Only one person has so far been approved for Donald Trump’s “Gold Card” visa program, which grants US residency to foreigners upon payment of US$1 million, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said on Thursday (23).
Lutnick did not reveal the identity of the successful candidate. In testimony to a committee of the US House of Representatives, he stated that visa applications from “hundreds” of other foreigners are under analysis.
Applicants must undergo an “extraordinary investigation” and pay a $15,000 processing fee, he said.
The Trump administration began accepting applications for the visa in December.
The president has been promoting the Gold Card visa program as a crucial way to attract talent to the US. Those who receive the visa pay US$1 million to obtain residency in the country.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Continues after advertising
© 2026 Bloomberg L.P.
