EB-5 Green Cards Get Pricey: Invest More, Immigrants!
Published Date: 10/23/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The government plans to change the fees for the EB-5 immigrant visa program, which helps people invest in the U.S. to get green cards. These updates will support new rules from the 2022 EB-5 Reform Act and make sure the program stays fair and strong. If you’re involved with EB-5 visas, watch for fee changes and get your comments in by December 22, 2025!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Most EB-5 Filing Fees Reduced
DHS proposes lower fees for many EB-5 forms. For example, Form I-526/I-526E initial would fall from $11,160 to $9,625 (a $1,535 or 14% decrease), Form I-829 from $9,525 to $7,860 (a $1,665 or 17% decrease), and Form I-956 from $47,695 to $28,895 (a $18,800 or 39% decrease). DHS projects about 11,260 EB-5 form filings annually and a volume-weighted per-form average fee decrease of about 14.7% (about $2,259).
New I-527 Amendment Fee: $8,000
USCIS proposes a new Form I-527 (Amendment to legacy Form I-526) with a proposed filing fee of $8,000. Filers who need to submit this amendment would pay that fee under the proposed rule.
Regional Centers: Integrity Fund Fees & Penalties
The rule would codify EB-5 Integrity Fund charges: designated regional centers must pay an annual fee of $10,000 or $20,000 depending on total investor counts, and USCIS would collect $1,000 from each regional center petitioner with their filing of a Form I-526E. DHS proposes penalties for late payment: 10% if paid day 31–60 after due date, 20% if paid day 61–90, and termination of regional center designation if unpaid after 90 days.
New $95 EB-5 Technology Fee
The proposed rule would add a $95 EB-5 technology fee to the initial Form I-526 and I-526E filing amounts. That $95 fee is listed separately and would be collected with the initial petition.
Clarifies Derivative I-829 Filing Rules
The proposed rule clarifies when an investor's spouse and children (derivatives) should file Form I-829. If the principal investor is deceased, all derivatives may be included on a single Form I-829; otherwise each derivative must file a separate I-829, and any derivative filing separately must meet the same filing deadline that would have applied to the principal investor.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14439, Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media
Starting September 15, 2026, students, exchange visitors, and foreign media reps will get a fixed time to stay in the U.S. instead of an open-ended status. This change helps the government keep better track of who’s following the rules and makes extending stays clearer. It affects F, J, and I visa holders and could mean more careful planning and paperwork, but no new fees are mentioned.
2026-13392, EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022; Ensuring the Integrity of the EB-5 Program; Automatic Revocation of Petitions for Immigrant Classification
The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 shakes up the investor visa program by making sure only serious investors who create real jobs get green cards. It affects foreign investors and regional centers, adds new rules to stop fraud, and sets a deadline for public comments by August 31, 2026. This means more trust and transparency in the program, with changes rolling out soon and investments under closer watch.
2026-13137, Marine Casualty Reporting on the Outer Continental Shelf
Starting July 30, 2026, companies working on the Outer Continental Shelf must report marine accidents based on who’s involved, not just where they happen. The rule raises the damage cost that triggers a report from $25,000 to $75,000, saving businesses money and making rules clearer and fairer. This change cuts industry costs by over $10,000 in 10 years and aligns U.S. rules with international standards for offshore activities.
2026-11285, Clarification of Discretionary Employment Authorization for Certain Aliens
The Department of Homeland Security wants to clear up who can get special work permission if they’re temporarily allowed in the U.S. for urgent reasons, have deferred action, or are released under supervision. They’re also tightening rules for people with certain criminal records, unless helping law enforcement is involved. You’ve got until August 4, 2026, to share your thoughts—no fees or costs change yet, just a heads-up on new rules.
2026-09007, Fee Adjustment for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Form I-246, Application for a Stay of Deportation or Removal
If you’re applying to pause your deportation or removal with Form I-246, get ready for a fee jump from $155 to $755! This change helps cover the real costs since the fee hasn’t changed since 1989. You’ve got until July 6, 2026, to share your thoughts before the new fee kicks in.
2026-08699, Shipping Safety Fairways Along the Atlantic Coast
The Coast Guard is making the Atlantic Coast safer for ships by setting up special shipping lanes from New York to Florida. They’re reopening the comment period until June 22, 2026, so everyone can share their thoughts before the rules are finalized. This affects ship operators and coastal communities, aiming to keep sea travel smooth and safe without extra costs right now.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-19638, Air Plan Approval; Arizona; Interstate Transport Requirements for the 2012 Fine Particulate Matter National Ambient Air Quality Standard
Arizona is getting the green light for its plan to stop pollution from crossing state lines and messing with air quality in other places. This update helps keep the air cleaner by making sure Arizona’s rules meet national standards for tiny particle pollution. No big costs or deadlines for businesses, just a win for everyone who loves fresh air!
Next: 2025-19657, Review of Submarine Cable Landing License Rules and Procedures To Assess Evolving National Security, Law Enforcement, Foreign Policy, and Trade Policy Risks
The FCC wants to make sure submarine internet cables landing in the U.S. stay safe from foreign threats while speeding up new cable projects. They’re proposing new rules that require cable owners to report on risky foreign connections and use trusted tech, with some licenses getting automatic approval if they meet certain standards. Comments on these changes are open until late December 2025, and these rules could affect companies that own or operate these cables.