President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced a new immigration option called the Gold Card visa, which allows foreign nationals to fast-track their U.S. residency by paying $1 million. Companies can also sponsor a foreign worker for $2 million. Trump introduced the programme during a White House roundtable, describing it as “very exciting, for me and for the country” and adding that it would offer “U.S. residency in record time.”
The official application website, trumpcard.gov, became active on Wednesday afternoon. According to the site, applicants must pay a $15,000 Department of Homeland Security processing fee in addition to the $1 million contribution. After passing background checks, eligible individuals may receive lawful permanent resident status through the EB-1 or EB-2 categories, which are employment-based visas meant for people with what the government defines as extraordinary or exceptional abilities.
The site explains that the approval process will take only “weeks” and includes an interview. Applicants must also provide additional documents when requested. The notice adds that some State Department fees may apply depending on each applicant’s situation.
In addition to the Gold Card visa, the website also introduces a coming option called the Trump Platinum Card. This programme, expected to launch soon, would allow qualifying foreign nationals to spend as many as 270 days in the United States without being taxed on non-U.S. income. The contribution for this option is $5 million, along with a $15,000 DHS processing fee.
“Foreign nationals can sign up now and secure their places on the waiting list for the Trump Platinum Card. 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 reads.
