Trump Introduces Gold, Platinum, and Corporate Gold Cards for H-1B Workers

Photo: AP

US President Donald Trump has announced major changes to the H-1B visa system, introducing the Trump Gold Card, Trump Platinum Card, and Trump Corporate Gold Card. These new programs aim to change how skilled foreign workers and businesses enter the United States. If implemented, they would make visas much more expensive and limit access to only very wealthy or “extraordinary” applicants.

H-1B Visa Fee Hike

The most immediate change is the dramatic increase in the H-1B visa fee. Currently, companies pay $215 to sponsor foreign workers under this program. Trump’s new plan would raise this fee to $100,000 per year. This move is designed to encourage companies to hire American workers first and only bring in foreign professionals who are considered highly skilled.

This fee increase will particularly affect Indian IT professionals, who make up the majority of H-1B visa holders. Many Indian workers rely on these visas to work at US technology firms, including big companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google.

Gold Card Visa Program

The Gold Card program includes three types of special visas:

1. Trump Gold Card

Target: Individual skilled workers

Price: $1 million

Process: Applicants must submit an application form along with a non-refundable processing fee. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will conduct a detailed background check before approving the card.

Benefits: Once approved, the holder can live and work in all 50 US states and territories without the normal visa restrictions.

2. Trump Platinum Card

Target: Individual skilled workers at the very top level

Price: $5 million

Process: Applicants must sign up on a waiting list and pay a processing fee. They will undergo thorough vetting by the Department of Homeland Security.

Benefits: Provides similar privileges as the Gold Card but is aimed at extremely wealthy or highly accomplished individuals.

3. Trump Corporate Gold Card

Target: Businesses

Price: $2 million per company

Process: Companies must apply and undergo background checks. Approved firms can hire foreign workers without going through the usual employment-based visa process.

Benefits: Allows companies to bring in highly skilled foreign workers while bypassing traditional visa limits.

Why the US Government Introduced These Cards

The Trump administration says the Gold, Platinum, and Corporate Gold Cards are meant to:

Ensure that only “extraordinary” individuals can enter the US.

Protect American workers by making it expensive for companies to hire foreign employees.

Reduce the number of people entering the US under traditional employment-based visas.

Provide a faster and easier pathway for wealthy investors, professionals, and businesses.

US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick stated that this program will encourage high-value investment in the country while limiting lower-income employment-based immigration.

Potential Impact on Workers

Indian Professionals Most Affected: Indians hold the majority of H-1B visas. The $100,000 annual fee could make it very expensive for companies to sponsor Indian employees.

Limited Access: Only very wealthy or “top-tier” professionals will be able to afford the Gold or Platinum Cards. This may prevent many skilled workers from coming to the US.

Higher Cost for Businesses: Smaller companies may struggle to pay $2 million for the Corporate Gold Card to hire foreign workers, making it harder to compete with large tech corporations.

Shift in Immigration System: The Gold Card system may replace traditional employment-based visas, changing how people from countries like India, China, and the Philippines work in the US.

Comparison With Traditional Visas

Current H-1B Visa: $215 per year, requires lottery selection if demand exceeds supply, allows work for a limited number of years.

Gold Card Visa: $1 million for individuals, unrestricted access across the US, intended for highly skilled or wealthy applicants.

Platinum Card Visa: $5 million, exclusive for top-tier professionals, similar benefits as Gold Card.

Corporate Gold Card: $2 million, allows businesses to hire multiple foreign professionals without normal visa limits.

Disclaimer:
his article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Policies may change, and readers should consult official US government sources or legal experts for up-to-date information.