New Fees for EB-5 Investor Visas Start in November 2026
The government has made new rules about how much people will pay for the special EB-5 visa, which helps foreign investors get Green Cards.
Affects: Green Card, Employers · Source: Federal Register · Action may be needed
What happened
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced new fees for the EB-5 investor visa program. This program is for people who invest money in businesses in the United States to create jobs.
This is a final rule, which means it is now official. The new fees and rules will start on November 30, 2026. Anyone who sends in an application on or after that date must pay the new fees.
The rule also includes parts of a law called the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022. It adds new requirements from that law for the program.
The bigger picture
Before this change, USCIS had different fees for the EB-5 program. The government sometimes changes fees to make sure they can cover the costs of processing applications and running the program.
The government says it is making these changes to adjust the fees for the EB-5 program. They also want to make sure the program follows the new laws from 2022. This helps them process requests and keep the program fair and secure.
What this means for you
Green card applicants
If you plan to apply for an EB-5 Green Card, you will need to pay the new fees starting November 30, 2026. The government has changed how much these applications cost, so be sure to check the updated amounts.
Employers
Businesses that are part of the EB-5 program, like Regional Centers, will also see changes. The rule adds new requirements from the 2022 law that they must follow to stay in the program.
All immigrants
No direct change for you. This rule specifically affects the EB-5 investor visa program, which is a small part of the overall immigration system. Other visa types are not impacted by this change.
What you should do
- If you are an EB-5 investor, make sure you know the new fees before you apply on or after November 30, 2026. If you are not an EB-5 investor, nothing right now — just good to know.
Key dates
- 2026-09-30: Final rule published in the Federal Register
- 2026-11-30: New EB-5 fees and rules become effective
Words explained
- EB-5
- A special visa program for people who invest money in businesses in the United States to create jobs, which can lead to a Green Card.
- USCIS
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the government agency that handles immigration applications and benefits.
- Final Rule
- An official government decision that changes a law or how a program works, and it will definitely happen on a set date.
- Federal Register
- A daily newspaper where the U.S. government publishes all its new rules, proposed changes, and official notices for everyone to see.
- Regional Center
- A business approved by the government to help foreign investors put their money into projects that create jobs for the EB-5 visa program.
Common questions
When do the new EB-5 fees start?
The new fees for the EB-5 program will start on November 30, 2026. If you send your application on or after this date, you will need to pay the new amounts.
How much are the new EB-5 fees?
The announcement says the fees are adjusted, but the exact new amounts are not in this part of the document. You would need to check the full rule on the Federal Register for specific fee numbers.
Does this change affect other Green Card applications?
No, this rule is only for the EB-5 investor visa program. It does not change fees or rules for other types of Green Cards or visas, like family-based or other employment-based Green Cards.
Why is the government changing these fees?
The government is changing the fees to cover the costs of running the EB-5 program. They also want to make sure the program follows new laws passed in 2022, which help keep the program fair and secure.
This is a plain-English explanation, not legal advice. Confirm with the official source or a licensed immigration attorney.