The United States will increase several EB-5 immigration filing fees starting November 30, 2026. The revised fee structure will raise costs for Indian investors seeking a US Green Card through investment. Filing fees for regional center investors will increase by approximately 114%, while standalone investors will face a 107% hike. However, the minimum EB-5 investment requirements will remain unchanged under this fee rule.

US EB-5 Visa Fees Increase

USCIS has finalized a rule increasing filing fees for the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. The changes will affect foreign investors, including Indians who plan to apply for US permanent residency through investment. The new fee structure will apply to several immigration forms, including Form I-526E for regional center investors, Form I-526 for standalone investors, and Form I-829 for removing conditions on permanent resident status.

Petitions postmarked on or after November 30, 2026, must include the applicable updated fees.

US EB-5 Visa Fees 2026

The US EB-5 visa fee increase in 2026 will significantly raise government filing costs for investors. The following table compares the current fees with the new charges that will take effect on November 30, 2026.

The $1,100 EB-5 Integrity Fund fee is a separate charge payable in addition to the initial Form I-526E filing fee. It does not apply to standalone investors filing Form I-526. The new Form I-526 and I-526E filing fees also incorporate a $75 technology fee.

How Will the EB-5 Visa Fee Increase Affect Indian Investors?

The revised EB-5 visa fees for Indian investors will increase the overall cost of applying for US permanent residency through investment.

The rupee conversions are based on the October 21, 2026, exchange rate of ₹94.39 per US dollar. Actual costs in Indian rupees may vary depending on exchange rates and bank charges. Investors should also remember that these government charges do not include legal fees, project administration costs, or other expenses related to the EB-5 application process.

Indian investors choosing the regional center route will pay $8,950 in combined initial filing and Integrity Fund fees, up from $4,675. This represents an increase of approximately ₹4.04 lakh at the October 21 exchange rate. These combined fees cover the initial Form I-526E petition and the separate Integrity Fund fee.

Standalone investors will pay $7,615 instead of $3,675, an increase of around ₹3.72 lakh. These higher costs will add to the financial commitment required for the EB-5 program.

What Is the US EB-5 Visa Program?

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program allows eligible foreign investors to seek permanent residency in the United States by investing in a qualifying American business. Under the program, investors must place the required amount of capital into an eligible US business. The investment must generally result in the creation of at least 10 qualifying full-time jobs.

Eligible investors can apply for a US Green Card through the program. Their spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 may also qualify for immigration benefits. However, investing money does not automatically guarantee permanent residency. Applicants must meet the program’s financial, job-creation, and immigration requirements.

For petitions filed under the applicable 2026 rules, the minimum EB-5 investment is $800,000 for qualifying projects in targeted employment areas or eligible infrastructure projects. Other qualifying investments require at least $1,050,000. The amounts given are separate from USCIS application fees and will not change under the November 30 fee rule.

However, a separate inflation adjustment is scheduled for January 1, 2027. Under the scheduled adjustment, the minimum investment amounts are expected to increase to $937,500 for qualifying projects and $1.25 million for other qualifying investments. Investors planning to file in 2027 should verify the applicable thresholds before committing funds.

Why Is USCIS Increasing EB-5 Visa Application Fees?

The US Department of Homeland Security said the revised fees will help cover the cost of managing the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. USCIS relies heavily on application fees to fund its operations. The agency uses these funds to review petitions, verify eligibility, and maintain immigration services.

The additional revenue is intended to support several activities, including:

• Processing EB-5 immigration petitions
• Conducting background and compliance checks
• Reviewing investment projects
• Carrying out audits and site visits
• Improving technology and administrative systems
• Strengthening program oversight and fraud prevention

The updated fee structure also increases the EB-5 Integrity Fund fee associated with Form I-526E from $1,000 to $1,100.

This fee supports measures designed to strengthen oversight and protect the integrity of the investment immigration program.

What Should Indian EB-5 Visa Applicants Know Before November 30?

Indian investors planning to apply for the EB-5 visa should check the new fees and application rules before applying. They should first understand the difference between regional center and standalone investments, as the two pathways have different filing requirements and costs.

Applicants should also plan their budget carefully. Apart from the required investment amount, they need to consider USCIS filing fees, legal fees, and other expenses.

The new EB-5 visa fees will apply to petitions postmarked on or after November 30, 2026. Investors planning to apply before this date must follow all USCIS filing rules, which includes the applicable fee and submission requirements. They should also speak with a qualified US immigration lawyer to understand the process and possible investment risks.

Since the EB-5 program requires a large investment, applicants should check all requirements and costs before making a decision. Investors planning to apply in 2027 should also verify the revised minimum investment thresholds.

The US EB-5 visa fee increase will make the application process more expensive for Indian investors from November 30. While the minimum investment amounts will remain the same under this fee rule, applicants should check the new fees and plan their budget before applying. They should also account for the separate investment-threshold adjustment scheduled for January 1, 2027.

Note: This article is for general information only and does not provide legal, immigration, or investment advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the new US EB-5 visa fees take effect?

The new USCIS EB-5 visa fees will take effect on November 30, 2026. Applications and petitions postmarked on or after this date must include the updated fees. Applicants should check the applicable filing instructions before submission.

What is the EB-5 visa investment requirement for Indians?

For petitions filed under the applicable 2026 rules, Indian investors must invest at least $800,000 in eligible projects located in targeted employment areas or qualifying infrastructure projects. Other eligible investments require at least $1,050,000. A separate inflation adjustment is scheduled for January 1, 2027.

Will the minimum EB-5 investment increase in November 2026?

No. The November 30 fee increase will only affect government filing charges. The minimum investment amounts will remain unchanged under this rule. A separate inflation adjustment is scheduled for January 1, 2027.

Can Indian investors get a US Green Card through the EB-5 program?

Yes. Indian investors can apply for a US Green Card through the EB-5 program if they meet the investment, job-creation, and immigration requirements. However, approval is not guaranteed.

The post US EB-5 Visa Fees to More Than Double for Some Investors From November 30 appeared first on Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration, Tips and News | Travel Diary.

Indian entrepreneurs and families planning to secure a US Green Card through investment will now need to prepare for higher application costs. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has increased EB-5 visa filing fees, making one of the most popular investment-based immigration routes more expensive.

What Is the US EB-5 Investor Visa Programme?

The EB-5 visa programme is a US immigration route that allows foreign investors and their immediate family members to apply for permanent residency by making a qualifying investment in the American economy. The programme was introduced to encourage foreign investment and create employment opportunities for American workers. Under the EB-5 programme, eligible investors can apply for a conditional permanent resident status (conditional Green Card) if they meet the investment and job creation requirements. The EB-5 programme allows the investor and eligible family members to apply for permanent residency, including:

• Investor
• Spouse
• Eligible children 

EB-5 Investment Requirements Remain Unchanged

Although USCIS has increased application fees, the main investment requirements under the EB-5 programme remain the same. Applicants must invest:

• USD 1.05 million in a qualifying US business, or
• USD 800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or eligible infrastructure project
• The investment must also help create at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers

Meeting these conditions is essential for EB-5 approval.

New EB-5 Visa Fees: What Has Changed?

The latest USCIS rule increases several EB-5-related filing charges. The revised EB-5 visa fees will come into effect from November 30, changing the cost structure for new applicants.

The increase means that investors applying for an EB-5 visa will have to pay significantly higher government processing fees compared with previous applicants.

How Will the Fee Increase Affect Indian EB-5 Investors?

India has become one of the major sources of EB-5 applicants in recent years. Many Indian entrepreneurs and families consider the programme because it provides a pathway to US permanent residency without requiring employer sponsorship. The new fee increase may affect applicants in several ways.

Higher Application Expenses

Investors will now need to budget for additional costs, including:

• USCIS filing fees
• Investment amount
• Immigration attorney fees
• Regional centre charges (if applicable)
• Documentation and administrative expenses

The government fee increase adds another financial consideration for families planning their US immigration journey.

Importance of Early Planning

Since EB-5 visas are subject to annual limits and country-based quotas, applicants may face waiting periods depending on demand. Indian investors have experienced increasing demand for EB-5 visas over the past decade, which has contributed to visa backlogs. Careful planning can help applicants:

• Prepare financial documents
• Verify investment sources
• Understand processing timelines
• Select suitable investment options

What Should Indian Investors Do Now?

Indian entrepreneurs considering the EB-5 programme should focus on:

• Understanding the updated USCIS fee structure.
• Calculating the complete cost of the immigration process.
• Preparing financial documents and proof of legal source of funds.
• Reviewing EB-5 investment projects carefully.
• Tracking visa availability and processing timelines.
• Considering currency exchange fluctuations while planning US dollar payments.
• Seeking professional guidance to reduce documentation errors.

A well-planned application can help investors avoid delays and documentation issues.

The US EB-5 visa fee increase has raised the cost of applying for investment-based permanent residency. However, the programme continues to provide a structured pathway for foreign investors and their families to seek a US Green Card. For Indian entrepreneurs and families, understanding the updated fees, investment requirements, and processing timelines will be important before making immigration decisions.

As US immigration policies continue to evolve, staying informed about EB-5 programme changes can help investors plan their next steps more effectively

For many EB-5 investors, the journey does not end with immigration planning. Frequent travel between India and the US may be required for business meetings, family visits, documentation appointments, and relocation. Choosing affordable international flights can help manage these travel expenses. Indian Eagle deals help travellers find competitive fares on India-US routes and plan their international journeys with greater flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new EB-5 visa fee for Indian investors?

The USCIS has increased the Form I-526 filing fee to USD 7,615 and Form I-526E regional centre filing fee to USD 7,850.

Has the EB-5 investment amount increased?

No. The required investment remains USD 800,000 for qualifying areas and USD 1.05 million for other eligible projects.

Can Indian families still apply for an EB-5 Green Card?

Yes. Eligible investors can continue applying, subject to programme requirements and visa availability.

How long does the EB-5 Green Card process take for Indian investors?

Processing times vary depending on application processing, visa availability, and individual circumstances. Applicants should check the latest USCIS updates and visa availability information while planning.

The post US Increases EB-5 Visa Fees: A Complete Guide for Indian Investors Seeking a Green Card appeared first on Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration, Tips and News | Travel Diary.