US President Donald Trump unveiled the long-awaited Gold Card visa at the White House on Wednesday, billing it as a million-dollar fast track to US citizenship and a tool for companies to retain foreign graduates. He said it was “somewhat like a green card, but with big advantages,” adding that firms could “go to any school, buy a card, and keep that person in the United States.” The White House began accepting applications from Wednesday afternoon. The card costs $1 million for individuals and $2 million for corporate sponsors.Also Read: ‘Direct path to citizenship’: Donald Trump launches Gold Card, cites corporate demand — what it means
What is the Gold Card?
The Gold Card is a new US visa pathway based on an applicant’s ability to deliver substantial benefit to the United States. It carried a $15,000 DHS processing fee and a $1 million gift after vetting. Successful applicants received lawful permanent residence under an EB-1 or EB-2 classification.
What does it cost?
– $15,000 DHS processing fee (non-refundable) – $1 million gift for individuals after background checks – Extra Department of State fees may apply
What is Trump platinum card?
Foreign nationals can sign up now and secure their places on the waiting list for the Trump Platinum Card. When launched, and upon receipt of a $15,000 DHS processing fee and $5 million contribution, they will have the ability to spend up to 270 days in the United States without being subject to US taxes on non-US income.
What is the Trump Corporate Gold Card?
Companies could sponsor foreign workers by paying a $15,000 processing fee per employee and a $2 million gift (Rs 16.6 crore) per employee after vetting. Corporations could reuse their $2 million contribution for a replacement employee without paying again. A 1 per cent annual maintenance fee and 5 per cent transfer fee applied.
Who can apply for Gold Card?
According to the site, Applicants must be eligible for lawful permanent resident status, admissible to the United States, and a visa must be available.
Are family members included?
Spouses and unmarried children under 21 could be added to the application. Each required an additional $15,000 processing fee and $1 million gift.
Can Gold Card status be revoked?
Yes. As with any visa, national security or significant criminal concerns could trigger revocation.
Application timeline
Once the processing fee was submitted, the vetting and approval process typically took weeks. Applicants had to attend a visa interview and respond quickly to document requests.
How to apply
Applications were submitted through the official website: https://trumpcard.gov/ Steps included: • Choose between Gold Card (individual), Corporate Gold Card or Platinum waitlist • Fill in personal information (name, birth details, citizenship, address, family count) • Create a myUSCIS.gov account when instructed • Pay the DHS processing fee of $15,000 • Complete the vetting and later wire the $1 million or $2 million gift
How do applicants pay?
Applicants or their corporate sponsors must pay a nonrefundable processing fee of $15,000. Payment must be made by credit card (U.S. and international) or ACH debit (U.S. bank accounts only). Depending on the type of applicant, a gift payment of $1 million or $2 million is required. “Upon receiving an email after vetting is complete, applicants or their corporate sponsors should instruct their banks to use an ACH debit or Swift Wire Transfer (U.S. and international bank accounts) according to the instructions provided at that time.” Visa-related fees will be communicated directly by the US Department of State, which will provide information on submitting the visa application fee and payments for the required medical examination.
How long does it take?
Processing typically took weeks once fees were paid and documents submitted. Some nationalities faced delays based on visa availability. Gold Card holders were taxed like US permanent residents. Platinum Card holders were exempt from US tax on foreign income for up to 270 days of annual presence. Go to Source
