September 19, 2025 — Washington, D.C.
U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an Executive Order launching the long-anticipated Trump Gold Card program, a new immigration initiative designed to fast-track residency for individuals and businesses willing to make significant financial contributions to the United States.
Program Details
Under the order, individuals can obtain U.S. residency by making a $1 million contribution plus a processing fee, subject to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) vetting. Corporations can contribute $2 million to secure a visa for a chosen candidate, provided DHS approves the application.
“This program will raise billions and billions of dollars which will go to reduce debt and tax payments,” President Trump said during the announcement at the White House.
The Gold Card will be overseen by the Secretary of Commerce, in coordination with the State Department and DHS, with a 90-day window to finalize procedures. However, the program requires Congress approval to operate.
Additional Visa Options
Alongside the Gold Card, the administration also previewed the forthcoming Trump Platinum Card. This option will require a $5 million contribution plus a processing fee and will allow recipients to spend up to 270 days in the United States annually without being subject to U.S. taxes on non-U.S. income.
All applicants, whether individual or corporate, must undergo background checks by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Approved cardholders will be authorized to live and travel throughout all 50 states and U.S. territories.
Economic and Policy Impact
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick emphasized that the program is intended to attract high-value individuals who will contribute directly to the U.S. economy. He projected the initiative could raise over $100 billion for the U.S. Treasury.
“We are going to only take extraordinary people at the very top,” Lutnick stated. “Instead of people trying to take jobs from Americans, they are going to create businesses and create jobs for Americans.”
Trump compared the Corporate Gold Card option to a “signing bonus” that companies can use to retain top talent, while also underscoring the national debt-reduction aspect of the contributions.
A Shift in U.S. Immigration Policy
The Gold Card differs from existing employment-based visa programs, which focus on job creation or minimum investment thresholds, such as the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. Unlike EB-5, the Gold Card does not require applicants to invest in a business or create jobs; instead, it operates through direct contributions to the U.S. government.
Gold Card vs. EB-5 Visa: Key Differences for Investors
While the Gold Card makesheadlines, many investors may still find the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program to be a more strategic, safer pathway.
Investment Structure:
Gold Card: Direct contribution to the U.S. government ($1M for individuals / $2M for corporations).
EB-5 Visa: Investment of $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or $1,050,000 in other areas, typically through a business or regional center project.
Job Creation:
Gold Card: No job creation requirement.
EB-5: Investor funds must create or preserve at least 10 full-time U.S. jobs.
Residency & Citizenship:
Gold Card: Promises “residency in record time,” but full details on permanent residency and naturalization have yet to be released.
EB-5: Direct, established pathway to a U.S. green card and eventual U.S. citizenship for the investor, spouse, and unmarried children under 21.
Risk vs. Certainty:
Gold Card: Application fee and contribution are nonrefundable and not tied to a business venture, but immigration outcomes are tied to the new program’s execution.
EB-5: Requires investment risk in a project, but the program has a decades-long history with defined rules, processing, and track record.
Which Is Right for You?
The Trump Gold Card offers speed and simplicity, but the EB-5 visa remains the only established investor program that leads to permanent U.S. residency with clear protections for families. Investors weighing both options should carefully consider long-term immigration goals, risk appetite, and family planning.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. Policies described herein may change, and proposed programs may require congressional action before becoming effective. Always verify current requirements with official government sources and consult a qualified U.S. immigration attorney about your specific situation.