Trump Launches ‘Gold Card’ Programme Offering Pathway to US Citizenship
Fast-track pathway to US citizenship unveiled, offering high-value investors and skilled workers accelerated residency through multi-tier Gold Card system.
US, Dec 11 : US President Donald Trump announced that applications for the new Gold Card Citizenship Programme will open on Wednesday afternoon, marking the launch of an immigration pathway central to his administration’s economic strategy.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT’S TRUMP GOLD CARD IS HERE TODAY! A direct path to Citizenship for all qualified and vetted people. SO EXCITING! Our Great American Companies can finally keep their invaluable Talent. Live Site opens in 30 minutes!” The President emphasised that the initiative is aimed at helping US companies retain highly skilled workers.
The Gold Card Citizenship Programme expands on the Trump Gold Card framework introduced through Executive Order 14351 in September. That order established a fast-track investor visa system designed to attract high-net-worth individuals and drive significant capital into the US economy.
At the time, Trump said, “We’re taking in hundreds of billions of dollars. The Gold Card will be taking in hundreds of billions of dollars, and companies will be able to keep some people they need. They need people of expertise, great expertise,” underlining expectations that the programme would draw major investment and specialised talent.
Under the new system, applicants can choose from three tiers—the Trump Gold Card, Trump Corporate Gold Card, and Trump Platinum Card each requiring substantial financial commitments in exchange for accelerated immigration processing.
For individuals, the Trump Gold Card requires a one-time, non-refundable “gift” of USD 1 million, plus a USD 15,000 processing fee charged by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Employers seeking expedited Green Cards for key workers may opt for the Trump Corporate Gold Card, which involves a USD 2 million payment in addition to the DHS fee. This corporate tier can be transferred between employees, subject to a 5% transfer fee and background checks.
The premium option, the Trump Platinum Card, requires USD 5 million plus the DHS processing fee. It also grants recipients the ability to stay in the US for up to 270 days a year without being taxed on foreign income—a major draw for global investors.
Additional minor State Department fees may apply across all tiers, and processing fees remain strictly non-refundable.
Once applications and payments are submitted, USCIS conducts a thorough background check on applicants and their families. Upon successful clearance, applicants receive a Green Card granting permanent US residency.
