Key Takeaways
• Trump Gold Card proposes $5 million fee for U.S. residency without job creation or country quotas.
• As of July 9, 2025, no Congressional approval or official application process exists for the program.
• Indian professionals show strong interest; EB-5 visa remains the only legal investor visa currently available.
The Trump Gold Card proposal has sparked widespread attention, especially among Indian professionals in technology, finance, and healthcare. As of July 9, 2025, this program remains a proposal and is not yet a legal or operational pathway to U.S. residency. This update explains what has changed, who is affected, what actions are required now, and what the implications are for those considering this route or with pending applications. The information below aims to help readers, especially Indian professionals, understand the current situation and what steps to take next.
Summary of What Has Changed
On February 25, 2025, President Donald Trump announced the Trump Gold Card, a proposed U.S. immigration program offering a direct path to permanent residency for foreign nationals willing to pay a $5 million fee. This program is designed as a premium alternative to the existing EB-5 investor visa, with the goal of attracting ultra-wealthy individuals who can make a significant financial contribution to the United States 🇺🇸.
Key points about the Trump Gold Card proposal:
- Announced by President Donald Trump as a new way for wealthy foreigners to gain U.S. residency.
- $5 million non-refundable fee required, with no job creation or country quota requirements.
- No official application process exists yet; only a waitlist for notifications is available.
- No Congressional approval has been granted, and the program cannot move forward without it.
- Aggressive promotion in India and other countries, with a prototype card shown and a waitlist website (trumpcard.gov) launched.
Who Is Affected
The Trump Gold Card proposal mainly targets high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) and professionals from countries like India 🇮🇳, especially those working in technology, finance, and healthcare. Many of these individuals are already living in the United States 🇺🇸 or the Middle East and are looking for a faster, more direct way to secure U.S. permanent residency.
Groups most interested in the Trump Gold Card:
- Indian professionals in tech, finance, and healthcare, aged 28-45.
- Entrepreneurs and business owners seeking a “VIP” route to U.S. residency.
- High-net-worth individuals who can afford the $5 million fee and want to avoid the job creation and country quota requirements of the EB-5 visa.
Effective Dates and Current Status
As of July 9, 2025, the Trump Gold Card is not legally operational. There is no official launch date, no application process, and no way to submit a formal application. The only action available is to register for updates on the official waitlist website, trumpcard.gov.
Key facts about the program’s status:
- No Congressional approval: U.S. immigration law has not been changed to allow this new visa category.
- No official rollout date: The program remains a proposal, with no timeline for when or if it will become law.
- No application process: Interested individuals can only sign up for notifications; they cannot apply or pay the fee at this time.
Required Actions for Interested Individuals
If you are an Indian professional or high-net-worth individual interested in the Trump Gold Card, here’s what you need to know and do right now:
- Do not submit any payments or applications for the Trump Gold Card, as there is no legal process in place.
- Register for updates on the official waitlist website (trumpcard.gov) if you want to receive notifications about future developments.
- Consider existing options such as the EB-5 investor visa, which is currently the only established investor route to U.S. residency.
- Consult with a qualified immigration attorney before making any decisions or financial commitments related to U.S. residency programs.
Implications for Pending Applications and Current Visa Holders
Since the Trump Gold Card is not an active program, there are no pending applications or current visa holders affected by this proposal. However, many Indian professionals and investors are closely watching the situation, hoping for a new, faster path to U.S. residency.
For those considering the EB-5 investor visa:
- The EB-5 program remains fully operational and is the only legal investor visa route at this time.
- EB-5 requirements: Minimum investment of $1 million (or $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area), creation of at least 10 full-time jobs, and country quotas apply.
- Application process: Formal applications are submitted through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You can find more information and the official forms on the USCIS EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program page.
Comparison: Trump Gold Card vs. EB-5 Investor Visa
| Feature | Trump Gold Card (Proposed) | EB-5 Investor Visa (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Investment | $5 million (one-time fee) | $1 million (or $800,000 in TEA) |
| Job Creation Required | No | Yes (10 full-time jobs) |
| Legal Status | Not enacted | Fully operational |
| Country Quotas | None | Yes (per-country caps) |
| Application Process | Waitlist only | Formal application, established |
Key differences:
- The Trump Gold Card would require a much higher fee but no job creation or country quota restrictions.
- The EB-5 visa requires a lower investment but has strict job creation and quota rules.
- Only the EB-5 visa is currently available; the Trump Gold Card is still just a proposal.
Demand and Interest Among Indian Professionals
Interest in the Trump Gold Card has been especially strong among Indian professionals. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, more than 70,000 registrations were recorded globally within days of the waitlist website’s launch, with a large share coming from India 🇮🇳.
Why Indian professionals are interested:
- Faster, “VIP” pathway: Many hope the Gold Card will offer a quicker, more direct route to U.S. residency.
- No job creation requirement: Unlike EB-5, there would be no need to create jobs or manage a business.
- No country quotas: Indian applicants would not face the long waiting times that affect EB-5 applicants from high-demand countries.
Motivations and Expectations:
- Some Indian professionals expect extra privileges, such as expedited customs processing or special financial benefits, though none of these have been officially confirmed.
- Many are motivated by the chance to secure U.S. residency for themselves and their families without the uncertainty of other visa categories.
Skepticism and Caution
Despite the excitement, immigration lawyers and policy experts urge caution. The Trump Gold Card is not a legal program, and there is no guarantee it will ever become one. The $5 million fee is also non-investment, meaning it is not expected to generate returns, unlike the EB-5 program where your investment can potentially be recovered.
Key warnings from experts:
- No legal framework: The program cannot be created by executive action alone; it requires an act of Congress.
- No guarantee of approval: The current political climate makes it unlikely that Congress will pass such a program soon.
- Speculative demand: Much of the current interest may be based on hope rather than reality.
Expert and Stakeholder Perspectives
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has been a strong supporter of the Trump Gold Card, predicting it will be “incredibly successful” in India 🇮🇳. He points to the strong track record of Indian entrepreneurs and professionals in the United States 🇺🇸 as a reason for the program’s likely popularity.
Immigration attorneys advise clients not to rely on the Gold Card as a guaranteed pathway, stressing the need for a legal framework and Congressional approval.
Policy analysts describe the program as a marketing effort at this stage, with no real legislative progress or bipartisan support in Congress.
Procedural Details (If Enacted in the Future)
If the Trump Gold Card is ever enacted, here’s what the process might look like:
- Eligibility: Pay a non-refundable $5 million fee. No need to create jobs or meet country quotas.
- Application: Submit an application through an official government process (not yet available).
- Privileges: While some promotional materials hint at “VIP” status, no official benefits beyond permanent residency have been detailed.
Practical Implications for Indian Professionals
Immediate steps:
- Join the waitlist at trumpcard.gov if you want updates, but do not expect any immediate action.
- Pursue EB-5 or other established routes if you are seeking U.S. residency now.
- Consult with immigration lawyers to understand your options and avoid scams or unofficial offers.
Long-term considerations:
- If the Trump Gold Card is enacted, it could offer a direct, high-cost path to U.S. residency for wealthy Indians, especially those in tech, finance, and healthcare.
- The program’s success among Indian HNIs may depend on tax details, such as whether it exempts global income from U.S. taxation—a point not yet addressed.
Taxation Concerns
Some experts note that Indian high-net-worth individuals may be hesitant to use the Trump Gold Card if it does not address global income taxation. U.S. permanent residents are taxed on their worldwide income, which can be a major concern for wealthy applicants. This detail remains unclear and could affect the program’s popularity if it is ever enacted.
Future Outlook and Pending Developments
Legislative action is required for the Trump Gold Card to become a reality. As of July 2025, no bills or formal proposals have been introduced in Congress. The program cannot move forward without this crucial step.
What to watch for:
- Political changes: If the political landscape shifts or the Trump administration pushes for legislative action, the proposal could be revived.
- Continued interest: High-net-worth individuals, especially from India 🇮🇳 and the Middle East, are likely to keep monitoring developments.
- Alternative options: Until the Gold Card is enacted, the EB-5 investor visa remains the only established route for wealthy individuals seeking U.S. residency through investment.
Official Resources and Contacts
- Official Waitlist and Updates: trumpcard.gov (for notifications only; not an application portal).
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): For current investor visa options and updates, visit the USCIS official website.
- Immigration Law Firms: Firms like Davies & Associates and Global North Residency and Citizenship are actively advising clients on the situation.
Actionable Takeaways and Next Steps
- Stay informed: Register for updates on the official waitlist if interested, but do not make any payments or commitments.
- Rely on established programs: Use the EB-5 investor visa or other legal pathways for U.S. residency until new options become available.
- Consult professionals: Always seek advice from qualified immigration attorneys before making decisions.
- Watch for official announcements: Only trust information from official government sources or reputable immigration law firms.
The Trump Gold Card proposal has generated strong interest, especially among Indian professionals, but as of now, it remains a proposal with no legal standing or application process. The EB-5 investor visa is the only established route for wealthy Indians seeking U.S. residency through investment. The future of the Gold Card depends entirely on Congressional action, which is currently unlikely. For now, stakeholders should monitor official channels and rely on existing legal pathways.
Learn Today
Trump Gold Card → A proposed $5 million fee program offering a premium path to U.S. permanent residency without job requirements.
EB-5 investor visa → An existing U.S. visa requiring investment and job creation to obtain permanent residency.
Congressional approval → Legal authorization by the U.S. Congress required to enact new immigration laws or programs.
High-net-worth individuals → People with significant financial assets, targeted by the Trump Gold Card proposal.
Waitlist → An online registration for notifications about the Trump Gold Card, with no application or payment accepted yet.
This Article in a Nutshell
The Trump Gold Card, proposed by Donald Trump, aims to offer wealthy foreigners direct U.S. residency for a $5 million fee. However, it lacks legal approval and application processes. Indian professionals lead demand, but only the EB-5 visa remains a valid, operational investment route to U.S. residency today.
— By VisaVerge.com
