US launches $1M Trump gold and platinum cards: Here's how to apply, cost, and eligibility

Trump Gold and Platinum cards: How to apply, cost, eligibility

US President Donald Trump’s administration has launched a new immigration pathway branded as the ‘Trump Gold Card’, with a higher-tier ‘Platinum Card’ promised soon.

The initiative, showcased on the government platform trumpcard.gov, is being pitched as a premium, fast-track route to US residency, and in some cases, a step toward citizenship, for individuals and corporations willing to make large financial contributions.

At the White House launch, Trump said many talented graduates from countries like India, China, and France leave the US due to visa limitations. “We think these will be some tremendous people that wouldn’t be allowed to stay… It’s ridiculous, we are taking care of that,” he said, adding that companies such as Apple would benefit.

He also noted that “billions of dollars will go into the Treasuries of the US,” calling the Gold Card “somewhat like a green card, but with big advantages.”

How to apply

Applications must be filed through trumpcard.gov.

Steps include:

• Selecting the Gold Card, Corporate Gold Card, or Platinum waitlist
• Entering personal details
• Creating a myUSCIS.gov account
• Paying the $15,000 processing fee
• Completing vetting and wiring the $1 million or $2 million contribution
• Payments can be made by credit card, ACH debit (US only), or international wire transfer.

What is Trump's Gold Card?

The official website displays a mock version of the card featuring Trump’s image, the Statue of Liberty, the American flag, and a bald eagle. According to the platform, the Gold Card promises “accelerated” access to the US and “unmatched opportunities” for those who can contribute economically.

“When launched, and upon receipt of a $15,000 DHS processing fee and $5 million contribution, they will have the ability to spend up to 270 days in the United States without being subject to U.S. taxes on non-U.S. income,” the website notes.

Applicants approved under this program receive lawful permanent residency through either the EB-1 or EB-2 categories, existing visa tracks meant for highly skilled workers, researchers, executives, or individuals with exceptional abilities.

How much does the Gold Card cost?

• $15,000 non-refundable DHS processing fee
• $1 million contribution after background clearance
• Additional Department of State visa processing charges may apply
• Family members, spouses, and unmarried children under 21 may be added for the same fee and contribution.

What is the Trump corporate Gold Card?

Businesses can sponsor foreign employees by paying:

• $15,000 processing fee per worker
• $2 million contribution after vetting
• The contribution can be reused for replacement employees, with a 1% annual maintenance fee and 5% transfer fee.

Who can apply?

Applicants must:

• Be eligible for lawful permanent residency
• Be admissible to the United States
• Have a visa number available
• Gold Card holders are taxed like US permanent residents.

How long does approval take?

Once the processing fee is paid, the background check and vetting typically take a few weeks. Applicants must complete a visa interview and respond promptly to document requests.

What is the Trump Platinum Card?

The Platinum Card, still in the waitlist stage, will require:

• $15,000 DHS processing fee
• $5 million contribution
• Once launched, cardholders can reportedly spend up to 270 days per year in the US without being taxed on non-US income.

However, US citizens and resident aliens, those previously taxed on foreign income, are not eligible. Applications for the waitlist are already open.

Can Gold Card status be revoked?

Yes. As with any US visa, national security concerns or serious criminal issues can trigger cancellation.