The administration of Donald Trump has so far approved only one applicant under its new “Gold Card” visa program, according to Howard Lutnick.
Launched in December, the program allows foreign nationals to obtain U.S. residency in exchange for a $1 million financial contribution to the United States government, following a rigorous vetting process. Applicants are also required to pay an additional $15,000 processing fee.
Lutnick stated that the first approval was recently finalized in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the screening and application process.
While only one person has been approved so far, hundreds of other applications are currently under review. Lutnick emphasized that the vetting procedures are exceptionally strict—describing them as among the most detailed ever implemented in such government programs.
The Trump administration has promoted the initiative as a way to attract major foreign investment and generate revenue, while offering a fast-track pathway to legal residency in the U.S.
Authorities have not disclosed the identity of the approved applicant. Officials say the program remains in its early stages, with more approvals expected as the review process continues.
