President Donald Trump officially launched the “Trump Gold Card” program through a new government website, offering wealthy foreign nationals an expedited pathway to U.S. residency and eventual citizenship in exchange for substantial financial contributions to the U.S. Treasury.
Trump promoted the initiative on Truth Social, calling it “A direct path to Citizenship for all qualified and vetted people. SO EXCITING! Our Great American Companies can finally keep their invaluable Talent.”
He described it during a White House roundtable with business leaders as a way to attract top talent and generate billions in revenue for the government. This program builds on Trump’s earlier proposals from February 2025 and aligns with his broader immigration strategy, which has included crackdowns on other entry pathways amid recent security concerns, such as the shooting of National Guard members in Washington, D.C.
While it emphasizes vetting for “qualified” applicants, it has drawn criticism for potentially favoring the ultra-wealthy over merit-based immigration. $1 million contribution to the U.S. Treasury, plus a non-refundable $15,000 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) processing fee.
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Additional small fees may apply via the U.S. Department of State. Grants immediate U.S. residency equivalent to an EB-1 or EB-2 visa for individuals with “extraordinary abilities,” such as top researchers, artists, or business leaders. This includes the right to live, work, and study in the U.S., with a streamlined path to permanent residency and full citizenship after standard naturalization requirements.
A $2 million “Corporate Gold Card” allows businesses to sponsor employees, with transferable benefits. Foreign nationals who pass a thorough background check by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). U.S. citizens or those previously taxed on non-U.S. income are ineligible for certain tiers.
Submit an online application via trumpcard.gov to join the queue; processing aims for “record time.” Allows holders to spend up to 270 days per year in the U.S. without being subject to U.S. taxes on foreign (non-U.S.) income. It also provides a direct route to citizenship, bypassing some traditional visa hurdles.
Not yet launched; applicants can sign up for the waitlist now to secure priority processing. Trump first floated the idea of “gold cards” during his 2024 campaign and reiterated it in early 2025 executive actions, positioning it as a “golden visa” to rival programs in countries like Portugal or Spain but tailored to U.S. interests.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has championed it, citing demand from corporations needing to retain global talent. The program is expected to raise significant funds—Trump claimed “billions” for the Treasury—while limiting issuance to vetted high-net-worth individuals.
Public reaction on X has been mixed, with excitement from pro-business users and skepticism from others questioning its equity. For instance, one post highlighted the cards as “unlocking life in America” for the wealthy, while another quipped, “ANYONE EVEN HAVE MONEY LEFT?” after the launch.
Earlier posts from April and September 2025 show the program was teased for months, with Trump even showing off a sample card. For the latest updates or to apply, visit the official site at trumpcard.gov.
Note that full details on processing times and exact citizenship timelines are still emerging, and applicants should consult USCIS for legal advice.