The Workers Rights 
There has been an official doubling of the EB-5 visa application fees in the USA, to be implemented on November 30, 2026. The combined government fees and the investment sum required for obtaining green cards for Indian investors have just touched a new peak. The increase in the USA EB-5 visa fees is due to the finalization of USCIS and will take place from November 30. Let’s find out what changed.
Quick Facts: US EB-5 Fee Hike at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
| Effective Date | November 30, 2026 |
| Announced By | USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) |
| Minimum Investment | USD 800,000 (TEA) / USD 1,050,000 (standard) |
| I-526 Fee Change | $3,675 → $7,615 |
| New Tech Fee | $100 on all remaining petitions |
| Indian Applicants | With the backlog already causing longer waiting times. |
New vs Old EB-5 Fees: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Form | Purpose | Old Fee | New Fee |
| I-526 | Standalone investor petition | $3,675 | $7,615 |
| I-526E | Regional centre investor petition | $3,675 | $7,850 |
| Technology Fee | Added to I-526 and I-526E | $0 | $75 |
| I-829 | Take out Green Card restrictions | $3,750 | $5,000 |
| I-956 | Regional centre designation | $17,795 | $44,115 |
| I-956F | Commercial enterprise approval | $17,795 | $42,675 |
| I-956G | An annual fee at the regional level. | $3,035 | $2,165 |
| I-527 | Application for a judicial review of older I-526 petitions | N/A | $10,330 |
These are in addition to an investor integrity fee paid by regional centre investors.
What’s the Total EB-5 Cost for Indian Investors in 2026?
The EB-5 green card cost is more than just filing fees. Here are the things that Indian applicants should consider:
- Capital investment: USD 800,000 (Targeted Employment Area) or USD 1,050,000 (standard)
- I-526E petition + tech fee: ~USD 7,925
- Final cost to remove conditions from I-829: USD 5,000
- A-side fee on investors: extra (regional centre route)
- Legal and advisory fees: typically USD 15,000–50,000+
So much is government fees and professional fees, and for most investors investing through the regional centre route, it now takes more than USD 20k in government fees and professional fees before they can move the first dollar of capital.
Why Did Fees Go Up?
USCIS is a self-funded agency that receives most of its revenue from fees (not taxes). Those who use the immigration system must cover the cost of reviewing applications, conducting background checks, detecting fraud and running programs. The new EB-5 USCIS fees fairly compensate for the current costs of operating the program. The fee increase for the US EB-5 visa is meant to help the program become truly self-supporting, without any dependence on taxpayer funding.
Key Takeaways for Indian EB-5 Applicants
- Complete petition by November 30, 2026 (previously, old fees apply until then)
- Regional centre investors pay lower fees than regional centre applicants.
- Indian demand is strong, and so is the backlog; expect longer processing times.
- Put the US EB-5 visa fee increase in your budget from the beginning — it’s no longer a small item.
FAQs
What will be the revised Application fee for Indian investors to apply for an EB-5 visa?
The I-526E fee rises to $7,850 plus a $75 technology fee. There is also a separate fee for investor integrity for regional centre participants.
What is the minimum total amount of money that Indians should invest for an EB-5 Green Card?
The investment capital is at least USD 800,000 (TEA route) plus government filing fees of USD 13,000+ for both stages of the petition in addition to legal costs. The total fees that may be charged prior to the investment can be as high as $20,000 to $60,000.
When will the U.S. EB-5 visa fee change?
November 30, 2026. Applications that were filed before this date will be governed by the old fees structure.
Is EB-5 worth it for Indian nationals after the hike in fees?
EB-5 is one of the very few avenues left for people who want to get the green card through a non-employment route in America. The increase in the fees is substantial; however, it pales in comparison to the total investment involved.
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