Reviewed by John Hu, founder of John Hu Migration Consulting and Registered Migration Agent (MARN 0746141).
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a new fee schedule for EB-5 filings on 29 September 2026. The schedule takes effect on 30 November 2026. The core Form I-526E filing fee will rise from USD 3,675 to USD 7,850, an increase of 114%.
The figures below are USCIS administrative filing fees. They are separate from the EB-5 programme’s investment requirements.
The Complete EB-5 Fee Comparison
USCIS’s final rule sets out the following current and new fees:
| Form or fee | Current fee | New fee from 30 November | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-526E (regional centre, initial filing) | USD 3,675 | USD 7,850 | +114% |
| I-526E (amendment) | USD 3,675 | USD 7,775 | +112% |
| I-526 (standalone investor) | USD 3,675 | USD 7,615 | +107% |
| I-829 (remove conditions) | USD 3,750 | USD 5,000 | +33% |
| I-526E Integrity Fund fee | USD 1,000 | USD 1,100 | +10% |
| I-956 (initial regional centre designation) | USD 17,795 | USD 44,115 | +148% |
| Regional centre annual fee (20 or fewer investors) | USD 10,000 | USD 11,000 | +10% |
| Regional centre annual fee (more than 20 investors) | USD 20,000 | USD 22,000 | +10% |
Worth noting: the new I-526 and I-526E filing fees include a USD 75 technology fee, which supports upgrades to USCIS filing systems. The regional-centre annual-fee tiers are based on the number of investors: 20 or fewer, or more than 20.
The Effective Rule: Postmark or Filing Date
Under the final rule, an application postmarked or filed on or after 30 November 2026 is subject to the new fee schedule. The applicable fee is determined by the filing date—not by when USCIS finishes processing the case. Applicants should confirm the correct filing method and fee with their legal representative before submission.
Regional centres should also note the annual-fee late-payment rules. A 10% penalty applies to payments made from 1 to 30 November; a 20% penalty applies from 1 to 30 December. If the annual fee and applicable penalty are not paid by 30 December, the regional centre’s designation may be terminated.
Why Is USCIS Raising EB-5 Fees?
USCIS says the revised fees are intended to recover the cost of operating the EB-5 programme, support statutory processing-time goals, and fund programme-integrity work such as audits, site visits, fraud investigations and background checks. The Department of Homeland Security estimates that the programme will cost approximately USD 105 million annually in fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
This is not the first attempted increase. In April 2024, USCIS had set the I-526E fee at USD 11,160, but a federal court stayed those increases in November 2025 because the required programme-specific fee study had not been completed. USCIS has now introduced a revised schedule after completing the fee study required under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act.
Important: The Fee Date Is Separate From the 30 September Grandfathering Deadline
The 30 November fee effective date is separate from the 30 September Grandfathering deadline. The two dates address different issues:
- 30 September: determines whether an application may receive Grandfathering protection against a potential lapse in the Regional Center Program.
- 30 November: determines which USCIS fee schedule applies to a filing.
Missing the September Grandfathering deadline does not remove the opportunity to file before 30 November under the current, lower fee schedule. For JHM’s explanation of the separate Grandfathering date, see EB-5 Grandfathering: Common Myths Explained.
The Potential Savings From Filing Before 30 November
For a regional-centre I-526E filing, the current and new charges compare as follows:
- I-526E filing fee: USD 4,175 difference (USD 7,850 minus USD 3,675).
- Integrity Fund fee: USD 100 difference (USD 1,100 minus USD 1,000).
- Combined difference: approximately USD 4,275.
The actual fees applicable to a case depend on the forms being filed and the filing date. Any timing decision should take account of eligibility and document readiness, not cost alone.
What This Means for Hong Kong EB-5 Applicants
- If you have selected a project and your source-of-funds evidence is ready: consider completing and filing as soon as your case is properly prepared. Avoid leaving submission to the last moment, when rushed or incomplete records may lead to a Request for Evidence (RFE).
- If you are still preparing source-of-funds documents: use this period to ensure the evidence is complete and lawful. Proper documentation remains more important than saving a few thousand dollars in filing fees.
- If you expect to file Form I-829: if your case is close to meeting the filing requirements, filing before 30 November may mean the current USD 3,750 fee rather than USD 5,000, subject to the applicable filing rules.
- The fee increase does not itself change the EB-5 minimum investment requirement: this rule concerns USCIS administrative fees, not the programme’s investment thresholds.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the new fee schedule take effect?
It takes effect on 30 November 2026. USCIS applies the new fees to applications postmarked or filed on or after that date.
What is the I-526E filing fee from 30 November?
The I-526E filing fee will be USD 7,850, including the USD 75 technology fee. A separate USD 1,100 Integrity Fund fee also applies to regional-centre filings. Before 30 November, the current charges are USD 3,675 and USD 1,000 respectively.
Does the fee increase raise the EB-5 minimum investment amount?
No. The change concerns USCIS administrative filing fees. Investment requirements are separate and should be checked against the official rules applicable to the individual case.
Is 30 November the same deadline as 30 September Grandfathering?
No. The September date concerns potential Grandfathering protection; 30 November determines which fee schedule applies. They are independent deadlines.
Plan Your Filing Carefully
For U.S. immigration matters, John Hu Migration Consulting works with New York-licensed immigration attorney Susan Akina’s team and tracks USCIS fee and policy updates. Contact us to discuss your circumstances and plan an appropriate EB-5 filing timeline.
Enquiry hotline: (852) 3568 1436 | WhatsApp: (852) 9178 8523
Request a free assessment
For the fee schedule and effective-date details, consult the USCIS final rule published in the Federal Register.
Each case’s outcome, processing time and subsequent immigration arrangements depend on the applicant’s circumstances, project details, supporting documents and official requirements. USCIS fees may change; verify the current schedule before filing. This article is for general information only and does not guarantee approval or constitute investment advice.