The U.S. has decided to drastically increase fees for immigrants seeking to invest in America and eventually claim permanent residency under the EB-5 investor programme, which remains one of the most reliable ways for Indian entrepreneurs and families to obtain a Green Card.
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Programme grants permanent residency, or a Green Card, to foreign investors and their immediate families who invest capital in a U.S. commercial enterprise and create 10 full-time jobs for American workers. The filing fee for Form I-526, used by standalone investors, will rise from $3,675 to $7,615. The fee for an initial Form I-526E petition, used by investors participating through an approved regional centre, will increase from $3,675 to $7,850. Initial I-526 and I-526E petitions will also include a $75 technology fee. The fee for an initial Form I-956 application seeking regional-centre designation will increase from $17,795 to $44,115. The charge for Form I-956F, used to seek approval of an investment in a commercial enterprise, will rise to $42,675 from $17,795. The annual fee for Form I-956G will decrease from $3,035 to $2,165. Congress created the EB-5 programme in 1990 to encourage investment and job creation. Applicants must invest $1.05 million in a qualifying business, or $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area or infrastructure project, and create at least 10 full-time jobs.
The U.S. Regional-centre investors must additionally pay the programme’s investor integrity fee. Charges imposed on regional centres will rise more sharply. If an investor meets those requirements, they, their spouse, and qualifying children can apply for a Green Card.
