Green Card Update: Application Fees More Than Double for Investors
Summary
The Trump administration has announced plans to raise fees for investors applying for EB-5 visas, a program that gives foreign investors a path to U.S. green cards. Application fees will more than double, and a new $10,330 fee will be charged to investors whose projects fail but want to keep their visa eligibility.Key Facts
- The EB-5 visa is for foreign investors who invest $1.05 million (or $800,000 in targeted areas) in U.S. businesses that create at least 10 full-time jobs.
- USCIS is increasing the EB-5 application fee from $3,675 to $7,615.
- The fee increase affects about 16,600 applicants each year and represents about a 70% rise.
- A new form, I-527, will allow investors impacted by failed projects or terminated regional centers to maintain their visa status.
- Filing form I-527 will cost $10,330, which applies to those who obtained their EB-5 before the 2022 Reform and Integrity Act.
- USCIS funds itself mainly through application fees, which cover background checks, eligibility reviews, fraud detection, and program operations.
- Regional centers pool investments from multiple EB-5 investors for projects like hotels and infrastructure.
- The 2022 EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act authorized DHS to examine and update fees based on administrative costs.
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