EB-5 Filing Fees in 2026: Complete Cost Breakdown

Beyond the capital investment, EB-5 requires you to pay various government fees at each stage of your application. These fees add up quickly, and unexpected costs can surprise you if you have not budgeted properly. Here is every fee you will encounter and the true cost of your EB-5 investment.

[!TIP] Interactive Tool: Use our EB-5 Cost Calculator to estimate your total investment, legal fees, and USCIS filing costs automatically based on your specific situation.

The I-526E petition fee#

When you file your initial EB-5 petition (Form I-526E), the first fee you'll pay is the petition filing fee. As of 2026, the I-526E filing fee is $3,675. This fee is non-refundable, meaning you pay it regardless of whether your petition is approved or denied.

The I-526E petition fee covers USCIS's processing of your immigrant investor petition. You pay this fee when you submit your petition. Most regional centers collect this fee from you and submit it with your petition, or they may ask you to pay it directly to USCIS.

If you have a spouse or dependent children who are also included on your I-526E petition as derivative beneficiaries, they don't require separate I-526E fees. One petition fee covers your entire family if they're all included as dependents.

However, if your spouse or adult children file their own separate I-526E petitions (as independent investors rather than dependents), each separate petition requires its own $3,675 filing fee.

The integrity fund fee#

Beginning in 2022, USCIS introduced a new fee specifically for EB-5 cases called the Integrity Fund Fee. This $1,000 fee is required in addition to the standard I-526E filing fee.

The Integrity Fund was created as part of the 2022 EB-5 reform to enhance program integrity and security. The fee is separate from the standard filing fee and represents an additional cost for all EB-5 petitioners. Like the filing fee, the Integrity Fund fee is non-refundable.

You pay the Integrity Fund fee once when you file your I-526E petition. Spouses and dependent children included as beneficiaries on your petition don't require separate Integrity Fund fees. Only separately-filed petitions require separate fees.

So your initial EB-5 petition has two fees combined: $3,675 (I-526E) + $1,000 (Integrity Fund) = $4,675 total at petition filing.

The I-485 adjustment of status fee#

When your priority date becomes current and you file your Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), you'll pay the I-485 filing fee. As of 2026 (following the November 2025 court ruling that reverted fees to pre April 2024 levels), the I-485 fee is $1,440 per person.

If your spouse and dependent children are also filing their I-485 applications along with you (which they should be, for family unity), each of them requires their own I-485 filing fee. So a family of four would pay $1,440 x 4 = $5,760 in I-485 fees.

Some applicants may be eligible for fee reductions or waivers based on household income, but most EB-5 investors don't qualify for these reductions because they've demonstrated significant financial capacity (investing at least $800,000 to $1,050,000).

The I-829 petition fee#

Approximately two years after receiving your conditional green card, you'll file Form I-829 to remove conditions. The I-829 filing fee is $3,750 as of 2026.

Like the I-526E fee, the I-829 fee is per petition. If you're the principal investor and your spouse is a dependent on your petition, you pay one $3,750 fee for both of you. If your spouse is a separate investor, they pay their own separate I-829 fee of $3,750.

The I-829 fee is also non-refundable. You pay it when you file, and it doesn't get returned if your petition is denied.

Biometric services fees#

USCIS requires biometric collection (fingerprinting and photos) at multiple stages of EB-5 processing. Biometric services fees are typically included in the I-485 filing fee of $1,440.

However, if USCIS requests biometrics at other stages (such as for your dependents or if your biometrics need to be recaptured), additional biometric services fees may apply.

For I-829 petitions, biometric services may be required. However, since I-829 processing timelines are extended, biometric requirements may change or fees may be waived if you've recently provided biometrics for your I-485.

Additional fees and costs#

Beyond the standard USCIS filing fees, several other fees are associated with EB-5 processing:

Application Support Services Fee - Some regional centers charge a fee for helping you prepare your I-526E petition and coordinate with USCIS. This varies widely but ranges from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the regional center and your circumstances.

Medical Examination - The required medical examination (Form I-693) costs approximately $200-$400 and is typically paid directly to the panel physician.

Police Clearance/Background Checks - Obtaining the Form I-864 police clearance costs $50-$150 depending on your country of origin.

Document Translation and Certified Copies - If you have documents in foreign languages, certified translations cost $25-$75 per document. Certified copies cost $2-$5 each. Most EB-5 petitioners need dozens of certified copies.

Attorney Fees - You should hire an immigration attorney to guide you through EB-5 processing. Attorney fees for EB-5 cases typically range from $3,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on complexity and the attorney's experience level.

Job Creation Economist Fee - For your I-829 filing, you'll likely hire an economist to prepare a job creation report. This typically costs $2,000-$10,000 depending on project complexity.

These additional costs aren't paid to USCIS but represent necessary expenses for successful EB-5 processing.

Total cost summary table#

Here's a comprehensive breakdown of typical EB-5 immigration costs for a family of four (investor, spouse, and two children):

Remember, this is on top of your capital investment of $800,000 to $1,050,000. These immigration fees are separate and additional.

Recent court rulings on fees#

In 2024 and 2025, there were significant legal challenges to USCIS fee increases. Several federal courts examined whether USCIS had authority to increase fees without Congressional approval. A November 14, 2025 court ruling reverted USCIS filing fees to pre April 2024 levels, resulting in substantially lower fees for EB-5 petitioners. The fees listed in this article reflect the post ruling amounts.

As of early 2026, USCIS has maintained the fee schedule listed above. However, fee law remains in flux, and future changes are possible. You should verify current fees using the USCIS Fee Calculator on uscis.gov before submitting your petitions.

The Integrity Fund Fee in particular has faced legal challenges because it was created through regulatory action without explicit Congressional authorization. While it remains in effect as of 2026, future court decisions could affect this fee. Some legal experts believe the Integrity Fund Fee could be eliminated or restructured if litigation succeeds.

Proposed fee changes and what to expect#

USCIS regularly proposes fee increases to keep pace with operating costs. Proposals for 2026 and beyond include potential increases to existing fees, though these are not yet final.

Possible future changes include:

• An increase to the I-526E filing fee to $4,000-$4,500
• A possible increase to the I-485 filing fee to $750-$850 per person
• A possible increase to the I-829 filing fee to $4,000-$4,500
• Potential new biometric fees or fee restructuring

These are proposals and not yet finalized. Fee increases typically come with public comment periods and advance notice. When USCIS announces fee changes, they typically take effect 30-60 days after the announcement.

If you're planning your EB-5 petition, filing sooner rather than later locks in current fees. Waiting six months could mean higher fees, especially if your petition timing is flexible.

Using the USCIS fee calculator#

The most reliable way to verify current fees is the USCIS Fee Calculator, available on uscis.gov. This online tool allows you to select your specific form (I-526E, I-485, I-829) and immediately see current fees, any applicable reductions or waivers, and filing instructions.

The USCIS Fee Calculator is updated whenever fees change, so checking it before you file ensures you're paying the correct amount. Regional centers and immigration attorneys also have access to this calculator and should confirm current fees before your petition is submitted.

Never rely on fee information that's more than a few months old. Fees can change with little notice, and submitting the wrong amount creates delays and complications.

Fee payment methods#

You can pay USCIS fees through several methods:

Online Payment - USCIS accepts credit card, debit card, and electronic check payments through their online portal.

Check or Money Order - You can include a check or money order with your mailed petition. Make payments payable to "USCIS."

Regional Center Submission - Many regional centers collect fees directly from investors and submit payments along with the petition. This is convenient but ensure you understand exactly which fees you're paying.

Attorney Handling - Your immigration attorney may collect fees and submit them on your behalf as part of their service.

Always get a receipt showing your payment was received. USCIS will send you a receipt notice after your petition is filed, confirming that all fees were received and your petition was accepted for processing.

What fees do not cover#

Knowing what USCIS fees do not cover helps you budget realistically. The filing fees pay for USCIS's processing costs but do not include:

• Regional center investment management fees (typically 1-2% annually)
• Project development or promotional costs
• Job creation analysis and economist reports
• Immigration attorney representation
• Medical examinations
• Police clearance documentation
• Certified document translations
• International wire transfer fees
• Travel costs for biometric appointments or interviews

These ancillary costs can easily total $10,000-$20,000+ depending on your circumstances, project location, and whether you need to travel internationally for appointments.

Common pitfalls related to fees#

1. Not budgeting for professional services. Many investors budget only for USCIS filing fees and then are surprised by attorney and regional center fees. Professional services often exceed USCIS fees.

2. Assuming all regional centers charge the same fee. Regional center fees vary significantly. Some charge $1,000 while others charge $5,000 or more. Compare regional centers' fee structures when evaluating projects.

3. Sending the wrong fee amount. If you send too little or too much, your petition may be rejected or processing delayed. Use the USCIS Fee Calculator to confirm the exact amount before submitting payment.

4. Missing fee increases. USCIS announces fee increases with limited advance notice. If you've been planning your petition, verify current fees immediately before filing rather than relying on information from months earlier.

5. Assuming fee waivers are available. Most EB-5 investors do not qualify for fee reductions because they must demonstrate significant financial capacity. Check the USCIS Fee Calculator to see if you qualify, but don't assume you do.

6. Paying fees to regional centers without verification. Verify which fees your regional center is collecting from you and what those fees cover. Some regional centers charge unnecessary fees or padding costs.

Frequently asked questions#

Q: Are EB-5 filing fees refundable if my petition is denied? A: No. All USCIS filing fees (I-526E, I-485, I-829) are non-refundable. You pay them at the time of filing and they're not returned if your petition is denied. Only the capital investment can potentially be returned (if the project returns funds), not the filing fees.

Q: Does my spouse pay a separate I-526E fee if they're a dependent on my petition? A: No. The I-526E filing fee covers all dependents included on your petition. If your spouse is listed as a dependent, they don't require a separate $3,675 fee. Only separate investor petitions require separate fees.

Q: Can I deduct EB-5 filing fees on my taxes? A: Generally, no. Immigration fees are personal expenses and not tax-deductible. However, you should consult a tax advisor about your specific circumstances, as some professional fees (like attorney fees) might have limited deductibility in certain situations.

Q: Why is the Integrity Fund Fee separate from the regular filing fee? A: The Integrity Fund was created to enhance EB-5 program security and fraud prevention. Revenues go toward investigations, monitoring of regional centers, and program administration. It's separate because USCIS wanted it to fund specific integrity initiatives.

Q: Do children under 21 pay different I-485 fees? A: As of the November 2025 court ruling, the I-485 fee is $1,440 per person. Children under 14 may qualify for reduced biometric requirements, but the base filing fee applies to all applicants. Check the current USCIS fee schedule for any age based adjustments.

Q: What happens if I pay the wrong fee amount? A: USCIS will reject your petition if the fee is insufficient. If you overpay, USCIS refunds the difference, though this creates delay. Always verify the exact fee using the USCIS Fee Calculator before submitting payment.

Q: Can I pay my EB-5 fees in installments? A: No. USCIS doesn't offer payment plan options for immigration fees. You must pay the full amount at the time of filing. Some regional centers or attorneys might offer payment plans for their professional fees, but USCIS fees are due in full.

Q: Will fees increase again in 2026 or 2027? A: Possibly. USCIS has indicated they're evaluating future fee increases. Subscribe to USCIS announcements or consult your attorney regularly to stay informed about potential fee changes.

What EB5Status helps you do#

EB5Status tracks all your fee payment deadlines and maintains a complete record of which fees you've paid. Instead of manually calculating costs and tracking invoice deadlines, you'll have a centralized dashboard showing your payment status throughout the EB-5 process.

The platform sends reminders when fees are due so you're never surprised by an unexpected cost. You'll also find resources explaining all fees, tracking fee changes as USCIS updates their schedule, and comparing total costs across different project structures.

How processing speed affects total cost#

While filing fees are the same regardless of TEA category, the processing timeline significantly impacts your total cost through opportunity cost of capital. Publicly available industry data shows Rural I-526E petitions are being approved at roughly 3 to 4x the rate of HUA petitions. Faster processing means faster access to permanent residency, employment authorization, and return on your investment capital.

Source: IIUSA (publicly presented industry data).

Sources#

[1] USCIS Fee Schedule and Form I-485, I-526E, I-829 Fee Information - uscis.gov/fees-and-forms

[2] USCIS Fee Calculator - uscis.gov/fee-calculator

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or investment advice. Consult a qualified immigration attorney and financial advisor before making any decisions.

Last verified: 2026-02-08