Trump’s $1 Million “Gold Card” Visa Offers New Path to US Residency

President Donald Trump launched a new visa program this week. The “Gold Card” offers permanent resident status for a $1 million gift to the U.S. Treasury. The program started on December 11, 2025. Applications are now being accepted online through a White House website.

This initiative creates a novel, expedited route to U.S. residency. It targets wealthy individuals and corporations seeking to retain foreign talent. According to the official site, the process is designed to be faster than traditional immigration pathways.

How the “Trump Gold Card” Visa Works

The individual “Trump Gold Card” requires two main payments. Applicants must first pay a nonrefundable $15,000 processing fee to the Department of Homeland Security. Following a successful vetting process, a $1 million gift to the Treasury is required.

This substantial gift serves as proof the individual will benefit the United States. The website promises expedited petition approval and visa adjudication. Some applicants may owe small additional fees to the U.S. Department of State.

Corporate Sponsorship and Broader Immigration Impact

A separate “Corporate Gold Card” allows companies to sponsor employees. The corporate sponsor pays a $15,000 processing fee per employee. After vetting, a $2 million gift per employee is required.

A key corporate benefit is transferability. Companies can stop sponsoring one employee and use the same gift contribution for a new candidate. The corporate card also carries a 1% annual maintenance fee and a 5% transfer fee.

President Trump framed the card as superior to a green card. He specifically mentioned it would help companies recruit from top universities. The policy is presented as a tool for retaining high-skilled foreign graduates in the U.S. economy.

This new visa program establishes a direct financial pathway to U.S. residency. The “Gold Card” could significantly alter the landscape of investment-based immigration. Its long-term impact on policy and demographics remains to be seen.

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What is the main difference between a Gold Card and a Green Card?

The Gold Card offers a faster, money-based path to residency. It requires a $1 million gift to the U.S. Treasury, whereas a traditional Green Card has complex eligibility categories and lengthy waiting periods.

Can companies really transfer the Gold Card between employees?

Yes. The Corporate Gold Card rules allow a sponsor to cease sponsoring one employee. The initial $2 million gift can then be used as the basis to sponsor a new employee without an additional gift payment.

How long will the Gold Card application process take?

The White House website states processing will be on an “expedited basis.” The exact timeline is not specified, but it is designed to be faster than standard immigration procedures, assuming applicants submit documents promptly.

Is the $15,000 processing fee refundable?

No. The $15,000 processing fee paid to the Department of Homeland Security is explicitly listed as nonrefundable, regardless of the application’s final outcome.

Who is the target audience for the individual Gold Card?

The program targets wealthy foreign nationals seeking a straightforward residency option. The $1 million gift acts as evidence they will provide a substantial benefit to the United States.