SUMMARY Trump’s gold card program launched December 10, 2025, allowing foreigners to pay $1 million (or companies $2 million) plus a $15,000 processing fee for expedited U.S. residency through EB-1 or EB-2 visas. The process takes weeks versus six years for traditional EB-5 investor visas. A $5 million Platinum Card is planned, offering 270-day U.S. stays without tax liability on foreign income.
Trump’s gold card program launched on December 10, 2025 through the website trumpcard.gov and allows foreigners to pay $1 million to expedite their visa application or have companies pay $2 million to sponsor a foreign worker according to CNN. The program requires a $15,000 DHS processing fee and promises to deliver U.S. residency in record time.
The application process takes weeks and includes an interview according to the official site. Successful applicants will receive lawful permanent resident status as an EB-1 or EB-2 visa holder which are employment-based visas awarded to individuals with extraordinary or exceptional abilities. EB-1 visas are reserved for individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business or athletics, outstanding professors and researchers, or multinational executives and managers. EB-2 visas are for professionals holding advanced degrees or individuals with exceptional ability in sciences, arts or business. Both visa categories normally require employer sponsorship and extensive documentation of qualifications, but the gold card program streamlines this process through the substantial financial contribution.
The program was designed to modify or replace the existing EB-5 immigrant investor visa program though immigration law experts previously said ending the EB-5 program or significantly changing it would require Congress to act. The EB-5 program, created in 1990, requires investors to spend at least $1 million to start a company with at least 10 workers and has processing times of almost six years according to CBS News.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated in an interview that the program will ensure “these are the best people coming in; they’re economically capable of driving our economy” according to CNN. He also said applicants will be available to become citizens after five years once they pass vetting per ABC News.
The website also previews a Trump Platinum Card for $5 million that would allow foreign nationals to spend up to 270 days in the United States without being subject to U.S. taxes on non-U.S. income though no launch date has been specified. For corporate sponsors the program includes a 1% annual maintenance fee and a 5% transfer fee which allows companies to transfer gold cards between employees according to CBS News.
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