The U.S. is introducing a new immigration initiative called the “Gold Card” visa program, under which wealthy foreign individuals can secure faster access to legal permanent residency by making a large financial contribution.
Under the plan, individuals who donate $1 million themselves—or $2 million if their donation comes from a corporation on their behalf—would be eligible for expedited visa processing. The program is overseen by the Secretaries of Commerce, State, and Homeland Security. It is intended to benefit individuals with exceptional business ability and those whose contributions would yield national economic benefit.
Applicants under the Gold Card will be considered under established visa categories like EB-1 or EB-2, depending on their credentials. The funds collected through the program will go into a dedicated fund within the U.S. Treasury, to be used for promoting commerce and U.S. industry.
The administration has also proposed a “Platinum Card,” which carries an even higher financial threshold and offers greater flexibility—including prolonged periods spent within the U.S. without U.S. tax obligations on income earned abroad. The Gold Card program must be implemented through executive action, and its full rollout—application processes, fees, and eligibility details—are currently being developed.
