Reviewed by John Hu, Principal Consultant at John Hu Migration Consulting.
Quick answer: The EB-5 minimum investment is US$800,000 for a targeted employment area or infrastructure project, or US$1,050,000 for other projects. USCIS filing fees increase on 30 November 2026: Form I-526E from US$3,675 to US$7,850 and Form I-829 from US$3,750 to US$5,000. Total costs also include project, legal and document expenses that vary by case. Last updated: 6 November 2026
When Hong Kong families ask about the cost of US investor immigration, they usually hear one number. In practice, EB-5 cost has several layers, and some of them are about to change.
What is the EB-5 minimum investment?
According to the Congressional Research Service (CRS), after the 2022 EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act (RIA), the standard minimum is US$1,050,000. A minimum of US$800,000 applies to a targeted employment area (high-unemployment or rural) or an infrastructure project.
| Project type | Minimum investment |
|---|---|
| Targeted employment area (high unemployment or rural) | US$800,000 |
| Infrastructure project | US$800,000 |
| Other (non-TEA) | US$1,050,000 |
The RIA also provides for inflation adjustments every five years starting 1 January 2027, to be published in the Federal Register. Rely on the official notice for any new figure.
How are USCIS fees changing?
| Form | Current fee | From 30 Nov 2026 | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-526E (petition) | US$3,675 | US$7,850 | US$4,175 |
| I-829 (remove conditions) | US$3,750 | US$5,000 | US$1,250 |
Confirm with your lawyer whether the new fee is applied by postmark date or receipt date. See our pre-30 November I-526E checklist.
What other costs should you budget for?
These vary by project and case and are not estimated here. Ask for a written fee schedule:
- Project management or administration fees
- Legal and document preparation
- Source-of-funds evidence, translation and notarisation
- Green card stage processing and medical examinations
Is the investment itself a “cost”?
Not in the usual sense, but EB-5 capital is at risk. There is no guarantee of return or approval. Compare direct investment and regional centre options and read about set-aside vs unreserved visa numbers.
Is filing before 30 November always the cheapest option?
The I-526E increase is US$4,175, about 0.4% to 0.5% of the US$800,000 or US$1,050,000 investment. Rushing a filing before source-of-funds evidence and project due diligence are complete may not be the better decision.
FAQ
Q1: What is the EB-5 minimum investment?
A: US$800,000 for a targeted employment area or infrastructure project, and US$1,050,000 for other projects.
Q2: When does the I-526E fee increase?
A: On 30 November 2026, from US$3,675 to US$7,850.
Q3: Will EB-5 investment amounts change?
A: The RIA provides for inflation adjustments every five years from 1 January 2027. The new figure awaits official publication.
Q4: How much should I budget in total?
A: Beyond the investment and USCIS fees, other costs depend on the project and your case. Ask for a written fee schedule.
Sources
Congressional Research Service: Overview of the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
U.S. Department of Homeland Security / USCIS: EB-5 Fee Rule (published 30 September 2026)
More: US EB-5 investment immigration services
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Individual outcomes, processing times and subsequent status arrangements depend on the applicant’s background, the project, document completeness and official requirements. The cases above are for reference only and do not constitute a guarantee of approval or investment advice.