The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced significant fee adjustments for EB-5 visas, causing quite a stir within the immigrant investor community. The fee adjustments include a whopping 204% increase for the I-526/I-526E Immigrant Petition and a 154% increase for the I-924 Application for Regional Center Designation.
These fee adjustments come at a time when the EB-5 immigration investment program has been on a bumpy path to recovery after Congress reinstated the program nearly 18 months ago. The increased fees have left many EB-5 investors reevaluating their investment strategies and timelines.
Despite the fee increases, demand for EB-5 visas continues to surge, with Indian investors in particular showing significant interest. According to Nicholas A. Mastroianni, Indians eyeing green cards through the EB-5 visa may end up paying an extra fee of $120,000 (₹98 lakh) due to the recent fee adjustments proposed by the Centre.
The Q3, 2023 statistical report from USCIS shows that demand for EB-5 visas is gaining ground, despite stubborn backlogs in the system. This trend indicates that the EB-5 program remains a popular choice for investors seeking permanent residency in the United States.
Applying for an EB-5 investor visa in 2024 comes with various costs, including the increased petition fees, legal fees, administrative fees, and investment capital requirements. It is essential for investors to carefully consider these costs before committing to the EB-5 program.
Once your petition is approved, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can also apply for the immigrant visa, allowing the entire family to benefit from the EB-5 investment. By following the necessary steps, EB-5 investors can help ensure that their business investment and immigration petition are successful.
In the past month, there has been a flurry of activity in the EB-5 program, including updated policy guidance from USCIS. Investors are advised to stay informed about any changes or updates to the program to avoid any potential delays or complications in their application process.
Overall, the EB-5 program continues to attract investors from around the world, with demand remaining strong despite the recent fee adjustments. As the program evolves and adapts to changing immigration policies and economic conditions, EB-5 investors must stay vigilant and proactive in navigating the complexities of the program.
