President Donald Trump has introduced a new programme offering fast-tracked US visas to wealthy foreign nationals willing to pay a minimum of $1 million (£750,000), marking one of the most high-profile immigration initiatives of his administration.
Trump promoted the offer online, saying the card provides a “direct path to Citizenship for all qualified and vetted people. SO EXCITING! Our Great American Companies can finally keep their invaluable Talent.”
Called the Trump Gold Card, the visa was first announced earlier this year and is aimed at applicants who can show they will provide a “substantial benefit” to the United States, according to the scheme’s official website.
Its rollout comes as Washington continues to tighten immigration rules, raise fees for work visas, and increase the removal of undocumented migrants.
Under the programme, the Gold Card promises residency in “record time” and requires a $1 million fee, which the website describes as proof that an applicant will “substantially benefit the United States.”
Businesses wishing to sponsor employees must pay $2 million plus additional charges. A higher-tier “platinum” version offering tax advantages will later be available for $5 million.
The site states that applicants may face further government fees depending on their circumstances. Individuals must also submit a non-refundable $15,000 processing payment before their application is reviewed.
Since its February announcement, the plan has faced criticism, with Democratic lawmakers arguing that it privileges the wealthy over other migrants.
When Trump unveiled the proposal, he likened the visas to green cards, which allow people of varied income levels to reside and work in the US permanently. Green-card holders typically qualify for citizenship after five years.
However, the Gold Card is designed for “high-level” professionals, he said, emphasising, “we want people that are productive.” He added, “The people that can pay $5 million, they’re going to create jobs. It’s going to sell like crazy. It’s a bargain.”
The initiative coincides with a broader immigration crackdown. The administration has devoted extensive resources to deporting migrants and has paused applications from 19 countries—mostly in Africa and the Middle East—affected by the president’s travel ban.
US authorities have also halted decisions on all asylum applications and plan to re-examine thousands of cases approved under former President Joe Biden.
In September, Trump ordered a new $100,000 charge for applicants to the H-1B programme for skilled foreign workers.
The decision caused alarm among international students and technology companies until the White House clarified that the fee applies only to new applicants currently overseas.
