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.
| Form | Purpose | Previous Fee | New Fee |
| Form I-526 | Direct investor petition | USD 3,675 | USD 7,615 |
| Form I-526E | Regional Centre investor petition | USD 3,675 | USD 7,850 |
| Technology Fee | New additional charge | Not applicable | USD 75 |
| Form I-829 | Removing conditions from Green Card | USD 3,750 | USD 5,000 |
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.
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