Trump’s gold card programme: U.S. visas starting at $1 million per head

U.S. President Donald Trump announced the launch of the long-promised “gold card” on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. He stated that the program now offers legal status to eligible applicants. Moreover, it provides a clear pathway to U.S. citizenship. Individuals must pay $1 million for this opportunity. Additionally, corporations must pay twice that amount for each foreign-born employee. The announcement marks a major shift in U.S. immigration policy.

A New Pathway Replacing the EB-5 Visa

A website accepting applications went live as Mr. Trump launched the new program. He announced the start while standing with business leaders in the White House’s Roosevelt Room. The program aims to replace the EB-5 visas created in 1990. Those visas encouraged foreign investment through a $1 million business outlay. They required companies to employ at least ten people. Now, the new system offers a more direct investment pathway for applicants.

Pricing, Investment, and Benefits Explained

Mr. Trump views the new program as a tool to attract and retain top talent. He also aims to generate steady revenue for the federal treasury. Moreover, he has promoted this gold card program for several months. He once suggested a price of $5 million for each card. However, he later revised the price to a $1 million and $2 million model.

Funds to Support U.S. Development and Treasury Goals

Trump stated that all collected funds will go to the U.S. government. He predicted billions would flow into a Treasury-managed account. According to him, these funds will support national development. The new program effectively grants a green card. It also provides permanent residency and later, a path to citizenship.

No Job-Creation Requirements or Caps

Business leaders’ complaints influenced the President’s remarks. They said they struggled to hire exceptional foreign graduates. These graduates lacked legal permission to stay in the U.S. Consequently, the President mentioned no job-creation requirements for applying corporations. He also omitted any cap on the programme, unlike the current EB-5 system.

Mr. Trump views the new gold card as a tool to attract skilled talent. He also aims to generate strong revenue for the U.S. government. Moreover, he has promoted this programme for months with great emphasis. He once suggested a price of $5 million for each card. However, he recently revised the cost to $1 million for individuals and $2 million for corporations. The updated version functions as a green card. It effectively grants permanent residency with a clear path to citizenship.

Balancing Strict Immigration Policies with Skilled Talent Entry

Mr. Trump has built his political career around strict border policies. He often highlights the U.S.–Mexico border in his speeches. His second administration launched mass deportation drives within its first ten months. These actions targeted many cities, including Los Angeles and Charlotte. However, he has also faced criticism from MAGA supporters. They question his repeated support for skilled immigrants. Even so, the gold card programme could allow more skilled workers into the U.S.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the programme will include $15,000 for applicant vetting. He added that the rigorous screening will verify each applicant’s eligibility. The process will also ensure that only qualified individuals enter America. Moreover, companies can obtain multiple cards. However, each card will permit only one individual, he clarified.

Global Trend: Golden Visas Around the World

Countries worldwide offer investor visas to wealthy applicants. Moreover, many nations use these programs to attract high-value residents. The United Kingdom, Spain, Greece, Malta, Australia, Canada, and Italy all run such schemes. These “golden visas” grant residency to individuals who invest significant capital. Consequently, they remain popular among global investors seeking mobility and security.

Golden-visa programs exist worldwide and attract wealthy applicants. Countries like the United Kingdom, Spain, Greece, Malta, Australia, Canada, and Italy offer similar schemes. Likewise, the U.S. now follows this global trend. Mr. Trump said the programme will bring exceptional people into the country. He also noted strong interest from top graduates in China, India, and France. Moreover, he expressed confidence that these individuals will contribute meaningfully to America.

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