The United States government has introduced a new premium immigration channel designed to attract high-net-worth individuals capable of making substantial financial commitments to the world’s largest economy.
Branded as the Gold Card Visa, the programme sets a minimum entry requirement of $1 million for individuals and higher thresholds for corporate sponsorships, positioning it as one of the most expensive immigration routes ever unveiled by Washington.
According to details released on Wednesday, the Gold Card is structured as a fast-track system for foreign applicants who can demonstrate measurable economic value to the U.S. economy.
Applicants meeting the funding benchmark will undergo a vetting process before being considered for accelerated residency.
The initiative forms part of President Donald Trump’s broader push to reshape America’s immigration framework in favour of applicants who possess financial capacity, advanced skills, or investment capability.
The programme outlines tiered participation levels, including a corporate sponsorship category that requires companies to invest $2 million to secure placements for qualifying employees.
A higher-value tier, termed the Platinum Card, is expected to launch shortly at $5 million, offering additional financial incentives and tax benefits to participants.
All categories attract a mandatory non-refundable processing charge, and further administrative fees may be applied depending on the applicant’s profile.
The launch comes at a time when Washington is intensifying enforcement actions across the immigration system. Recent policy measures include increased compliance checks, new fee structures for visa classifications, and wider reviews of asylum approvals issued under previous administrations. These efforts reflect the administration’s determination to prioritise economic migration while tightening access for low-income and undocumented applicants.
President Trump has repeatedly argued that the U.S. must reposition its immigration system to favour applicants who can contribute directly to domestic productivity.
The Gold Card Visa aligns closely with this stance, providing an avenue for investors and specialised professionals to secure long-term residency through financial outlay and documented economic impact.
The administration expects the programme to stimulate job creation, improve capital flow and enhance competitiveness in key sectors.
However, the initiative has drawn criticism from policy analysts and political opponents who argue that it elevates wealth as a central criterion for immigration access.
They contend that the scheme risks widening inequality by creating an exclusive pathway for affluent applicants while tightening restrictions for others.
Despite these concerns, government officials maintain that the Gold Card Visa is intended to strengthen the U.S. economy by attracting globally mobile capital.
As implementation begins, regulatory agencies will oversee compliance, monitor financial disclosures, and ensure applicants meet the economic benefit criteria required for approval.
Further guidance on application timelines, supporting documentation and processing standards is expected in the coming weeks.
The Gold Card Visa marks a significant shift in U.S. immigration priorities, signalling an era in which financial capacity and economic utility play a decisive role in determining residency opportunities for foreign nationals.