The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has revised the fee structure for the EB-5 visa, impacting Indian students and families. Nicholas A. Mastroianni III, President of the U.S. Immigration Fund (USIF), highlights a substantial increase, emphasizing the importance of strategic financial planning. Despite challenges, the EB-5 program offers a direct path to U.S. residency and long-term benefits, with USIF providing tailored financial assistance to navigate the changes.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented a significant revision in the fee structure for the EB-5 visa, marking a pivotal shift for Indian students and their families considering this pathway for U.S. residency. Nicholas A. Mastroianni III, President and CMO, of the U.S Immigration Fund (USIF), said, “The fee adjustments are substantial: the I-526/I-526E Immigrant Petition by Standalone/Regional Center has increased from $3,675 to $11,160, and the I-829 Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions has escalated from $3,750 to $9,525.
Consequently, the total cost of obtaining an EB-5 visa now amounts to $20,685, reflecting an overall increase of 178%.
Reasons behind the Fee Increase
This fee hike is not arbitrary but is designed to address specific needs within the USCIS system.
• Enhanced Processing Capabilities:
The additional funds garnered from the increased fees are earmarked for improving processing speeds and service delivery within USCIS. This enhancement is crucial given the historically long wait times that have plagued the system, affecting all visa categories.