In a landmark announcement by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), prospective EB-5 visa holders are facing the most significant change since 2016. Effective April 1, 2024, USCIS will implement fee adjustments across a range of immigration and naturalization benefits, directly affecting the EB-5 Investor Visa process. This move is poised to reshape the financial planning and investment strategies for individuals aiming for US permanent residency through investment.
The upcoming adjustments will see significant increases in the fees for key forms associated with the EB-5 visa. The I-526/I-526E Immigrant Petition by Standalone/Regional Center will see a surge from $3,675 to $11,160, marking a 204% increase. Similarly, the I-829 Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions will rise from $3,750 to $9,525, a 154% increase. Cumulatively, excluding other potential costs, the total EB-5 Visa cost will escalate from $7,425 to $20,685, an increase of 178%.
These fee adjustments represent a significant uptick in the overall cost of obtaining an EB-5 visa post-April 1st, 2024. With the primary forms I-526/I-526E and I-829 accounting for an additional $13,260, the urgency for potential investors to finalize their applications under the current fee structure has never been more pronounced.
For Indian investors, leveraging the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) set by the Reserve Bank of India becomes a strategic advantage. The LRS permits annual remittances of up to $250,000 per financial year, ending March 31. To effectively align with the $800,000 investment requirement for the EB-5 visa, investors are advised to maximize their LRS limit before the fiscal year-end, allowing for an immediate subsequent remittance with the onset of the new fiscal year on April 1. This timing not only ensures compliance with the LRS but also strategically positions investors ahead of the USCIS fee increase, optimizing financial efficiency and cost savings.