New Visa Initiative Designed to Attract Global Talent, Boost Revenue, and Expand Legal Immigration Pathways
Washington, D.C. — The Trump Administration has officially rolled out the Trump Gold Card program, a major new visa initiative offering expedited permanent residency and a future pathway to U.S. citizenship for qualified foreign nationals and corporate-sponsored applicants. The program became active on Wednesday with the debut of its official application portal, TrumpCard.gov.
Speaking in the Roosevelt Room, President Donald J. Trump introduced the program as a modernized alternative to existing immigration routes, designed to strengthen U.S. competitiveness. “It’s essentially a Green Card, but far better—stronger, faster, and more effective,” Trump said.
The Trump Gold Card establishes a streamlined process for highly qualified individuals and U.S. companies seeking permanent residency for foreign talent. Key elements include:
-
Individual Applications: Applicants must pay a non-refundable $15,000 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) processing fee and undergo a comprehensive background check. Those approved can then make a $1 million “contribution” to receive expedited permanent residency similar to a Green Card.
-
Corporate Sponsorship: U.S. companies may sponsor foreign employees by paying the same DHS fee, along with a $2 million contribution per sponsored worker.
-
Benefits: Successful applicants are granted lawful permanent resident status under EB-1 or EB-2 categories, with the opportunity to pursue U.S. citizenship once all statutory requirements are met.
President Trump noted that the program is expected to generate significant federal revenue—potentially in the billions—while supporting American businesses in recruiting and retaining top global talent.
Commerce Secretary Howard W. Lutnick reported strong early interest, citing tens of thousands of pre-registrations ahead of formal application processing.
The Trump Gold Card initiative is a central component of the Administration’s broader immigration framework, which combines strict border enforcement with selective, revenue-generating legal immigration avenues that prioritize economic value to the United States.
About the Trump Gold Card:
Created under executive authority with coordination across multiple federal agencies, the Trump Gold Card program represents a major shift in the structure of U.S. legal immigration. It is part of ongoing efforts to modernize the system in response to global competition and domestic workforce needs.
