenure.
In September, Trump also signed an order imposing a $100,000 fee on new overseas applicants for the H-1B skilled worker visa, causing widespread concern among international students and technology firms. The White House later clarified that the charge applies only to new applicants currently abroad.
The Gold Card scheme is expected to attract significant global attention as it introduces one of the most expensive visa pathways in US history.
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