US Hikes EB-5 Visa Fees: What It Means for Indians Seeking Green Cards

In a major blow to Indian investors, the United States is all set to increase fees for the EB-5 immigrant investor programme, a popular route for wealthy Indian families and entrepreneurs seeking permanent residency in the US. Several EB-5 application fees will more than double, increasing the overall cost for investors. The new fee structure, finalised by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, will come into effect on November 30.

For the unversed, the EB-5 programme allows foreign investors to apply for a US Green Card by investing in a qualifying US commercial enterprise and creating at least 10 full-time jobs for American workers. The programme also provides a pathway to permanent residency for the investor’s immediate family.

For Indian investors, who have increasingly used the EB-5 route to seek permanent residency in the US, the higher filing charges could add significantly to the cost of the process.

Below is the Form-Wise Hiked Fees

Form I-526: Fee for independent investors rises from $3,675 to $7,615.
Form I-526E: Fee for regional-centre investors rises from $3,675 to $7,850.
Technology fee: A $75 fee will be added to initial I-526 and I-526E applications.
Investor integrity fee: Regional-centre investors will have to pay an additional fee.
Form I-829: Fee to remove conditions on permanent residency rises from $3,750 to $5,000.
Form I-956: Regional-centre designation fee jumps from $17,795 to $44,115.
Form I-956F: Fee for approval of an investment project rises from $17,795 to $42,675.
Form I-956G: Annual fee falls from $3,035 to $2,165.
Form I-527: New form for certain investors amending older I-526 petitions will cost $10,330.

The new fees will apply from November 30, making the timing of applications an important consideration for those already preparing their EB-5 paperwork. Hence, Indian families considering EB-5 applications may therefore need to factor in the higher government charges while planning their investment and immigration expenses.