US Residency Fee: On one hand, the US President has made it significantly more difficult for foreign professionals to enter the United States, and has drastically increased the H-1B visa fee to $100,000 (approximately ₹88 lakh). On the other hand, he has also launched a Gold Card and Platinum Visa program, which allows individuals to obtain residency in the US. Learn more about these programs in detail.
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US Residency Fee: US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order launching the Gold Card visa program. According to Trump, this is a fast-track route to entry into the United States. The US President stated that those who opt for the Gold Card visa to enter the US will have to pay a substantial fee. He further said that the program will generate billions of dollars, which will be used to reduce taxes, repay debt, and for other beneficial purposes. This program is intended for wealthy individuals and businesspeople, and also for highly skilled people who can contribute their talents to the United States.
How much will the Gold Card Visa cost?
US President Donald Trump has launched the Gold Card visa. Through this visa, foreign nationals can obtain US citizenship, but they will have to invest $1 million in the United States. In addition, they will have to pay a $15,000 processing fee and undergo a background check. Companies will be able to obtain a fast-track visa for their highly skilled, sponsored workers for $200,000 (approximately ₹1.76 crore). US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross stated that the Gold Card will replace the existing EB-1 and EB-2 visas for individuals of exceptional ability. He indicated that the remaining categories of green cards could be abolished within one month of the new program’s implementation.
A separate Trump Corporate Gold Card allows companies to transfer access privileges among employees after paying a fee. However, this requires a review by the Department of Homeland Security (which involves a waiting period) and also incurs a small annual maintenance fee.
A Platinum Card scheme is also in the works.
According to US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, the US government plans to introduce a Platinum Card scheme. This card will cost $500,000 (approximately ₹4.40 crore). Holders of this card will be allowed to stay in the US for up to 270 days a year, and importantly, any income earned during that time in the US will be tax-exempt.
A setback for H-1B visa applicants
Trump has issued an order making it more difficult for skilled professionals to enter the United States. The annual fee for an H-1B visa has been increased to $100,000 (approximately ₹88 lakh). This has come as a major blow to Indians, as a large number of Indian professionals work and aspire to work in the US.
