Trump Unveils $1M ‘Gold Card’ Visa With New Path To US Residency

Last Updated:December 11, 2025, 07:14 IST

Calling it “somewhat like a green card, but with big advantages over a green card”, Trump said the Gold Card enables corporations to secure foreign talent through sponsorship.

Gold Card will give holders the right to live in the United States. (Photo Credit: X)

US President Donald Trump on Thursday unveiled the new ‘Gold Card’ visa, a pathway that allows foreign nationals to obtain permanent-resident status by donating $1 million to the US Treasury. The White House has opened online applications, positioning the program as a fast-track option for individuals and a major new tool for companies seeking to retain high-skilled foreign workers.

Calling it “somewhat like a green card, but with big advantages over a green card," Trump said the Gold Card enables corporations to secure foreign talent through sponsorship. “Companies are going to be able to go to the Wharton School of Finance, Stern Business School, Harvard, MIT, wherever you may get your students… and you’re able to buy a card and keep that person in the United States," he said.

Trump hailed the program as a way to keep top global graduates, often required to return to their home countries, in the US workforce. “The companies will be very happy… I know Apple is going to be happy. Nobody talked to me more about it than Tim Cook," he said.

What Trump Gold Card Offers: Cost & Benefits

According to the official website, applicants must pay a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee to the Department of Homeland Security. Once processed, petitions will be handled on an expedited basis, provided additional documents and fees are submitted promptly. After vetting, applicants must make a $1 million “gift" to the US government, which is treated as evidence that the individual “substantially benefits the United States." Additional State Department fees may apply based on individual circumstances.

A corporate version of the visa, the ‘Trump Corporate Gold Card,’ allows companies to sponsor one or more employees. Corporate sponsors must pay a $15,000 processing fee per employee, followed by a $2 million gift per employee after vetting. Notably, companies may later transfer this $2 million gift to sponsor a different employee without making a new contribution. The corporate card carries a 1% annual maintenance fee and a 5% transfer fee, which includes a new DHS background check.

What Trump’s Said On Programme

“Very excitingly for me and for the country, we’ve just launched the Trump Gold Card… It’s somewhat like a green card, but with big advantages over a green card."

“Companies will be able to go to any school, buy a card, and keep that person in the United States."

“It’s a gift to get somebody great coming into our country… because we think there will be some tremendous people who otherwise wouldn’t have been allowed to stay."

Trump said the program is designed to keep highly trained graduates—including those from India, China and France—from being forced to leave the U.S. upon completing their studies.

‘Best Vetting Govt Has Ever Done’

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick defended the pricing structure, saying individuals must contribute $1 million and corporations $2 million to bring an employee in. He said the Gold Card uses “the best vetting the government has ever done… $15,000 vetting to make sure these people absolutely qualify to be in America."

Applications for both individual and corporate Gold Cards are now live on the official government portal.

News world Trump Unveils $1M ‘Gold Card’ Visa With New Path To US Residency

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