President Donald Trump signed executive orders Friday creating an immigration Gold Card program and raising H-1B visa costs.
He said the changes will bring “great people into our country” while protecting U.S. workers.
H-1B Visa Changes
Trump’s order raised the H-1B visa fee to $100,000 annually.
The visas may last up to six years under the new rules.
Donald Trump
Additional vetting fees will also apply to H-1B applicants.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the new cost ensures scrutiny.
Companies will need to be selective in who they sponsor.
The administration may suspend other green card categories soon.
Watch:
🚨 BREAKING: By stroke of pen, President Trump raises the H-1B Visa fee from $1,000 to *$100,000,* and directs the Secretary of Labor to revise the wage rules to make it much harder for companies to hire foreigners in replacement of American workers.
Massive win. pic.twitter.com/Gl9uybH3tw
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) September 19, 2025
Gold Card Program
The new Gold Card offers expedited U.S. residency for foreign applicants.
Applicants must undergo DHS vetting and pay a $1 million contribution.
A nonrefundable processing fee also applies, with details pending.
Approved applicants will be issued EB-1 or EB-2 visas.
All cards are revocable for national security or criminal concerns.
Corporations can buy Corporate Gold Cards for $2 million per worker.
Companies may switch out the sponsored employee after security reviews.
Platinum Option
Trump also introduced plans for a Platinum Card.
Applicants must pay $5 million plus processing fees after vetting.
The card provides 270 days of annual U.S. visitation.
Holders will not owe U.S. taxes on non-domestic income.
Applications for the Platinum Card are now being accepted.
Issuance will depend on availability and DHS approval.
Economic Impact
Lutnick predicted the Gold Card program could raise $100 billion.
He said the government plans to issue 80,000 cards.
Vetting fees are expected to cost around $15,000 per applicant.
Howard Lutnick
“They’re going to pay, as opposed to walking over the borders,” he said.
Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-Remer will raise wage levels in visa programs.
The policy is designed to prevent competition with American workers.
Trump’s Vision
Trump said the reforms will prioritize American jobs first.
“It’s not going to take jobs,” he said at the signing.
“They’re really investing in jobs,” he added.
White House staff secretary Will Scharf said the nation will benefit.
He called it a new pathway for people with “extraordinary ability.”
Trump said the orders mark a model for future immigration reforms.
