On Wednesday, December 10, 2025, President Donald Trump officially implemented his “gold card” visa, a new immigration policy that will provide a pathway to citizenship only for the wealthiest foreigners. If individuals can pay $1 million (£750,000) fee to be granted a visa under Trump’s new scheme, they will be one step closer to legal status. Companies can also pay $2 million to sponsor a foreign worker they want to work for them in the United States.
New Gold Card Scheme
Trump announced at the White House roundtable event that, “Very excitingly, for me and for the country, we’ve just launched the ‘Trump Gold Card.’” The visa website, trumpcard.gov, includes a link to the official application and is considerably easier to navigate than the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). “For a $15,000 DHS processing fee* and, after background approval, a contribution of $1 million, receive U.S. residency in record time with the Trump Gold Card,” the website reads.
A Trump Platinum card is teased on the website, claiming it is coming soon. Applicants can be added to a waiting list in the meantime. “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,” it states.
According to the information on the website under the frequently asked questions section, the process will only take weeks and will include an interview. Once the application is submitted with the rest of the required materials, the applicant will go in for an interview and submit any additional documents needed.
A successful applicant will receive status as an EB-1 or EB-2 visa holder, making them a lawful permanent resident, and employment-based visas will be awarded to those with “extraordinary” or “exceptional” abilities.
Current Immigration Status
The ‘gold card’ was first announced in February, shortly after President Trump’s second inauguration. In September, he signed an executive order creating the official pathway that was released on Wednesday. The scheme comes in the middle of a violent and inhumane immigration crackdown. In lieu, the United States has paused immigration applications by individuals from the 19 countries that are also subject to the president’s travel ban. The Trump administration has also halted asylum applications and said it will review thousands of cases that the Biden Administration approved.
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In February, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick explained the visa that allows foreign investors to put money into U.S. projects and apply for visas to immigrate. “We will modify the EB-5 agreement,” Lutnick said. “(Homeland Security Secretary) Kristi (Noem) and I are working on it together. For $5 million, they’ll get a license from the Department of Commerce. Then they’ll make a proper investment.” Lutnick suspects the ‘gold card’ program could raise $1 trillion to pay on the national debt.
The plan was previously criticized by Democrats, saying Congress will need to act, and it favors wealthy foreigners. They were not wrong either, since Trump was open about how the ‘gold card’ is aimed specifically at “high-level” professionals and said “we want people that are productive,” implying that any other foreigner would not contribute to society.” The people who can pay $5m, they’re going to create jobs,” Trump said. “It’s going to sell like crazy. It’s a bargain.”
Trump has boasted about his excitement on social media as well. The new ‘gold card’ visa will provide a “direct path to Citizenship for all qualified and vetted people. SO EXCITING! Our Great American Companies can finally keep their invaluable Talent,” he wrote.
