Form I-526E: Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor

Who Needs Form I-526E?

You must file Form I-526E if you are a foreign national looking to obtain permanent residency by investing in a commercial enterprise in the United States. This form is used specifically for the EB-5 program when investing through a USCIS-approved regional center.

Your investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers and meet the minimum investment amount ($800,000 in targeted employment areas, or $1.05 million elsewhere).

When Do You File Form I-526E?

You file this form after you have committed your capital and invested in a regional center commercial project.

Under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act, if you are already inside the U.S. on a temporary visa (like F-1 or H-1B), you can concurrently file Form I-485 to adjust status at the same time you submit your I-526E, provided a visa number is currently available.

Where Do You File Form I-526E?

Form I-526E must be submitted as a physical paper petition. USCIS does not support online filing for EB-5 investor cases.

Mail the completed form, fee checks, and your comprehensive source-of-funds documentation to the Dallas Lockbox. Check the official USCIS website for exact mailing addresses.

Filing Fees & Processing Times

Filing Fee: Sponsoring investors must pay a base fee that is higher than standard USCIS petitions, as well as an additional EB-5 integrity fund fee. Check the official uscis.gov/forms page for current rates.

Processing Time: Processing is slow, often taking 2 to 4 years. However, petitions for projects in rural areas receive priority processing and move significantly faster.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Poor Source of Funds Proof: You must trace the source of your investment capital clearly. USCIS will reject the petition if you cannot prove that the money was earned, gifted, or inherited legally.
• Investing in Unapproved Projects: Ensure the regional center has filed their required Form I-956F project application. You cannot file Form I-526E until the project has received its official receipt from USCIS.
• Leaving Money in Personal Accounts: The capital must be fully committed or placed in an escrow account before you file. Showing a large bank balance is not enough.

What Happens After You File?

You will receive a Form I-797C receipt notice. Your receipt date becomes your priority date. You must wait for approval and for your priority date to become current on the Visa Bulletin.

Once approved, you can adjust status (Form I-485) or apply for an immigrant visa at an embassy. This grants you a conditional 2-year green card. You must file Form I-829 after 2 years to remove conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions