President Donald Trump has officially launched the long-discussed Trump Gold Card, a new immigration program that gives wealthy applicants a fast and simple path to U.S. residency and citizenship. The program went live on December 10, 2025, with an online application portal now open to the public.
The Trump Gold Card replaces the older EB-5 investor visa, which required foreign investors to put money into U.S. businesses that created jobs. The new system is much more direct: instead of funding a business, applicants now make a non-refundable payment straight to the U.S. government.
Individuals must pay $1 million, plus a $15,000 vetting fee. Companies that want to sponsor a foreign worker must pay $2 million per employee.
President Trump described the Gold Card as “basically a green card, but much better,” saying it will bring large amounts of money into the country and help the U.S. keep top global talent.
Billions Expected to Flow Into the U.S. Treasury
The Trump administration says the main goal of the Gold Card is to bring major new revenue into the federal government. Unlike the EB-5 visa, the new program does not require job creation, business investment, or risky projects. Instead, the government collects direct payments.
Trump said the program could bring “billions” into a special Treasury account that can be used for national priorities.
The fee for companies—$2 million for one sponsored employee—creates an extra financial channel. This makes the program one of the most expensive immigration options in the world but also one of the fastest.
Supporters say the donations will benefit the country, while critics argue that it creates a “pay-to-stay” system for the wealthy.
A Strategy to Keep Top Global Talent in the U.S.
Many business leaders have long complained that talented international students, especially in science and technology fields, leave the U.S. after graduation because of slow or uncertain visa systems.
The Trump Gold Card aims to fix that.
Helping Companies Keep Skilled Workers
Tech companies say they often lose great candidates because existing visas like H-1B are limited and competitive. The Gold Card gives companies an easier option—if they can afford it.
A Clearer and Faster Path
President Trump says the program gives a “stronger and more reliable path” to permanent residency, reducing the long waiting periods common in other visa categories.
Screening Still Required
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the $15,000 fee funds strict background checks to ensure all applicants “absolutely qualify” to live in the United States.
The administration believes the program will attract highly skilled, high-earning immigrants and help the U.S. compete with other countries that offer similar “golden visa” programs.
A New Chapter in Investment Immigration
More than 20 countries offer programs that give residency to people who invest large sums of money. With the Gold Card, the U.S. is now competing directly in this global market.
But the timing is controversial. The Trump administration continues to take a tough stance on illegal immigration and border enforcement. Critics argue that offering an easy path for the wealthy while limiting other groups sends mixed signals about U.S. immigration values.
However, the administration insists this program is about keeping America competitive and bringing in money and talent.
What Happens to the Old EB-5 Visa?
The EB-5 visa required investments in job-creating projects and often took years to approve. The Trump Gold Card is expected to replace it completely.
A new corporate version—the Corporate Gold Card—allows a business to sponsor one worker for $2 million. The sponsorship can even be transferred to another employee later if needed, for an extra fee.
Trump suggested that top graduates from countries like China, India, and France could be prime candidates, signaling a focus on advanced-degree holders and high-income professionals.
What the Trump Gold Card Means for the U.S. Economy
The start of the $1 million Trump Gold Card program marks one of the most significant changes to U.S. immigration in decades. By collecting direct payments rather than requiring business investments, the U.S. government may see billions of dollars in new revenue.
For businesses, it provides a powerful tool to keep top foreign talent. For wealthy applicants, it offers one of the world’s fastest and simplest paths to permanent residency and, eventually, U.S. citizenship.
The Trump Gold Card is likely to have a major impact on immigration, the U.S. economy, and how the country competes globally for skilled workers. Supporters say it modernizes the system. Critics say it creates special treatment for the rich. But either way, it signals a major shift in how America handles investment immigration.