New U.S. Residency Options: Gold, Corporate & Platinum Cards

In a major move that could change how high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and companies gain access to the United States, former President Donald Trump has launched a new three-tier immigration program. The plan is built around a premium offering called the Gold Card, designed to fast-track lawful U.S. residency for investors.

With global mobility more important than ever, this program introduces a bold mix of investment, flexibility, and tax advantages. Here’s everything you need to know.

The Gold Card is a new immigration category that allows individuals to become lawful permanent residents of the United States through a financial contribution.

Key Features:

• Investment Required: $1 million
• Vetting Fee: $15,000
• Benefit: Lawful Permanent Residency (Green Card)
• Target Audience: Individual investors

This card replaces some older routes (like the EB-1 or EB-2 programs) and creates a direct, investment-based option for qualified applicants.

Trump’s program includes three different tiers, each tailored to a different type of applicant:

1. Gold Card – For Individuals
   • Cost: $1 million + $15,000 vetting fee
   • Residency: Full lawful permanent residency
   • Status: Similar to Green Card
   • Best For: Individual investors or entrepreneurs
2. Corporate Gold Card – For Businesses
   • Cost: $2 million per employee
   • Transferability: The card is transferrable to other employees within the company
   • Special Feature: Companies don’t need to pay again in full for every new employee—just a transfer and maintenance fee
   • Best For: Global companies needing U.S. presence or staff relocation
3. Platinum Card – For the Ultra-Wealthy
   • Cost: $5 million investment
   • Stay Allowed: Up to 270 days per year in the U.S.
   • Tax Status: Non-resident status is preserved, meaning foreign income is not taxed in the U.S.
   • Note: Still pending congressional approval
   • Best For: Very wealthy individuals looking for U.S. access without full tax residency

This isn’t just another visa program. It’s a potential game-changer in how the U.S. handles high-value immigrants.

1. Benefits for Individuals:
   • Fast-track U.S. residency with a one-time payment
   • Clear path to a Green Card, bypassing long waitlists
   • Ideal for HNWIs seeking better global mobility
   • Residency without employment or family sponsorship
2. Benefits for Businesses:
   • Move top talent to the U.S. quickly
   • Flexible employee transfers, unlike standard visa restrictions
   • Long-term residency as a corporate asset
3. Benefits for Ultra-Wealthy:
   • Spend most of the year in the U.S. without triggering global taxation
   • Keep foreign income tax-free, a major advantage for international entrepreneurs and investors

The Gold Card program represents a shift from the traditional U.S. immigration focus on family, work sponsorship, or diversity lottery. Instead, it brings a new model:

• Pay for access: Residency through contribution
• Simplified process: Fewer bureaucratic delays
• Revenue generation: The program is expected to raise billions

While it still needs to pass through certain legal and political steps, it’s clear the direction is shifting toward investment-first immigration.

While promising, this program comes with some uncertainties:

• Legal challenges: Courts may question if this model fits with existing immigration laws
• Congressional approval: Especially for the Platinum Card, tax perks will need new legislation
• Possible backlash: This model might reduce traditional family- or merit-based visas
• Implementation: The program must be operational within 90 days, but logistics are complex

This program is perfect for:

• Global investors looking for a reliable and fast U.S. residency option
• Entrepreneurs wanting to expand to the U.S. market
• Business owners needing U.S. presence for key employees
• Ultra-HNWIs wanting long U.S. stays without being taxed on worldwide income