Trump’s Gold Card Visa Program: Only One Approved So Far
The Trump administration’s “gold card” visa program, which grants U.S. Residency to foreigners who pay a $1 million fee, has approved just a single applicant since its launch in December 2025, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed during a congressional hearing on April 23, 2026.
Despite earlier claims that the government had “sold” $1.3 billion worth of the visas in just a few days following the program’s debut, Lutnick acknowledged that only one person has been formally approved. He stated that hundreds of applications remain in the queue and are being processed.
The gold card visa requires applicants to pay a $1 million donation to the U.S. Government, along with a $15,000 processing fee to the Department of Homeland Security. In exchange, recipients receive an expedited pathway to legal U.S. Residency. The program was designed to replace the EB-5 immigrant investor visa, which previously required investments of about $1 million in U.S. Businesses employing at least 10 workers.
Lutnick emphasized that the vetting process for gold card applicants is “the most serious … In the history of government,” explaining the delay in approvals. He noted that the application process was only recently finalized with the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the program.
When questioned about the use of the $1 million fees, Lutnick said the funds would be directed toward “the betterment” of the United States, with specific allocations to be determined by the administration.
The program was initially promoted by President Trump as a way to attract wealthy foreign talent and generate significant federal revenue. However, the low approval rate to date has raised questions about its real-world uptake and effectiveness.
Key Takeaways
- Only one person has been approved for the Trump administration’s gold card visa program since it began accepting applications in December 2025.
- Applicants must pay a $1 million donation to the U.S. Government and a $15,000 processing fee.
- Despite early claims of selling $1.3 billion in visas quickly, Lutnick confirmed hundreds of applications remain pending.
- The vetting process is described as the most rigorous in government history, contributing to the slow approval timeline.
- The program aims to replace the EB-5 visa by offering a faster route to residency for wealthy foreigners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Trump gold card visa?
The gold card visa is a residency program that allows foreigners to live and work in the United States in exchange for a $1 million payment to the U.S. Government, plus processing fees.
How much does the gold card visa cost?
The total cost includes a $1 million donation to the U.S. Government and a $15,000 application fee paid to the Department of Homeland Security.