tag:reuters.com,2013:newsml_GM1E9A60H1S01:307647968
(Washington, DC) – President Donald Trump says he’s launching his “gold card” foreign visa program. It aims to attract educated and well-off immigrants who would pay one-million dollars to the U.S. government for “front-of-the-line” immigration status.
Homeland Security would verify the applicant got the one-million-dollars through legal means. Corporations can pay two-million dollars for a version of the “gold card” that allows them to use for an employee. Trump made the announcement during a roundtable of American business leaders at the White House.
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- Determine Your Eligibility: Identify your category, such as family-sponsored (spouse, parent, child of a U.S. citizen/LPR), employment-based, or diversity visa.
- File an Immigrant Petition: A sponsor (relative or employer) files a petition with USCIS
- Wait for Visa Availability: A visa number must be available, determined by your priority date.
Choose Your Process:
Adjustment of Status (Inside the U.S.): File Form I-485 to become a permanent resident without leaving the country.
Consular Processing (Outside the U.S.): Apply through a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad.
Submit Your Application: File required forms, pay fees, and provide supporting documents (photos, medical exam, civil documents).
Attend Biometrics & Interview: Go to a biometrics appointment and then an interview.
Receive Decision: If approved, you get your Green Card (or immigrant visa if consular processing).
Current green card fees vary significantly, but expect major costs like $1,440 for Form I-485 (adjusting status in the U.S.) and $675 for Form I-130 (family sponsorship) as of late 2025, with new fees starting April 1, 2024, making concurrent I-765 (Work Permit) and I-131 (Travel Permit) filings now separate costs of around $260 and $630, plus an additional $235 USCIS Immigrant Fee paid before entering the U.S. for consular processing. Total costs involve multiple forms, biometrics, and potential legal fees, often reaching thousands of dollars, depending on your path (family, employment) and location (in U.S. or abroad).
