Trump launches $1 million ‘Gold Card’ visa: Eligibility, cost, how to apply — all you need to know

The US unveils the Trump Gold Card — a high-value residency programme offering fast-track permanent residency for qualified investors and global talent.

The United States has officially rolled out President Donald Trump’s long-promised Gold Card visa, a high-value residency programme aimed at attracting wealthy investors, skilled foreign graduates, and top global talent. Applications went live on December 10, 2025, on the official website trumpcard.gov, marking one of the most sweeping immigration policy shifts of the Trump administration and a direct replacement for the long-standing EB-5 investor visa.

Announced by President Trump on Truth Social, the Gold Card is described as a “direct path to citizenship for all qualified and vetted people.” The programme offers lawful permanent residency—and eventually citizenship—to applicants who meet stringent eligibility criteria and are willing to make significant financial contributions to the US economy.

THE TRUMP GOLD CARD.

Unlock life in America. https://t.co/ui2ZkkdxEHpic.twitter.com/7pxuVvnC6z — The White House (@WhiteHouse) December 10, 2025

What is the Trump Gold Card?

The Trump Gold Card is a new US visa category based on an individual’s ability to provide a substantial economic benefit to the United States. The programme begins with a non-refundable $15,000 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) processing fee, which triggers an expedited vetting and adjudication process.

Once an applicant successfully clears DHS security and background checks, they must make a $1 million “gift” contribution to qualify for US residency. Small, additional Department of State–related fees may apply depending on the applicant’s case.

Successful applicants are granted lawful permanent residency under EB-1 or EB-2 classification, subject to visa availability.

What is the Trump Corporate Gold Card Visa?

The Corporate Gold Card allows companies to sponsor foreign-born employees for US residency. Key features include:

• A $15,000 non-refundable DHS processing fee per employee.
• A $2 million gift per employee after DHS approval.
• Corporations may sponsor multiple employees at once.
• Sponsors may transfer the gift contribution from one employee to another without paying a new $2 million fee.
• A 1% annual maintenance fee and 5% transfer fee apply to corporate-sponsored cards.
• Small State Department fees may also apply depending on the employee’s case.

Who is eligible to apply for Trump Gold Card Visa?

To qualify for the Trump Gold Card:

• Applicants must be eligible for lawful permanent residency.
• They must be admissible to the United States.
• A visa number must be available at the time of adjudication.

The programme is aimed at high-net-worth individuals, successful entrepreneurs, high-value professionals, and skilled foreign graduates.

Can family members apply for Trump Gold Card Visa?

Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can be included in the initial Gold Card application and receive the same expedited benefits. However, each dependent must pay a separate $15,000 DHS processing fee along with a $1 million gift contribution, whether they are applying individually or as part of a corporate-sponsored case.

How do applicants pay for Trump Gold Card Visa?

• $15,000 non-refundable processing fee: Payable via credit card (U.S. and international) or ACH debit (U.S. bank accounts only).
• $1 million or $2 million gift payment: After DHS vetting, applicants or sponsors receive email instructions to pay via ACH debit or SWIFT wire transfer (U.S. and international accounts).
• Visa-related fees: Includes visa application charges and medical exam costs, payable separately as instructed by the U.S. Department of State.

How long does the Trump Gold Card Visa process take?

Once DHS receives the processing fee and application, processing generally takes a few weeks. Applicants must attend a visa interview and provide all required documents promptly. However, the programme notes that applicants from certain countries may face wait times of up to a year or more, depending on visa availability.

What is the Trump Platinum Card?

The Trump administration has also announced the forthcoming Platinum Card, a higher-tier $5 million option designed for ultra-wealthy applicants. This premium category will allow individuals to reside in the US for up to 270 days a year, avoid US taxation on non-US income, and enjoy visa-free travel benefits. More details on the programme are expected to be released soon.

Can Gold Card status be revoked?

Gold Card status can be revoked under circumstances similar to other US visas, including national security concerns, serious criminal activity, or failure to meet required obligations. Approved cardholders must also comply with US tax laws on worldwide income unless they choose the upcoming Platinum category, which offers different tax provisions.

How to apply for the Trump Gold Card Visa

Applications are accepted exclusively on trumpcard.gov. The steps include:

1. Choose your category: Gold Card (individual), Corporate Gold Card, or Platinum waitlist.

2. Fill out the online application with required details.

3. Create a myUSCIS.gov account for updates.

4. Pay the $15,000 DHS processing fee.

5. Complete DHS vetting and background checks.

6. After approval, pay the $1 million (individual) or $2 million (corporate) gift.

7. Receive EB-1 or EB-2 permanent resident status, subject to availability.

The Trump Gold Card marks one of the most significant shifts in US immigration policy, offering a fast-tracked but high-cost path to permanent residency for wealthy investors, top talent, and global professionals. With its steep financial requirements and expedited processing, the programme is set to reshape how high-net-worth individuals pursue American residency in the years ahead.