Trump Opens $5 Million Gold Card Visa Waitlist—What To Know

Former President Donald Trump has once again captured international headlines with the unveiling of a bold and controversial new immigration initiative—the Trump Gold Card Visa. Promoted as an elite alternative to traditional U.S. green cards, the program aims to offer permanent residency to high-net-worth individuals willing to invest heavily in the American economy.

In a Wednesday post on his Truth Social platform, Trump shared a link to the official signup site for the Trump Gold Card Visa, declaring, “Thousands have been calling and asking how they can sign up… THE WAITING LIST IS NOW OPEN.”

While the post triggered widespread excitement among Trump loyalists and global entrepreneurs alike, many questions remain unanswered. The newly launched website, despite its sleek design and prominent display of Trump’s photo and signature on a mock “Trump Card,” offers scant details about timelines, legal frameworks, or specific benefits.

Trump Gold Card Visa: A Bold Vision With Sparse Details

According to the site, early registrants will be “notified the moment access opens” to the visa program. The form asks for basic information, including whether applicants are individuals or businesses, and if they are signing up for themselves or someone else. What’s notably missing, however, is any information on eligibility criteria, investment thresholds, or government oversight.

This strategic vagueness has left immigration experts, media analysts, and even some government officials puzzled. While Trump insists he doesn’t require Congressional approval for the program, arguing that it offers an expedited pathway to citizenship rather than a direct purchase of residency, the legal footing remains murky.

Origins of the Trump Gold Card Visa

Trump first floated the idea of the Trump Gold Card Visa in February 2025. He framed it as a magnet for “wealthy people” who are ready to “spend a lot of money, pay a lot of taxes, and employ a lot of people.” In contrast to the current EB-5 visa, which requires a minimum $800,000 investment and the creation of 10 U.S. jobs, the Gold Card’s requirements have not been clearly defined.

“There’s no reason billionaires should wait in line like everybody else,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One in April, holding up a prototype of the Trump Card. “They’re job creators, not job seekers.”

A Quiet Trial and Elon Musk’s Involvement

Adding to the intrigue, Elon Musk, then leading the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency, tweeted last month that the program was undergoing a “quiet trial” to ensure operational readiness. While Musk refrained from sharing further details, he hinted that some foreign nationals applying for the Global Entry program were being asked about their interest in the Trump Gold Card Visa.

This revelation, though unverified, triggered online speculation about whether a soft launch is already underway behind closed doors. Still, the new website omits any reference to a trial or even a tentative launch date, merely stating that the card “is coming.”

What Happens to the EB-5 Program?

The United States already has a functioning investor visa known as the EB-5, which grants green cards in exchange for substantial capital investment and job creation. While it has seen some success, the program has also faced scrutiny for fraud and exploitation.

Donald has repeatedly hinted that the Trump Gold Card Visa could replace the EB-5 altogether. “The current program is broken,” he claimed in a March town hall meeting. “We’re going to fix it with something better—something classy, something that works.”

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