To accommodate the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022, USCIS has issued a revised version of Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur.
Key Changes
- Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor, is for “standalone” immigrant investors who are not seeking to pool their investment with one or more additional investors seeking EB-5 classification.
- Form I-526E, Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor, is for immigrant investors seeking to pool their investment with one or more additional investors seeking EB-5 classification who must now do so under the Regional Center Program.
- Regional Center investors will also use Form I-526E to report any amendments needed to establish eligibility if the regional center, new commercial enterprise, or job-creating entity in which the investor has invested is terminated or debarred from participation in the Regional Center Program.
The filing fee for both forms is $3,675. Additionally, Form I-526E may require an additional $85 biometrics fee. From October 1, 2022, for Form I-526E, an additional $1,000 fee will be required under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022.
What to Expect
- Applicants with properly filed Forms I-526 and I-526E will receive two separate receipt notices. The first notice will be from the USCIS Lockbox to acknowledge receipt of Form I-526 or I-526E. Then, USCIS will issue a formal receipt notice that includes the assigned receipt number for the application when data entry has been completed.
- The priority date for the Forms I-526 and I-526E will be when USCIS Lockbox receives the petition.
Erickson Insights
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to share updates as more news is available. If you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions, please contact your employer or EIG attorney.