Draft of New EB-5 Regulations Released: Application Fees Significantly Reduced

02025年10月23日，美国国土安全部(DHS)与移民局(USCIS)在联邦公报发布了一份EB-5移民签证收费新规草案。

This revision focuses on optimizing application fees, processing efficiency, and investor rights protection, showing a clear positive trend.

 

Good News:

Significant Reduction in Main EB-5 Application Fees

According to the draft, EB-5 application fees are reduced as follows:

• I-526/I-526E: Reduced from $11,160 to $9,625, a 14% decrease;

• I-829: Reduced from $9,525 to $7,860, a 17% decrease;

• I-956 (Initial Designation of Regional Centers): Reduced from $47,695 to $28,895, a 39% decrease;

• I-956 Amendment: Reduced from $47,695 to $18,480, a 61% decrease.

Additionally, a $95 technology fee is included in the $9,625 for I-526/I-526E, aimed at digitizing the application process, which is expected to improve processing efficiency in the long run.

 

Introduction of Form I-527:

To Extend Immigration Eligibility for Existing Investors

For investors who submitted I-526 before March 15, 2022, the new regulations introduce Form I-527 to address immigration eligibility issues arising from regional center closures or project failures.

According to the provisions, if the original project is terminated but the investment is complete and job creation targets are met, investors can achieve the following through I-527:

• Transfer funds to another compliant regional center;

• Add funds to meet the required job creation;

• Merge with another reputable NCE.

The I-527 application fee is $8,000 and must be submitted separately. Although it introduces an additional cost, it is significant in helping investors legally extend their status and avoid passive situations due to project termination.

 

New Integrity Fund Regulations:

More Detailed and Transparent

Since its launch in 2023, the EB-5 Integrity Fund has been an important tool for ensuring project compliance. The new regulations further clarify:

• Basic Fees: Investors pay $1,000 when submitting I-526E; regional centers are charged based on the number of investors: $10,000/year for 20 or fewer investors, $20,000/year for 21 or more.

• Inflation Adjustment: Based on the CPI-U increase of approximately 8.25% from 2022-2024, fees are expected to increase by about 10%, potentially reaching $10,825 and $21,650.

• Late Penalties: 10% surcharge for 31-60 days overdue; 20% for 61-90 days; cancellation of regional center designation for over 90 days overdue, with prior "Notice of Intent" issued.

This mechanism sets clear compliance requirements for regional centers, helping to reduce project risks and protect investor rights.

 

When the Principal Applicant Dies or Withdraws:

New Rules for Derivative I-829 Applications Clarified

Due to the lengthy EB-5 process, there has been a lack of clear guidelines on how derivative applicants should submit I-829 if the principal applicant dies or withdraws. The new regulations provide guidance:

• If the principal applicant dies: Spouse and children can jointly submit one I-829 without separate applications;

• Non-death withdrawals: Derivative applicants not included due to non-death reasons must submit separately;

• Submission Deadline: The deadline for derivative applicants is the same as the original deadline for the principal applicant, with no extensions or reductions.

 

EB-5 Team Expanded by 55%

Faster Processing Expected

The USCIS also announced a significant increase in personnel: the EB-5 team will expand to 334 people (a 55% increase from 216 in 2022), including:

• IPO (Main Case Processing Force): 237 people

• Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate: 86 people (double the 2022 number)

• AAO Appeals Office: 9 people

• Chief Legal Counsel: 2 people

The simultaneous expansion of case processing and anti-fraud departments means that future EB-5 cases are expected to improve in both security and efficiency, significantly reducing investor wait times for approval.

It is important to note that this rule is a proposed draft and is currently in the public comment phase (ending December 22, 2025), with the final implementation version and timing yet to be determined. The World Trade Center will continue to monitor developments and share any new information promptly.

Overall, this reform has released positive signals of favorable EB-5 policies, stable regulation, and improved approval efficiency. Against the backdrop of continuous policy optimization, EB-5 investment immigration remains an important pathway to achieving U.S. residency while balancing asset planning and family development. As policies gradually take effect, EB-5 is expected to enter a more standardized and efficient development phase. Now is the best time to seize the EB-5 immigration opportunity.

 

Exclusive to the Market

World Trade Center Holds Two Approved I-956F EB-5 Rural Projects

Helping Investors Secure Green Cards Quickly and Accurately

• "Lakefront Jewish Community in Florida" EB-5 Rural Project: I-956F, I-526E, and Green Card "Triple Approval";

• "Great Smoky Mountains Marriott Hotel" EB-5 Rural Project: I-956F approved in 4 months.

Only a limited number of spots are available worldwide, first come, first served.

It is important to note that the EB-5 grandfather clause is entering its final year countdown (expiring September 30, 2026). Applications submitted before this date will be protected under current policies. Opportunities are fleeting, the sooner you apply, the more secure!

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