Washington DC [US], December 11 (HBTV): US President Donald Trump announced that applications for the new Gold Card Citizenship programme would open on Wednesday afternoon, unveiling an immigration pathway he has promoted as part of his administration's broader economic strategy.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump highlighted the significance of the launch, writing, 'THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT'S TRUMP GOLD CARD IS HERE TODAY! A direct path to Citizenship for all qualified and vetted people. SO EXCITING! Our Great American Companies can finally keep their invaluable Talent. Live Site opens in 30 minutes!' His remarks underscored the programme's goal of helping US companies retain skilled workers.
The Gold Card Citizenship initiative expands on the Trump Gold Card programme established through Executive Order 14351 in September, which created an investor-visa framework offering a fast-track route to permanent residency for high-net-worth individuals.
At the time of signing the order, Trump said, 'We're taking in hundreds of billions of dollars. The Gold Card will be taking in hundreds of billions of dollars, and companies will be able to keep some people they need. They need people of expertise, great expertise,' signalling the administration's expectation that the programme would attract investment and specialised talent.
Under the framework, applicants can choose from three tiers: the individual Trump Gold Card, the Trump Corporate Gold Card and the Trump Platinum Card, each requiring significant financial commitments intended to bring capital into the US economy while enabling accelerated immigration processing.
For individual applicants, the Trump Gold Card requires a one-time, non-refundable gift of USD 1 million, along with a USD 15,000 processing fee charged by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Employers seeking expedited Green Cards for essential or highly skilled staff may opt for the Trump Corporate Gold Card, which involves a payment of USD 2 million in addition to the USD 15,000 DHS fee. This tier is transferable between employees, subject to a 5 per cent transfer fee and a DHS background check.
The highest tier, the Trump Platinum Card, requires a payment of USD 5 million plus the USD 15,000 processing fee. It allows recipients to stay in the US for up to 270 days each year without being taxed on foreign income, offering an added incentive for global investors.
Across all tiers, additional minor fees payable to the US Department of State may apply, and the processing fees remain non-refundable.
Once an application and fees are submitted, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) initiates a background verification process for the applicant and any included family members. Following successful vetting, the applicant is issued a Green Card granting permanent residency in the US.
(ANI)