USCIS Raises EB-5 Investor Program Fees for Full Cost Recovery Effective November 30, 2026

USCIS Adjusts EB-5 Investor Program Fees for Full Cost Recovery

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced significant changes to the fee schedule for the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. These adjustments, set to take effect on November 30, 2026, aim to ensure the program covers its full operating costs, meets processing time targets, and supports enhanced oversight. The updated fees will impact various filings for both individual investors and regional center operators.

The EB-5 program, established in 1990, encourages foreign investment in U.S. businesses to create jobs and stimulate economic growth. Investors who meet specific requirements can become eligible for lawful permanent residence, commonly known as a Green Card. The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 mandated USCIS to conduct a program-specific fee study and adjust fees accordingly. This legislation also established processing time goals and strengthened oversight measures to prevent fraud and abuse.

USCIS is primarily funded by filing fees, meaning those who use the immigration system contribute to its operational costs. The new fee structure reflects the agency’s commitment to covering expenses related to application review, background checks, eligibility verification, and program maintenance. These changes are a direct result of the agency’s analysis of the program’s expenses and the requirements set forth by the 2022 reform act.

Key Changes to Investor and Regional Center Filings

The revised fee schedule introduces substantial increases for most EB-5 related forms. These changes affect standalone investors, regional center investors, conditional residents seeking to remove conditions, and regional center operators. Some petition charges will more than double, reflecting the increased costs associated with processing and oversight.

Form I-526 and I-526E Filings:

• Form I-526, used by standalone investors, will see its fee increase from $3,675 to $7,615.
• Form I-526E, for regional center investors, will also increase from $3,675 to $7,850.
• Amendments to Form I-526E will now cost $7,775, up from the current $3,675.
• A new technology fee of $75 will apply to initial filings of Form I-526 and Form I-526E.

Form I-829 Filings:

• Form I-829, filed by conditional residents to remove the conditions on their Green Card, will increase from $3,750 to $5,000.

Regional Center Filings:

• Form I-956, for regional center designation, will see a significant rise from $17,795 to $44,115.
• Form I-956F, for project applications, will increase from $17,795 to $42,675.
• Form I-956G, the annual filing for regional centers, will decrease from $3,035 to $2,165.

These changes indicate a strategic shift in how USCIS is funding the EB-5 program, with a greater emphasis on cost recovery for the services provided and the oversight required.

New Integrity Fund Fees and Other Charges

Beyond the primary petition fees, the updated schedule introduces additional charges, particularly for regional center investors and operators, to bolster program integrity.

• EB-5 Integrity Fund Fee: Regional center investors filing Form I-526E will be subject to an additional $1,100 EB-5 Integrity Fund fee.
• Annual Integrity Fund Payments for Regional Centers: Regional centers will pay an annual fee based on the number of investors they serve. Centers with 20 or fewer investors will pay $11,000 annually, while larger centers will pay $22,000. These payments are separate from the filing fees for designation, project applications, and annual statements.

Furthermore, a new form, Form I-527, has been created with a fee of $10,330. This form is designed for certain legacy investors who need to amend older petitions under specific circumstances, providing a pathway for those whose cases predate the current EB-5 framework.

The introduction of these integrity fund fees and the new form highlights USCIS’s commitment to enhancing program security and accountability, as mandated by the 2022 reforms. These measures are intended to help prevent fraud and abuse within the EB-5 program.

Understanding the Impact of the Fee Adjustments

The revised fee schedule, effective November 30, 2026, means that any new filing submitted on or after this date will be subject to the new amounts. The fee increases are intended to cover the full cost of administering the EB-5 program, including the costs associated with processing applications, conducting background checks, verifying eligibility, and maintaining program operations. The strengthened oversight requirements, such as compliance reviews, audits, and site visits, also contribute to the increased operational expenses.

While some fees have seen substantial increases, it is important to note that the final rule’s amounts are lower for some forms than initially proposed in October 2025. For instance, the fee for the main EB-5 investor petition is less than originally suggested. The EB-5 program itself remains authorized through September 30, 2027, with these fee adjustments designed to ensure its sustainable operation and integrity moving forward. Investors and regional centers should carefully review the updated fee schedule and plan their filings accordingly to account for these changes.

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