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The Trump administration has unveiled a high value investment based immigration route called the Gold Card, promising faster residency, major financial commitments and a fresh alternative to the long standing EB five system, leaving many curious about its costs, rules and real impact.
Trump launched this programme at the White House.
Washington: United States President Donald Trump has officially introduced the Gold Card visa programme, a long anticipated initiative designed to attract large scale investors from across the globe. The announcement marks a significant shift in the American immigration landscape as the new scheme positions itself as a premium alternative to the long running EB five visa. By inviting individuals and corporations to contribute one million dollars or more, the government aims to boost revenue and encourage the movement of skilled professionals into the country.
The Gold Card is structured to grant lawful permanent resident status to those who make a qualifying investment. It also creates a pathway to eventual citizenship for applicants who meet all regulatory requirements. This programme replaces the EB five system that has been in place since nineteen ninety, a programme originally intended to generate employment opportunities for American workers through foreign investment. The new Gold Card initiative is pitched as a more efficient, more profitable and more streamlined approach for both investors and the government.
Individuals seeking permanent residency may apply as long as they meet admissibility requirements for entry into the United States. Corporations may also participate as sponsors for foreign born employees. Immediate family members including spouses and unmarried children under twenty one can apply as dependents, though each dependent must pay separate fees. This structure allows entire families to secure their residency status through a single primary investment.
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Applicants must pay a non refundable processing fee of fifteen thousand dollars. The core requirement is an investment described as a gift amounting to one million dollars for an individual applicant. For corporate sponsors, the investment amount is two million dollars for every employee they wish to sponsor. Additionally, applicants may incur standard visa processing costs and medical examination fees. These financial obligations place the Gold Card among the most expensive immigration programmes offered by the United States.
Applicants begin by visiting the official website trumpcard.gov where they must select whether they are applying as individuals, corporations or through the Platinum waitlist option. They are then required to fill in all necessary personal or corporate details and create an account with myUSCIS.gov to track application updates. After the fifteen thousand dollar processing fee is paid, the Department of Homeland Security undertakes a thorough vetting process. Only after receiving approval can the applicant complete the one million or two million dollar gift payment.
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The programme accepts multiple payment methods including major credit cards, ACH debit for applicants with US accounts and SWIFT wire transfers for international applicants. This ensures that both domestic and foreign investors can complete the process without banking limitations.
Successful applicants receive legal permanent resident status through the EB one or EB two category, along with faster processing compared to many traditional immigration routes. Eligible family members can also join the applicant in the United States, and the programme serves as a formal path toward American citizenship. These advantages make the Gold Card attractive to investors seeking stability and long term residency opportunities.
Despite its high value benefits, the programme comes with strict guidelines. Gold Card status may be revoked if an applicant is linked to national security risks or serious criminal offences. Applicants from certain countries may experience wait times that extend up to a year or more. All Gold Card holders must also pay US taxes on their worldwide income, a requirement that adds another layer of responsibility for foreign investors.
The launch of the Trump Gold Card marks a significant moment in US immigration policy. Promising economic gains for the country and smoother entry for wealthy applicants, it is already drawing attention worldwide. As investors begin exploring this new route, many will be watching closely to see how the programme shapes the future of American residency and global talent movement.