Wealthy foreigners can now pay at least $1 million (£750,000) to get a fast-tracked US visa with President Donald Trump’s new scheme.
The ‘Trump Gold Card’, first announced earlier this year, is a US visa awarded to those who ‘provide a substantial benefit’ to the country, according to the scheme’s official website.
It promises US residency in ‘record time’ once a $1 million fee is paid, which is used as evidence to show that the individual will substantially benefit the US.
To apply, applicants must also pay a nonrefundable $15,000 (£11,250) Department of Homeland Security (DHS) processing fee.
President Trump wrote on social media: ‘A direct path to Citizenship for all qualified and vetted people. SO EXCITING! Our Great American Companies can finally keep their invaluable Talent.’
The scheme’s official government website has posted a picture of the card – featuring a glowering Trump with the Statue of Liberty behind him.
Foreigners can expect an ‘expedited’ process once the fee is received.
Other fees to the US Department of State may be necessary depending on circumstances, the site states.
In a statement on the website, Trump continued: ‘They can invest in America. And we can continue to build the greatest economy on Earth.’
Businesses can also get a shiny gold card for $2 million.
The ‘Trump Corporate Gold Card’ lets companies receive US residency for their employees.
The ‘Corporate Gold Card’ allows a business to transfer access from one employee and grant it to another for a 5% fee.
A $5 million Trump Platinum Card is also ‘coming soon’, according to the official website.
Holders will be able to spend up to 270 days in the US without being subject to US taxes on non-US income.
US Secretary of Commerce, Howard W. Lutnick, wrote: ‘Our immigration system should put Americans first.
‘That’s exactly why the Trump Gold Card is a major win for our country.’
Kristi Noem, US Secretary for Homeland Security, said: ‘I think people are going to come because they’ll be in the greatest country in the world.’
However, the scheme has faced criticism since it was announced, with some Democrats saying it would unfairly favour wealthy individuals due to its high cost.
The launch comes as Washington intensifies its immigration crackdown and hikes up work visa fees.
The website states that people can sign up now and secure their places on the waiting list.
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