Washington D.C. – United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday introduced the Trump Gold Card, a groundbreaking visa program that enables foreign nationals to obtain permanent-resident status by contributing $1 million to the US Treasury. This innovative immigration pathway represents a significant shift in how America approaches skilled immigration and corporate talent retention.
Understanding the Trump Gold Card Program
The Trump Gold Card is being positioned as a premium alternative to traditional green cards, offering what the President describes as “big advantages over a green card.” This new visa category creates an expedited path to US residency for individuals willing to make substantial financial contributions to the American economy.
Announcing the launch, Trump emphasized the unique benefits of the Trump Gold Card system, stating it is “somewhat like a green card, but with big advantages over a green card.” The White House has made the application process accessible through an online platform, where prospective applicants can now submit their applications for this new citizenship pathway.
Financial Requirements and Processing Fees
The Trump Gold Card requires applicants to pay a nonrefundable $15,000 processing fee to the Department of Homeland Security. This initial fee initiates the application process and covers administrative costs associated with petition approval and visa adjudication.
According to the official website, once an applicant’s processing fee is received, the entire process for petition approval and visa adjudication will proceed on an expedited basis. This fast-tracking occurs assuming applicants submit any additional documents or fees in a timely manner, making the Trump Gold Card an attractive option for those seeking swift residency status.
The Million-Dollar Gift Requirement
Upon completion of the vetting process, applicants for the Trump Gold Card must donate a “$1 million gift” to the US Treasury. This substantial contribution serves as evidence that the individual will substantially benefit the United States, forming the cornerstone of the program’s economic rationale.
The website clarifies that an individual may also need to pay small, additional fees to the US Department of State depending on his or her circumstances. These supplementary costs vary based on individual applicant situations and specific requirements tied to their cases.
Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities
The Trump Gold Card program extends beyond individual applications to include a corporate sponsorship component. The Trump Corporate Gold Card allows companies to retain foreign talent by purchasing cards for their employees, addressing long-standing concerns about America’s ability to keep skilled workers.
President Trump explained the corporate dimension of the Trump Gold Card, stating, “Companies are going to be able to go to the Wharton School of Finance, Stern Business School, Harvard, MIT, wherever you may get your students, any school, and you’re able to buy a card and keep that person in the United States.”
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Trump Corporate Gold Card Details
The Trump Corporate Gold Card will be issued to corporate sponsors for hiring one or more employees. Corporate sponsors must pay a $15,000 processing fee per employee, mirroring the individual application fee structure.
However, the corporate version of the Trump Gold Card requires a more substantial investment, with companies needing to provide a $2 million gift per employee after completion of the vetting process. This higher threshold reflects the additional value and flexibility offered through corporate sponsorship arrangements.
Unique Transfer Benefits
One of the most innovative features of the Trump Gold Card corporate program is its transfer flexibility. According to the website, corporate sponsors may cease sponsoring one employee and use the gift contribution tied to the prior application as a basis for sponsoring a new employee, without requiring a new $2 million gift.
This transferability feature makes the Trump Gold Card particularly attractive for companies dealing with employee turnover or strategic workforce changes. It allows businesses to maintain their investment while adapting to evolving talent needs.
Maintenance and Transfer Fees
The corporate Trump Gold Card is subject to ongoing financial obligations beyond the initial investment. A small 1% annual maintenance fee applies to all corporate card holders, ensuring continued administrative support and program oversight.
Additionally, a 5% transfer fee applies when companies transfer sponsorship from one employee to another. This transfer fee includes the cost of a new Department of Homeland Security background check, ensuring continued security vetting for all program participants.
Expedited Processing Advantage
The Trump Gold Card distinguishes itself through expedited processing timelines. Unlike traditional immigration pathways that can take years, this program promises accelerated petition approval and visa adjudication for those meeting the financial requirements.
This speed advantage makes the Trump Gold Card especially appealing to high-net-worth individuals and corporations seeking immediate solutions to immigration challenges. The expedited processing reflects the program’s premium positioning within America’s immigration framework.
Impact on Foreign Talent Retention
The Trump Gold Card addresses a critical challenge facing American companies: retaining talented foreign graduates and skilled workers. By allowing corporate sponsorship of foreign talent from prestigious institutions, the program aims to keep innovation and expertise within US borders.
This talent retention focus aligns with broader economic competitiveness goals, ensuring that America continues attracting and keeping the world’s best and brightest minds.
Application Process and Availability
The White House has launched the online application portal for the Trump Gold Card, making the program immediately accessible to interested parties. This digital-first approach streamlines the application process and reflects modern expectations for government services.
The Trump Gold Card represents a bold experiment in immigration policy, combining economic investment requirements with permanent residency benefits to create a new pathway for foreign nationals seeking American opportunity.
