Washington: On September 19, 2025, President Donald J. Trump unveiled a sweeping reform of the US immigration system through new visa programs targeted at wealthy individuals, corporations, and skilled foreign workers. The initiative introduces three notable categories: the Gold Card, Platinum Card, and Corporate Gold Card, alongside a substantial hike in H-1B visa fees. Here’s what these changes mean:

Trump Gold Card: Residency by Investment

The Gold Card visa program allows wealthy individuals to obtain US lawful permanent residency by making a non-refundable $1 million "gift" (approximately ₹88,09,219) to the US Treasury. In addition to paying this investment, applicants undergo a vigorous vetting process by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and pay additional processing fees of around $15,000 (approximately ₹13,21,382).

  • Purpose: The Gold Card is designed for people who can demonstrate noteworthy benefits to the United States through their investment or extraordinary abilities.
  • Replacement: This visa replaces the EB-1 and EB-2 employment-based green card categories, streamlining high-value immigrant admissions.
  • Benefits: Successful applicants obtain permanent residency and a pathway to citizenship.
  • Tax Obligations: Gold Card holders are required to pay US taxes on their worldwide income, similar to US citizens.

Trump Platinum Card: Exclusive Residency and Tax Benefits

The Platinum Card, priced at $5 million (approximately ₹44,05,93,452) and awaiting Congressional approval, caters to ultra-high-net-worth individuals who want expanded residency benefits.

  • Residency: Cardholders can reside in the US for up to 270 days per year.
  • Tax Perks: They benefit from exemptions on US taxes for income earned outside the country.
  • Target Audience: The Platinum Card appeals to wealthy global earners with considerable offshore income streams seeking flexible residency.

Corporate Gold Card: Business Sponsorship Flexibility

The Corporate Gold Card enables companies to sponsor foreign employees with a $2 million (approximately ₹17,61,83,804) payment per employee after DHS vetting.

  • Transferability: Companies can transfer sponsorship rights to another employee without paying the full fee again, subject to a small annual maintenance fee and transfer charges.
  • Purpose: Provides corporations with flexibility in managing residency sponsorships in an increasingly competitive global talent market.

H-1B Visa Fee Increase

In a parallel shift, President Trump announced a $100,000 (approximately ₹8,810,000) annual fee on each H-1B visa, dramatically increasing the cost for employers who hire foreign skilled workers.

  • Objective: The fee aims to curb perceived misuse of the H-1B program and incentivise companies to train and hire American workers.
  • Impact: While intended to generate major government revenue and reform the skilled worker visa system, it has sparked concerns among technology firms that rely heavily on H-1B talent.

Economic and Policy Impact

According to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, these visa reforms are expected to generate over $100 billion in revenue. The funds will be used to reduce taxes, bolster infrastructure, and pay down the national debt.

Criticisms and Considerations

Critics argue the programs could prioritise wealthy immigrants over skilled workers and complicate access for smaller businesses. However, supporters contend the overhaul modernises immigration by attracting capital investment and protecting American jobs.

President Trump’s Gold, Platinum, and Corporate Gold Card visa programs, coupled with the new H-1B fees, mark a transformative moment in US immigration policy, blending investment, employment, and labour reforms to shape the country’s future demographic and economic landscape.