EB-5 Filing Fees May Soon Decrease: What Investors Should Know About the New USCIS Proposal

In a surprising turn for the EB-5 community, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released a proposed rule that would reduce several key EB-5 filing fees—an uncommon move in a landscape where costs typically rise over time. The rule, published in the Federal Register on October 23, 2025, signals a meaningful policy shift aimed at improving program accessibility and investor confidence.

What the Proposed Changes Include

Under the proposal, DHS and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) plan to lower filing fees across nearly all EB-5 forms. If approved, these changes would represent reductions of 14% to 61%, depending on the form.

Form	Current Fee(2024)	Proposed Fee(2025)	% Change
I-526E: Immigrant Petition by Investor	$11,160	$9,625	⏷ 14%
I-829: Petition to Remove Conditions	$9,525	$7,860	⏷ 17%
I-956: Application for Regional Center Designation	$47,695	$28,895	⏷ 39%
I-956F: Project Approval Application	$47,695	$29,935	⏷ 37%
I-956G: Regional Center Annual Statement	$4,470	$2,740	⏷ 39%

Why USCIS Is Making These Changes

USCIS regularly reviews its fee structure to ensure the agency can efficiently process immigration benefits while maintaining program integrity. In this case, the analysis indicated that the current EB-5 filing fees exceed actual processing costs, which opened the door for downward adjustments.

By lowering fees, USCIS aims to:

● Reflect realistic operational costs

● Encourage continued participation in the EB-5 program

●Streamline the process for both investors and regional centers

●  Demonstrate a long-term commitment to supporting immigrant investors and job creation in the U.S.

These changes are also part of a broader push to make the EB-5 program more transparent, efficient, and competitive globally.

Why This Matters

It’s rare for USCIS to reduce fees, especially in a high-value immigration category like EB-5. For years, rising costs have been a barrier for investors and regional centers alike. The proposed decreases may reflect DHS’s intent to strengthen program participation and affordability, while also addressing concerns raised during recent litigation over fee structures.

Beyond financial relief, this proposal also demonstrates that the federal government views the EB-5 program as a continued driver of U.S. economic growth. By making filings more accessible, DHS hopes to encourage new investment and re-engage regional centers that paused operations in recent years.

How This Impacts EB-5 Investors

For investors currently in or considering the EB-5 process, these proposed changes could have several meaningful effects:

Lower Overall Immigration Costs

The combined savings from reduced I-526E and I-829 fees could amount to several thousand dollars per investor—a welcome relief given the already substantial financial commitment required for an EB-5 investment.

 Increased Confidence in the Program’s Stability

Fee reductions are a strong signal that USCIS recognizes the value of EB-5 capital in supporting American development projects. It also suggests the agency’s confidence in the program’s reformed structure following the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022.

 Potential Filing Strategy Considerations

Investors who are preparing to file may wish to discuss with their immigration attorney whether to file now or wait for the new fee schedule to take effect.

However, it’s important to remember that EB-5 visa availability and priority dates may affect timing decisions—and in most cases, ensuring your petition is filed sooner can help secure a place in the visa queue.

What’s Next

At this stage, the proposal is not yet final.

USCIS has released the draft fee schedule for public comment, and a review period will follow before any changes are formally implemented.

Once approved, the new fees could take effect sometime in 2025. USCIS will publish the official effective date in the Federal Register when the final rule is issued.

Investors can expect EB-5 regional centers and immigration attorneys to communicate updates once the rule is confirmed.

Our Perspective

At EB-5 USA, we view these proposed reductions as a positive sign for both current and prospective investors.

The EB-5 program continues to evolve, and this proposal reflects the U.S. government’s commitment to maintaining a balanced and sustainable immigration pathway for global investors. Lower costs, paired with increased program oversight and efficiency, create a healthier environment for investors seeking long-term stability.

Our team will continue to monitor this closely and keep you informed as updates are finalized.

Whether you are preparing your initial EB-5 petition or approaching the stage to remove conditions, we’re here to guide you through every step, ensuring clarity, compliance, and peace of mind along your investment journey.

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