Trump’s $1 Million Gold Card Visa: What Kenyan Applicants Need to Know

The United States has launched a new immigration option known as the Trump Gold Card visa. It targets wealthy foreign nationals and companies willing to make large payments to the U.S. government in exchange for faster permanent residence. For Kenyan travelers and investors, this program raises serious questions about eligibility, cost, and value. This article explains how it works and who it is meant for.

What is the Trump $1 Million Gold Card Visa?

The Gold Card visa is a U.S. immigration program that offers a faster route to permanent residence. It is designed for foreigners who can make a direct financial contribution to the U.S. government. Successful applicants receive an employment-based green card under the EB-1 or EB-2 category.

Applications are submitted online through a U.S. government platform. The government states that processing can take weeks instead of months or years. This is much faster than most existing green card routes.

Who Qualifies for the Gold Card Visa?

The program targets high-net-worth individuals with clean immigration and criminal records. Applicants must show lawful sources of funds and meet all U.S. admissibility rules. There are no exemptions for background checks.

It also targets corporations that want to secure U.S. residence for selected employees. This applies to firms that want long-term certainty for skilled workers. It is not a general work visa program.

The Gold Card visa is not meant for students, general workers, or family sponsorship cases. It does not replace visitor visas, study visas, or diversity visas. Kenyan applicants outside the high-income bracket should look at other legal routes to go to the USA.

Types of Gold Card Visa Options Available

• Individual Gold Card Visa

This visa option requires a $1 million payment to the U.S. government after approval. The payment is classified as a contribution, not an investment. There is no requirement to start a business or hire U.S. workers.

Successful applicants receive permanent residence status. They are allowed to live and work anywhere in the United States. Normal green card rules apply after approval.

• Corporate Gold Card Visa

U.S. companies can secure permanent residence for employees for $2 million per worker. Each visa card is tied to one employee at a time. The employer controls the sponsorship.

If the sponsored worker later becomes a U.S. citizen, the visa card can be reassigned. A transfer fee applies in such cases. This option is meant for long-term workforce planning.

• Platinum Card Option Visa

This option costs $5 million and allows extended stays of up to 270 days per year. Holders are not required to pay U.S. tax on non-U.S. income during those stays. It does not grant full permanent residence rights.

This option suits foreign nationals who want long stays without full immigration. It is not a replacement for a green card. Kenyan applicants should assess tax and residency implications carefully.

Gold Card Visa Application Fees and Other Costs

All applicants must pay a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee. This covers background checks, security vetting, and interviews. The fee is paid before visa approval.

After approval, Gold Card visa holders must pay a 1 percent annual maintenance fee. This applies for as long as the card remains active. Corporate transfers attract a separate 5 percent transfer fee.

Vetting and Approval Process for Gold Card visa

Applicants go through strict security and background screening. This includes criminal checks, immigration history, and source of funds review. A Gold card visa interview is mandatory.

The $1 million or $2 million payment is made only after vetting is complete. If an applicant fails the checks, the main contribution is not paid. The processing fee remains non-refundable.

How the Gold Card Visa Differs From the EB-5 Visa

The EB-5 visa requires an investment in a U.S. business. Applicants must do this to prove job creation. However, the Gold Card visa has no such requirements.

EB-5 processing can take several years, whereas the Gold Card is marketed as a weeks-long process. This is one of its main selling points for Gold Card visa.

Funds under the Gold Card visa go directly to the U.S. government. On the other hand, EB-5 funds go to private projects, which have caused fraud cases in the past.

Gold Card Visa as a Path to U.S. Citizenship

Gold Card visa holders receive permanent resident status. This can be done by applying for U.S. citizenship after five years of residence. This follows the same timeline as other green card holders.

However, citizenship is not automatic. All applicants must meet residency, tax, and conduct requirements. Serious criminal or security issues can lead to revocation.

Is the Gold Card Visa Realistic for Kenyan Applicants?

Only a small number of Kenyans are likely to qualify for Trump’s $1 million Gold Card visa because the financial threshold is very high. Funds must be fully traceable and lawful.

Kenyan applicants must still meet U.S. immigration rules. Past visa refusals, overstays, or criminal records can lead to denial. Payment alone does not guarantee approval for the Gold Card visa.

The program suits business owners, major investors, and corporate-sponsored professionals. For most Kenyans, other visa routes remain more realistic.

Main Risks and Points to Consider

The $15,000 processing fee is not refundable. Applicants lose this amount even if Gold card visa is denied. So, this risk must be weighed carefully. Immigration policy can change frequently. Future administrations may alter or end the program. Long-term planning is essential for your travel. You can only plan for your travel appropriately when you are well-informed. U.S. tax obligations apply after permanent residence. Kenyan applicants should assess tax exposure before applying.

What Kenyan Travelers Should Do First

Confirm that your funds meet U.S. legal standards. Documentation is important because unclear documentation can lead to visa denial. Also, compare the Gold Card with EB-1, EB-2, and family-based options. 

A cheaper route may exist depending on your profile, but, always think twice, before you mess up. Remember, each case is different and needs personalized guidance. So, be sure to get professional immigration advice before making any payment. Mistakes at this level are costly; you can avoid such by consulting us.

Speak to Victoria Visa Consultants

The Trump Gold Card visa is highly selective. It is not suitable for everyone. Therefore, Kenyan applicants should seek proper visa guidance before taking any step.

Visit Victoria Visa Consultants at our offices for a personalized assessment and guidance. You can also call us to discuss whether the Gold Card visa or another U.S. visa option fits your situation. 

Professional advice can save you time and money. Don’t mess up, we are here for you! 

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