USCIS EB-5 Fee Reduction (November 2025)

USCIS reverted EB-5 petition fees to pre-April 2024 levels in November 2025. Here's what the new fees are and what they mean for pending and new applicants.

Quick Snapshot: Key USCIS EB-5 Fees (2025–2026)

Below are the core filing fees many EB-5 investors will see in a typical timeline (amounts shown are USCIS filing fees only and can change—always confirm on USCIS before filing).

• Form I-526E (Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor): $3,675
• Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status): $1,440 (common investor adult filing amount)
• Biometrics: USCIS may still require a biometrics appointment for many filings; whether a separate biometrics fee applies can depend on the form category and the fee rule in effect at the time of filing.
• Form I-829 (Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions): USCIS charges a significant filing fee for I-829 and typically also charges a biometrics fee per conditional resident included. Because USCIS has adjusted fee structures in recent years (including how biometrics is assessed), confirm the exact I-829 total for your household at the time you file.

The I-526E Filing Fee: What Investors Pay Today

The I-526E filing fee is currently $3,675 for EB-5 investors filing through a regional center under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA) framework.

What this fee covers (in plain terms):

• USCIS review of your EB-5 petition (your eligibility as an investor, source and path of funds documentation, and the project/regional center filing structure required for I-526E).

What it does not cover:

• The EB-5 investment amount itself (e.g., $800,000 in a targeted employment area or $1,050,000 outside a TEA, subject to current rules and project qualification)
• Legal fees, project administrative fees, translation, document procurement, or third-party reports

Adjustment of Status (I-485): Filing Fee and Biometrics

If you are already in the United States in a qualifying status, you may be able to file Form I-485 (adjustment of status) to obtain a green card without consular processing—often alongside (or after) I-526E depending on visa availability and your category.

• The I-485 fee commonly referenced for an adult applicant is $1,440.
• USCIS can also require biometrics (fingerprints/photo). In the past, biometrics often carried a separate fee in many categories; more recent fee rules have shifted how USCIS charges for biometrics in certain filings. Your total should be calculated from the USCIS fee table that applies on your filing date.

Practical budget tip: If you have a spouse and children filing I-485 as derivatives, government filing costs can multiply quickly across the family—even though the EB-5 investment amount does not change.

I-829 Fees: Removing Conditions Later (Do Not Forget This Line Item)

Most EB-5 investors receive conditional permanent residence first. Near the end of the two-year conditional period, you file Form I-829 to remove conditions.

I-829 costs matter for two reasons:

1. It is a separate stage with its own USCIS filing fees.
2. Families can face additional biometrics-related charges for each conditional resident included.

Because I-829 fee structures have been subject to USCIS fee schedule updates, treat I-829 as a “future known cost” and plan for it early—especially if your household includes multiple dependents.

Have USCIS Fees for EB-5 Changed Recently (and Was There a “Reduction”)?

USCIS filing fees have seen meaningful revisions in the past few years across many immigration categories. Investors searching for a USCIS EB-5 fee reduction are usually reacting to:

• Public discussion of USCIS “fee rules” and periodic updates to forms and fee tables
• Changes in whether biometrics is charged as a separate fee or bundled
• Category-by-category adjustments that can shift the total “all-in” government filing cost for a family

For EB-5 specifically, the main investor-facing takeaway for 2025–2026 is that you should plan around the currently published fees—especially the $3,675 I-526E and the $1,440 I-485 (when applicable)—and recheck the USCIS fee table right before filing.

How USCIS Filing Fees Compare to the Overall EB-5 Budget

USCIS filing fees are typically a small fraction of the EB-5 capital requirement, but they still matter—especially for family filings and multi-stage processing.

A realistic EB-5 budget often includes:

• Investment amount (commonly $800,000 or $1,050,000 depending on project designation and rules)
• Project or regional center administrative fees (varies by offering)
• Immigration attorney fees (varies by complexity, family size, and strategy)
• USCIS filing fees across multiple stages (I-526E, I-485 or consular processing steps, and I-829)

Fee Waivers: Generally Not Available for EB-5 Investors

Many investors ask whether they can reduce USCIS costs through a waiver.

In practice:

• Fee waivers are generally not available for EB-5 filings because EB-5 is an investor-based category and does not typically fit the eligibility profile USCIS uses for fee waivers (often tied to means-tested benefits or financial hardship).
• Some USCIS forms in other categories allow fee waivers under strict criteria, but EB-5 investors should plan to pay published fees.

For an individual determination, consult a qualified immigration attorney—USCIS rules are specific, and eligibility depends on the form and filing category.

Timing and the September 30, 2026 Deadline (Why It Matters)

Under the RIA, investors often track the program’s September 30, 2026 grandfathering deadline. For many regional center-related filings, submitting a properly filed petition before that date can provide important protections even if later policy or program availability changes.

If you are weighing when to file, include both:

• Your project selection and source-of-funds readiness, and
• The government fee schedule effective on your filing date

If you want a clear filing-cost estimate built around your family size, timeline (I-485 vs consular processing), and the September 30, 2026 grandfathering deadline, we can help you map the numbers. Schedule a free EB-5 evaluation with our team: /schedule

FAQs

How much does the I-526E filing cost?

The Form I-526E filing fee is $3,675 (as of this 2025–2026 update). Always confirm the latest amount on USCIS before submitting because fees can change.

Have USCIS fees for EB-5 changed recently?

USCIS has updated fee schedules in recent years, and investors may see changes in how certain costs (including biometrics) are assessed. For EB-5 planning, the most important step is to verify the current USCIS fee table right before you file each stage (I-526E, I-485 if applicable, and I-829 later).

Are there any fee waivers for EB-5?

Generally, no. EB-5 investors should assume they will pay standard USCIS filing fees. Fee waivers are typically reserved for specific forms and circumstances that do not usually apply to investor-based immigration. For case-specific guidance, speak with an immigration attorney.