EB-5 Regional Center Compliance: What USCIS Audits Look For

The EB-5 Regional Center Program operates under one of the most rigorous compliance frameworks in U.S. immigration law. The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA) transformed the regulatory landscape for regional centers by introducing mandatory annual certifications, an integrity fund financed by fees from program participants, expanded audit authority, and severe consequences for non-compliance. For investors, understanding what USCIS examines during audits and how compliance protects their investment and immigration case is essential. This article provides a detailed overview of the RIA compliance framework, what USCIS auditors look for, the role of the integrity fund, and what investors should ask when evaluating a regional center's compliance posture. ## The RIA Compliance Framework Before the RIA took effect on March 15, 2022, USCIS oversight of regional centers was limited. The agency designated regional centers based on their initial applications and had limited authority to conduct ongoing oversight, audits, or...