EB-5 Visa Fees: US rolls back increased fees on EB-5 visas; Know why this decision was taken
There’s good news for Indian investors on the US EB-5 investor visa. USCIS has withdrawn the fee increase introduced in 2024 after a court found it to be unconstitutional. The old fees will now apply, saving investors up to ₹2.6 million. Investing and obtaining residency in the US with the EB-5 visa will now be cheaper.
EB-5 Visa Fees: A major decision on the US EB-5 investor visa has brought relief to Indian investors. The USCIS agency has withdrawn the steep fee hike implemented in 2024. This move was taken following an order from a Colorado federal court. The court stated that USCIS increased the fees without conducting the necessary study, which is against the rules.
The court order came on November 12. Following this, USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) stated that the same old, lower fees will now apply as before March 31, 2024. This will directly benefit Indian investors who choose the EB-5 route for US residency.
What is the EB-5 visa program?
This visa provides foreign investors with a path to obtain a green card in the United States. Investments are made in projects that create jobs for American citizens. Most investments are made through “regional centers.” Congress reauthorized this program in 2022.
How much will the fee reduction benefit?
The fee for a key form like the I-526 has been reduced from $11,160 (approximately Rs. 9,91,133) to just $3,675 (approximately Rs. 3,26,381). The I-956F form, which previously cost $47,675 (approximately Rs. 42,35,850), now only costs $17,795, or Rs. 15,80,395. This means investors will be relieved of up to Rs. 2.6 million in financial burden.
Difference of lakhs in old and new fees
| immigration form |
Fees applicable now |
Previously increased fees |
| I-526 (Standalone Investor) |
$3,675 (Rs 3,26,381) |
$11,160 (Rs 9,91,133) |
| I-526E (Regional Center Investor) |
$3,675(Rs 3,26,381) |
$11,160 (Rs 9,91,133) |
| I-829 (Remove Conditions) |
$3,750 (Rs 3,33,042) |
$9,525 (Rs 8,45,926) |
| I-956 (Regional Center Designation) |
$17,795 (Rs 15,80,395) |
$47,695 (Rs 42,35,850) |
| I-956F (Investment Approval) |
$17,795 (Rs 15,80,395) |
$47,695 (Rs 42,35,850) |
| I-956G (Annual Statement) |
$3,035 (Rs 2,69,542) |
$4,470 (Rs 3,96,986) |
USCIS also stated that it submitted a new proposal based on a new fee study conducted last month. New fees may be finalized in the coming months. However, the current decision will directly benefit Indian investors. Investing and obtaining residency in the United States through the EB-5 visa will now become significantly cheaper.
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