Donald Trump has introduced a new ‘Gold Card’ program, allowing wealthy foreigners to gain U.S. permanent residency, also known as a green card, by making a substantial financial contribution. Individuals can secure a Gold Card for USD 1 million, while corporations can sponsor one for USD 2 million.
The program is being positioned as a replacement for the older EB-5 investor visa system, which required a USD 1 million investment and the creation of jobs. Trump’s administration has criticized the EB-5 program for fraud and loopholes, and says the Gold Card program will be more streamlined and beneficial to the U.S. economy.
Why it’s attracting global attention
The Gold Card does more than provide residency. Trump has said it offers a direct path to U.S. citizenship, something the old EB-5 program did not guarantee. Officials believe the program could raise tens of billions of dollars, as wealthy individuals around the world line up to secure one of the most sought-after golden visas.
While proponents argue that the funds could boost economic growth, create jobs and reduce national debt, critics point out that it primarily benefits the ultra-wealthy and raises questions about fairness in access to U.S. residency.
Eligibility
To be eligible, applicants must meet the financial threshold:
- Individuals: USD 1 million contribution
- Corporations: USD 2 million contribution
- Platinum tier: USD 5 million, allowing holders to spend up to 270 days a year in the U.S. without being taxed on non-U.S. income
Applicants must also pass a rigorous background check and comply with U.S. immigration laws.
Draft form
Before officially applying, applicants can download a draft form from the official Gold Card portal. This draft form allows prospective applicants to:
- Review the required personal and financial details
- Check supporting documents needed, such as proof of funds, passport and corporate sponsorship (if applicable)
- Fill out preliminary information to avoid mistakes when submitting the final application
Filling out the draft form does not guarantee approval but helps streamline the process and ensure applicants have all necessary documentation ready.
Application process
- Fill out the official application form online
- Submit the non-refundable processing fee
- Complete the background check conducted by U.S. immigration authorities
- Once approved, receive lawful permanent resident status with full rights across all 50 states
The Gold Card program is already drawing significant global interest. While it promises a fast-track route to residency and potential citizenship, it has sparked debate about wealth, fairness and the future of U.S. immigration policy.
