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USCIS adds fee for EB-5 regional centers
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) recently adjusted a number of its fees, including one for the EB-5 visa program.
The USCIS had published the proposed changes in the June 11 edition of the Federal Register to provide a period of public comment.
"USCIS is grateful for the valuable public input that we received as we prepared the final fee rule," said USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas. "We remain mindful of the effect of fee increases on the communities we serve, and we will continue to work to enhance the services we provide."
The new rules, which took effect on September 24, includes a fee for EB-5 regional center designations under the EB-5 visa program.
The EB-5 visa program gives foreign investors a chance to become eligible for U.S. green cards. If a foreign national invests $1 million (or in some areas, $500,000) in an American business and that investment leads to the creation or preservation of 10 jobs, then the investor becomes green card eligible.
About 90 percent of the USCIS's budget comes from fees.