USCIS Implements Significant Fee Increases for EB-5 Visa Program

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a substantial increase in fees for the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, a change that is set to affect investors worldwide, including those from Africa. The decision, finalized on September 30, 2026, aims to address the growing administrative costs associated with processing these visa applications, according to the agency.

The EB-5 program, which allows foreign investors to apply for a U.S. green card by investing a minimum amount in American businesses, has been a pathway for many seeking residency in the United States. The latest adjustments see the fee for the Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor, rise from $3,675 to $11,160, representing a significant increase aimed at covering the true cost of adjudicating these petitions.

This development is particularly relevant to African investors, including those from Kenya, who have increasingly participated in the EB-5 program as a means of securing U.S. residency. The fee hike may pose a financial hurdle to potential applicants, thereby impacting the influx of investment from the continent into the United States.

In addition to the increased fees, USCIS has introduced a new form, the I-527, to streamline the process and ensure more efficient processing of applications. This form is intended to improve the documentation and compliance requirements for investors and related entities.

The EB-5 program has been instrumental in attracting millions of dollars in foreign investment to the United States, fostering economic growth and job creation. However, it has also faced criticism and scrutiny over fraud and abuse, prompting USCIS to implement reforms aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the program.

While the fee increase is set to ensure the sustainability of the EB-5 program, it also raises concerns about accessibility for smaller investors and the potential impact on foreign investment levels. As the new fees come into effect, stakeholders and prospective applicants will closely monitor the implications for the program's future.

USCIS's decision is part of a broader trend of fee adjustments across various immigration-related programs, reflecting the agency's ongoing efforts to manage operational costs in the face of evolving immigration policies under the current administration. As these changes unfold, the African diaspora and other international investors will need to navigate the new financial landscape when considering the EB-5 investor route to U.S. residency.