Amid immigration crackdown, US President Donald Trump makes BIG move, launches $1M Gold Card visa scheme — who can apply, processing fee, and more

The Trump Gold Card is a visa based upon an individual’s ability to provide a substantial benefit to the United States.

Amid a massive immigration crackdown, US President Donald Trump has made a significant announcement. On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the long-awaited Gold Card granting American citizenship has now been made available. He stated that those applying for Gold Card citizenship will begin processing their applications as of Wednesday. This announcement was made in the Roosevelt Room at the White House, attended by business leaders.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump emphasised the significance of the launch, writing, “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 commencement of the Gold Card Citizenship Programme has been established in recognition of the United States Federal Government’s intention to deliver support for the retention of skilled workers in the USA through the Gold Card Citizenship initiative. The Gold Card Citizenship initiative builds on the Trump Gold Card programme established through Executive Order 14351 in September, which created an investor-visa framework designed to offer a “fast-track” route to permanent residency in the US for high-net-worth individuals.

At the time of signing the order, the US President 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,” signalling the administration’s expectation that the programme would attract major investment and specialised talent.

What is the Trump Gold Card?

The Trump Gold Card is a visa based upon an individual’s ability to provide a substantial benefit to the United States. To apply, an applicant must pay a nonrefundable, $15,000 DHS processing fee. Once an applicant’s processing fee is received, the process for petition approval and visa adjudication will take place on an expedited basis, assuming applicants submit any additional documents or fees in a timely manner. “A $1 million gift upon completion of the individual’s vetting is evidence that the individual will substantially benefit the United States. An individual may also need to pay small, additional fees to the U.S. Department of State depending on his or her circumstances,” reads the official website.

What are the three tiers offering a pathway to US citizenship?

As per the framework, there are three tiers available for applicants to assimilate with the program. These include: Individual Trump Gold Card, Trump Corporate Gold Card, and Trump Platinum Card. Each tier requires a considerable amount of investment of your capital into the U.S. economy prior to receiving approval for accelerated processing through the immigration system.

Employers seeking to secure expedited Green Cards for essential or highly skilled staff may opt for the Trump Corporate Gold Card, which involves a payment of USD 2 million in addition to the USD 15,000 DHS fee. This tier is transferable between employees, subject to a 5 per cent transfer fee and a DHS background check.

What is the Trump Platinum Card?

Foreign nationals can sign up now and secure their places on the waiting list for the Trump Platinum Card. When launched, and upon receipt of a $15,000 DHS processing fee and $5 million contribution, they will have the ability to spend up to 270 days in the United States without being subject to U.S. taxes on non-U.S. income.

What are the three stages of application?

1.  Submit Your Application: Your opportunity begins here, with your application and a nonrefundable processing fee. This is the first step to securing the Trump Gold Card.
2. Careful Consideration: United States Citizenship and Immigration Services facilitates an in-depth background check and process to vet the potential cardholder.
3. Approval: Once an applicant is approved, a Trump Gold Card will be available for use throughout all 50 states and territories.

What is the Trump Corporate Gold Card?

The Trump Corporate Gold Card is issued to a corporate sponsor for one or more of the sponsor’s employees. To apply, the corporate sponsor must pay a nonrefundable, $15,000 DHS processing fee per employee. Corporate sponsors may apply for multiple employees at once.