The Gold Card visa programme, launched by U.S. President Donald Trump in February, is currently being tested quietly to ensure it functions smoothly.
Elon Musk, billionaire entrepreneur and close aide to Trump, revealed that this trial is being carried out before a public launch.
He shared the update in a reply on social media platform X, stating that the programme would be formally announced by Trump once fully tested. The original post he replied to is not visible in India.
The Gold Card visa is designed as a premium alternative to the Green Card, offering U.S. citizenship in exchange for a $5 million fee. It promises all the privileges of a Green Card and additional benefits.
When introduced, Trump had said it would replace the EB-5 visa programme, which requires a $1 million investment and job creation. However, the Gold Card has no such employment requirements, making it simpler for wealthy applicants.
For affluent Indians, this visa could be a faster and more accessible route to U.S. residency compared to the traditional EB-5 or the lengthy H-1B to Green Card path. However, it remains inaccessible to the middle class.
Sources suggest that stricter Green Card rules and longer waiting times are being considered, possibly to enhance the exclusivity and appeal of the Gold Card visa in the future.
