Trump Launches 'Gold Card' Program — U.S. Green Cards From $1M; Corporations Can Sponsor at $2M

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that his long-promised "gold card" program has opened for applications, offering permanent U.S. residency and a potential pathway to citizenship for individuals who pay $1 million and for corporations that pay $2 million per foreign-born employee.

What the Program Offers

A government website to accept applications went live as Mr. Trump unveiled the initiative in the White House Roosevelt Room alongside business leaders. The administration presents the plan as a replacement for the EB-5 investor visa, a program created by Congress in 1990 to attract foreign capital; under EB-5, investors generally put about $1 million into projects that create at least 10 full-time jobs.

Costs, Oversight and Intended Uses

The administration says individuals will pay $1 million for a gold card, while corporations will pay $2 million per sponsored foreign-born worker. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said applicants will also pay a $15,000 vetting fee and that rigorous background checks will ensure candidates "absolutely qualify to be in America." The president said all proceeds from the program will "go to the U.S. government" and predicted billions could flow into an account managed by the Treasury Department for use on unspecified national priorities.

President Donald Trump speaks during a roundtable discussion with business leaders in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)

"Basically, it's a green card but much better," Mr. Trump said. "Much more powerful, a much stronger path."

What's Unclear

Administration officials did not specify whether the new program will retain EB-5–style requirements such as job-creation thresholds or numerical caps. Mr. Trump emphasized the program is intended to help U.S. companies retain top graduates from domestic universities who otherwise lack permission to remain in the country.

Reactions and Context

The announcement comes amid an administration record that combines strict border controls and enforcement actions with proposed measures to expand certain legal pathways for skilled immigrants. Supporters argue the program will attract talent and generate federal revenue; critics say it raises questions about equity, oversight and how it aligns with tougher immigration enforcement policies.

Investor or "golden" visa programs are common around the world, with nations such as the United Kingdom, Spain, Greece, Malta, Australia, Canada and Italy offering variations that provide residency in exchange for investment.

Next Steps

The application site is live and the administration says it will begin accepting submissions immediately. Key details — including any job-creation requirements, numerical limits, vetting standards beyond the $15,000 fee, and how Treasury-managed funds will be used — have not been fully disclosed and will be watched closely by lawmakers, companies and immigration advocates.