What Is the Trump Gold Card Program?

On December 11, 2025, the Trump administration launched a new immigration pathway through the visa website trumpcard.gov. The program, known as the “Trump Gold Card,” offers an expedited visa option to achieve U.S. permanent residency for individuals and corporations willing to make substantial financial contributions to the federal government.

Program Origins and Overview

President Trump signed an executive order in September 2025 formally establishing this program, which he first announced earlier in the year. President Trump has framed this program “as a way for the government to raise billions of dollars and prioritize the admission of immigrants who affirmatively benefit the nation, including successful entrepreneurs, investors, and businessmen and women.”

The Gold Card program, according to the official website, requires applicants to pay a nonrefundable $15,000 processing fee to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). After background checks and approval, applicants must contribute $1 million to obtain lawful permanent resident status. The website states that this financial contribution serves as evidence that the individual will substantially benefit the United States.

For corporate sponsors seeking to bring foreign employees to the United States, the program offers a corporate version of the visa requiring the same $15,000 processing fee, and once approved, $2 million for every approved employee.

According to the official website, a “successful applicant receives lawful permanent resident status as an EB-1 or EB-2 visa holder.”

Preview of The Platinum Card

The Trump administration also previews a forthcoming "Platinum Card” program, for which a waitlist is presently available. The Platinum Card differs from the Gold Card in the way that it would require a $5 million contribution along with the $15,000 processing fee. The Platinum Card also differs from the Gold Card as it would not provide permanent residency and instead would allow foreign nationals to spend up to 260 days annually in the United States without being subject to U.S. taxes on income earned abroad.

Perspectives on the Program

The Gold Card program has generated much debate among policymakers, immigration advocates, and legal experts alike. Critics have raised concerns about creating what they characterize as a two-tier immigration system that prioritizes wealthy individuals over other categories of immigrants. Some have also questioned whether the president has legal authority to establish this program without congressional approval.

Supporters, on the other hand, argue that the program serves national economic interests by attracting high-net-worth individuals who will contribute to the United States economy through taxes and spending, while generating substantial revenue for the federal government.

What This Means for Prospective Applicants

As with any new immigration program, prospective applicants should carefully evaluate whether this program aligns with their own goals and circumstances. Important considerations include, but are not limited to, processing timelines, potential country-specific visa backlogs, and the distinction between this program and traditional EB-5 immigrant investor visas. Given the evolving nature of this program, we will continue to share any updates on our website. Please check our website regularly for more information on this program and all matters related to immigration law. Should you have questions about your specific immigration circumstance, please contact our office at Pasricha & Patel, LLC to schedule a consultation.