US President Donald Trump has introduced a new program allowing wealthy foreigners to fast-track US visas in exchange for payments starting at $1 million (£750,000).
Dubbed the “Trump Gold Card,” the scheme is designed to provide a “direct path to citizenship” for qualified applicants, according to Trump, who promoted it on social media Wednesday. He said the program would help American companies retain highly skilled talent.
The official program website describes the Gold Card as a visa for individuals who can demonstrate they will offer a “substantial benefit” to the United States. Applicants must pay a $1 million fee, while businesses sponsoring employees are required to contribute $2 million plus additional charges. A “platinum” version, promising extra tax benefits, will soon be available for $5 million. Each applicant must also pay a $15,000 non-refundable processing fee before review.
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Critics have raised concerns that the initiative favors the wealthy, with some Democrats arguing it would create an unfair immigration advantage. Trump has compared the Gold Card to traditional green cards, which allow permanent residency and eventual citizenship, but emphasized that this program targets “high-level” professionals who can contribute economically. “The people that can pay $5 million, they’re going to create jobs. It’s going to sell like crazy. It’s a bargain,” he said.
The rollout of the Gold Card comes amid a broader tightening of US immigration policies. The administration has increased fees for work visas, paused applications from 19 countries under Trump’s travel ban, and suspended new asylum decisions while reviewing thousands of cases approved under the Biden administration. In September, Trump also announced a $100,000 fee for H-1B skilled worker visas for applicants currently abroad, sparking concern among international students and tech companies.