What are gold and platinum visa schemes Trump unveiled: Difference between the two and the Corporate card explained

Trump rolls out $1 million ‘Gold Card’

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order launching the “Gold Card” visa program, which he said would fast-track entry for certain immigrants in exchange for a substantial fee.

“They’re going to spend a lot of money to come in. It’s going to raise billions of dollars, billions and billions of dollars, which is going to go to reduce taxes, pay off debt, and for other good things,” Trump said in the Oval Office.

#WATCH | US President Donald J Trump signs the Executive Order for a 'Gold Card' visa programme with fees set at $1 million for individuals and $2 million for businesses.

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(Source: The White House/ YouTube) pic.twitter.com/UjSLTPxsJn

— ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2025

The program is designed to attract wealthy individuals and businesses, as well as foreigners with “extraordinary” abilities who seek to contribute to the United States.

Announced at a White House event alongside Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, the plan also features a forthcoming “Platinum Card” option costing $5 million, which allows holders to spend up to 270 days a year in the U.S. without being taxed on non-U.S. income.

A separate “Trump Corporate Gold Card” enables companies to transfer access between employees for a fee. It requires Department of Homeland Security vetting and includes a small annual maintenance charge.

Lutnick confirmed that the Gold Card will replace existing EB-1 and EB-2 visas for individuals with extraordinary or exceptional ability. He indicated that within a month of rollout, other green card categories may be suspended in favor of the new model.

What is Gold card and Corporate Gold Card? 

The Trump Gold Card is a visa designed for individuals who can provide substantial benefits to the United States. According to its official website, applicants must contribute $1 million as a non-refundable “gift” to demonstrate significant value to the country. Once the processing fee and required documents are submitted, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reviews the application. Upon approval, successful applicants gain U.S. residency through this route.

The Corporate Gold Card is aimed at companies seeking to sponsor foreign employees. Businesses must invest $2 million for each worker, with the flexibility to transfer the contribution to another employee if sponsorship ends, without making a fresh investment. Additional requirements include DHS vetting, an annual maintenance fee, and transfer charges.

What is a Platinum card? 

The Platinum Card, priced at $5 million, offers holders the ability to remain in the U.S. for up to 270 days each year without being taxed on foreign income. “We expect these changes to generate more than $100 billion,” said Lutnick, highlighting the program’s potential to significantly boost government revenue.

Will these cards replace the H1-B visa? 

In an X post, Sean Spicer, host of The Morning Meeting, shared President Trump’s remarks on the new visa initiatives. Asked about the distinction between traditional H-1B visas, often criticized for taking American jobs, and programs like the Gold Card or EB-5, which are seen as adding value and creating employment in the U.S., Trump responded:

"I would say that's a correct assessment. But the main thing is we're going to have great people coming in and they're going to be paying."

He added, "The gold card will be taken in hundreds of billions of dollars...And we're going to take that money and we're going to reduce taxes. We're going to reduce debt. We have a very, very strong country."