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US Hikes EB-5 Green Card Fees: Major Impact on Indian Investors
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News18•30-09-2026, 09:15
US Hikes EB-5 Green Card Fees: Major Impact on Indian Investors
- •The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will drastically increase fees for the EB-5 investor program, effective November 30.
- •The EB-5 program grants permanent residency (Green Card) to foreign investors who invest in a US commercial enterprise and create 10 full-time American jobs.
- •Filing fees for Form I-526 (standalone investors) will rise from $3,675 to $7,615, and for Form I-526E (regional center investors) from $3,675 to $7,850, plus a $75 technology fee.
- •Fees for regional centers will see sharper increases, with initial Form I-956 applications rising from $17,795 to $44,115.
- •USCIS states that the fee hikes are necessary as the agency is largely funded by fees, covering costs for application review, background checks, fraud detection, and program operations.
Key Questions Answered
The filing fee for Form I-526 will increase from USD 3,675 to USD 7,615, while the fee for an initial Form I-526E petition will rise from USD 3,675 to USD 7,850. Both initial petitions will also include an additional USD 75 technology fee.
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services finalized the rule on Tuesday, and the new fee increases will become effective starting November 30.
Applicants must invest USD 1.05 million in a qualifying business, or USD 800,000 if investing in a Targeted Employment Area or infrastructure project. Additionally, the investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs for American workers to allow the investor and their family to apply for a Green Card.
