The Donald Trump administration has unveiled two high-fee immigration schemes, the Trump Gold Card and Trump Platinum Card, offering wealthy foreign nationals pathways to rapid US residency or extended stays. Applications for the Gold Card opened on December 10 through a newly launched official website, while the Platinum Card is currently accepting waitlist registrations. Both programs are designed to attract individuals and businesses who can “substantially benefit” the United States.
The Trump Gold Card provides an expedited visa route, allowing applicants to secure US residency in record time, subject to approval from the Department of Homeland Security. Individuals must pay a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee, followed by a $1 million contribution upon approval. Businesses can apply for a corporate Gold Card, paying $15,000 upfront and $2 million per employee approved under the scheme.
Applicants submit their details and payments through the official website, after which a vetting process is conducted. Approved applicants may obtain legal residency under the EB-1 or EB-2 visa categories, depending on availability. The program emphasizes that additional small fees may apply to certain applicants based on individual circumstances or requirements of the US Department of State.
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The Trump Platinum Card, still in the waitlist phase, allows foreign nationals to spend up to 270 days per year in the US without being taxed on income earned abroad. This elite program requires a $5 million contribution plus a $15,000 processing fee. According to the website, the contribution fee may change over time, encouraging early registration on the waitlist.
Once Platinum Card spaces open, individuals who qualify may also gain legal status through EB-1 or EB-2 visa categories. Officials have noted that while most processing is expected to take weeks, applicants from a small number of countries may face wait times extending up to a year due to visa availability constraints.
These new visa schemes, widely reported by major media including The New York Times, reflect a growing trend of payment-based immigration options aimed at attracting foreign investment and high-net-worth individuals, while offering legal residency and tax advantages in the United States.
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