EB-5 Filing Fees in 2026: Complete Cost Breakdown

Government fees are the smaller half of the EB-5 cost structure, and they still run five figures for a family of four. We priced the full ladder, I-526E through I-829, against the post November 14, 2025 court ruling that reverted USCIS filing fees to pre April 2024 levels. The numbers below are the ones you will actually write on checks, not the rack rate from 2024. Budget against them, but verify with the USCIS Fee Calculator before you file. Fees can move between the day you plan and the day you mail.

[!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 the initial EB-5 petition (Form I-526E), the first government fee is the petition filing fee. As of 2026, the I-526E filing fee is $3,675. It is non refundable. You pay regardless of whether the petition is approved or denied.

The I-526E fee covers USCIS processing of the immigrant investor petition. Payment is due at submission. Most regional centers either collect the fee and submit it with the petition, or they instruct you to pay USCIS directly.

A spouse or dependent children included on the petition as derivative beneficiaries do not require separate I-526E fees. One petition fee covers the whole family when they are all dependents.

However, if a spouse or adult children file 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 fee specific to EB-5 cases called the Integrity Fund Fee. This $1,000 fee is required in addition to the standard I-526E filing fee.

According to USCIS guidance on EB-5 program integrity, the Integrity Fund was created as part of the 2022 EB-5 reform to enhance program integrity and security [1]. 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 I-526E. Spouses and dependent children included as beneficiaries on your petition do not require separate Integrity Fund fees. Only separately filed petitions require separate fees.

So the initial EB-5 petition combines two fees: $3,675 (I-526E) plus $1,000 (Integrity Fund) equals $4,675 total at petition filing.

The I-485 adjustment of status fee#

When your priority date becomes current and you file Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), the I-485 filing fee applies. 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 file their I-485 applications alongside you, which they should for family unity, each requires their own I-485 fee. A family of four therefore pays $1,440 x 4 = $5,760 in I-485 fees.

Some applicants qualify for fee reductions or waivers based on household income. Most EB-5 investors do not qualify because they have demonstrated significant financial capacity by investing at least $800,000 to $1,050,000.

The I-829 petition fee#

Roughly two years after receiving the conditional green card, you 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 are the principal investor and your spouse is a dependent on your petition, you pay one $3,750 fee covering both. If your spouse is a separate investor, they pay their own separate $3,750 fee.

The I-829 fee is also non refundable. You pay at filing and the fee does not return if the 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 folded into the I-485 filing fee of $1,440.

If USCIS requests biometrics at other stages, for example for dependents or when biometrics must be recaptured, additional biometric services fees may apply.

For I-829 petitions, biometric services may be required. Because I-829 processing timelines run long, biometric requirements can change, and fees may be waived if you recently provided biometrics for I-485.

Additional fees and costs#

Beyond standard USCIS filing fees, several additional costs are associated with EB-5 processing.

Application Support Services Fee. Some regional centers charge a fee for helping you prepare the 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 to $400 and is typically paid directly to the panel physician.

Police Clearance and Background Checks. Obtaining police clearance documentation costs $50 to $150 depending on your country of origin.

Document Translation and Certified Copies. Documents in foreign languages require certified translations at $25 to $75 per document. Certified copies cost $2 to $5 each. Most EB-5 petitioners need dozens of certified copies.

Attorney Fees. Hire an immigration attorney for EB-5 processing. Attorney fees typically range from $3,000 to $10,000 or more depending on complexity and experience level.

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

These additional costs are not paid to USCIS but represent necessary expenses for successful EB-5 processing.

Total cost summary table#

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

This sits on top of the capital investment of $800,000 to $1,050,000. Immigration fees are separate and additional.

Recent court rulings on fees#

In 2024 and 2025, federal courts heard significant challenges to USCIS fee increases. Several examined whether USCIS had authority to raise fees without Congressional approval. A November 14, 2025 court ruling reverted USCIS filing fees to pre April 2024 levels, which lowered petitioner costs substantially. The fees listed here reflect the post ruling amounts.

As of early 2026, USCIS has maintained the fee schedule above. Fee law remains in flux and future changes are possible. Verify current fees using the USCIS Fee Calculator on uscis.gov before submitting any petition.

The Integrity Fund Fee in particular has faced legal challenges because it was created through regulatory action without explicit Congressional authorization. It remains in effect as of 2026, though future court decisions could affect it. Some legal experts believe the Integrity Fund Fee could be eliminated or restructured if litigation succeeds. We do not predict court outcomes. File against current rules, plan against the possibility that they move.

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, though none are final.

Possible future changes include:

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

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

Our read: if you are planning an EB-5 petition, filing sooner rather than later locks in current fees. Waiting six months could mean higher fees, particularly if your petition timing is flexible.

Using the USCIS fee calculator#

The most reliable way to verify current fees is the USCIS Fee Calculator at uscis.gov/fee-calculator [2]. The online tool lets you select a 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 updates whenever fees change, so checking it before filing ensures you pay the correct amount. Regional centers and immigration attorneys also have access to the calculator and should confirm current fees before submission.

Never rely on fee information 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. Include a check or money order with the mailed petition. Make payments payable to "USCIS."

Regional Center Submission. Many regional centers collect fees directly from investors and submit payments with the petition. Convenient, provided you understand exactly which fees you are paying.

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

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

What fees do not cover#

Knowing what USCIS fees do not cover helps you budget realistically. Filing fees pay for USCIS processing costs but do not include:

• Regional center investment management fees (typically 1 to 2 percent 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 to $20,000 or more depending on 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 are surprised by attorney and regional center costs. Professional services often exceed USCIS fees.

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

3. Sending the wrong fee amount. If you send too little or too much, the 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 have been planning the petition, verify current fees immediately before filing rather than relying on older information.

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. Do not assume.

6. Paying fees to regional centers without verification. Verify which fees the regional center is collecting and what those fees cover. Some 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 filing and they are not returned if the petition is denied. Only the capital investment can potentially be returned if the project returns funds.

Q: Does my spouse pay a separate I-526E fee if they are a dependent on my petition? A: No. The I-526E filing fee covers all dependents included on the petition. If your spouse is listed as a dependent, they do not 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. Consult a tax advisor about your specific circumstances, since some professional fees, for example 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 is 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 the petition if the fee is insufficient. If you overpay, USCIS refunds the difference, though that 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 does not offer payment plans for immigration fees. You must pay the full amount at filing. Some regional centers or attorneys offer payment plans for their professional fees. USCIS fees are due in full.

Q: Will fees increase again in 2026 or 2027? A: Possibly. USCIS has signaled it is evaluating future fee increases. Subscribe to USCIS announcements or consult your attorney regularly to stay informed.

What EB5Status helps you do#

EB5Status tracks fee payment deadlines and keeps a complete record of which fees you have paid. Instead of manually calculating costs and tracking invoice deadlines, you get a centralized dashboard showing payment status through the EB-5 process.

The platform sends reminders when fees are due, so you are not surprised by an unexpected cost. You will also find resources explaining every fee, tracking fee changes as USCIS updates the 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

---

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