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Trump Launches $1 Million ‘Gold Card’ Visa With Fast-Track to U.S. Residency

The administration is positioning the program as an EB‑5 replacement funded by applicant payments, a design that is already drawing legal scrutiny.

Overview

  • A government site is live accepting applications that require a nonrefundable $15,000 DHS fee and a $1 million contribution, with a stated processing timeline of weeks and issuance of EB‑1 or EB‑2 permanent residence.
  • A corporate option costs $2 million per employee, applies to one worker per card, and includes a 1% annual maintenance charge and a 5% transfer fee for reassignment after citizenship.
  • A $5 million Platinum tier is on a waitlist promising up to 270 days in the U.S. without tax on non‑U.S. income, with no start date specified.
  • President Trump and senior officials say all proceeds will flow to the Treasury and tout the program as a tool for retaining elite graduates sought by companies such as Apple, IBM and Dell.
  • Immigration experts note that replacing or significantly changing EB‑5 typically requires congressional action, leaving key questions on legality, oversight and limits unresolved as online criticism mounts.