The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced significant proposed fee adjustments for the popular EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program — a vital pathway for foreign nationals seeking a U.S. green card through investment.
While a notable 17 percent reduction is planned for a core application fee, the introduction of a new technology charge and increases in other related fees mean that foreign investors should carefully assess the updated financial landscape.
Under the new proposals, the filing fee for the I-526E Petition by Regional Center Investor, a crucial first step for most EB-5 applicants, is set to decrease from $4,675 to $3,925.
This proposed $750 reduction aims to ease a portion of the upfront costs for international investors contributing capital to U.S. businesses and job creation. The adjustment may also reflect the U.S. government’s intent to keep its investor visa program competitive amid increasing global options for residency-by-investment.
However, prospective EB-5 visa applicants will also face a new financial obligation — the Immigrant Investor Program Technology Fee of $1,115.
According to USCIS, this charge will fund the Immigrant Investor Program Office (IPO) and support modernization of its case management and adjudication systems.
When this new fee is combined with the reduced I-526E filing cost, the total out-of-pocket expense rises to $5,040, compared with the current $4,675 — effectively turning the apparent fee reduction into a modest net increase.
In addition to the upfront adjustments, USCIS has also proposed a fee hike for the I-829 Petition to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status — a critical step for EB-5 investors transitioning from conditional to permanent residency.
The cost for this petition is expected to rise from $3,750 to $4,650, marking a significant jump for investors nearing the end of their immigration process.
These comprehensive fee revisions reflect USCIS’s broader strategy to recover operational costs and modernize its infrastructure. Officials argue that the new structure will improve efficiency, enhance transparency, and sustain key immigration programs like EB-5.
However, while the 17 percent I-526E reduction is a welcome move, the new technology surcharge and higher I-829 fee illustrate the complex trade-offs facing foreign investors.
As the EB-5 program continues to evolve, potential applicants are urged to monitor final rulemaking updates and plan their financial strategies accordingly to navigate this shifting investment-immigration landscape.
