The new fee structure follows the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022, which introduced additional oversight and integrity requirements for the programme. (Image: File Pic) The Trump administration is set to significantly increase fees for foreign investors seeking US permanent residency through the EB-5 immigrant investor programme, with the main application fee more than doubling under new rules from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The agency's final fee changes are scheduled to take effect on November 30, 2026. Under the new structure, the fee for the main EB-5 immigrant petition will rise to $7,615 from the current $3,675, an increase of more than 100 per cent. The changes also introduce a new $10,330 fee for certain existing EB-5 investors whose regional centre or project has been terminated. The new Form I-527 is intended for eligible investors who need to preserve their place in the immigration process after losing their original investment project. USCIS said the fee changes are designed to cover the cost of administering the EB-5 programme, including reviewing applications, conducting background checks, verifying eligibility, detecting fraud and maintaining programme operations. The EB-5 programme allows foreign investors to seek permanent residency by investing in a qualifying US business and creating at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers. Under current rules, the required investment is generally $1.05 million, or $800,000 for investments in a targeted employment area or qualifying infrastructure project. The programme also allows investors to use USCIS-approved regional centres, which pool capital from multiple foreign investors and direct funds towards projects such as real estate developments, hotels and infrastructure. The new fee structure follows the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022, which introduced additional oversight and integrity requirements for the programme. DHS had proposed an even higher $9,530 fee for the main investor petition in its earlier proposal, but the final amount was set at $7,615. USCIS estimates that the revised fees will affect thousands of applicants each year. The agency says the changes are intended to ensure that the programme's users cover the costs of administering the investor immigration system. The EB-5 Regional Center Program is currently authorised through September 30, 2027, while the new fees are scheduled to begin on November 30, 2026. Working as Copy Editor at the Business Desk of Times Now Digital. Dedicated towards crafting interesting financial stories. Previously covered financi... View More