April 11, 2023

USCIS Removes Biometrics Requirement for EB-5 Investors on Form I-526E Petitioners

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has removed the biometrics $85 biometrics fee requirement for petitioners filing Form I-526E, Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor. Petitioners no longer need to submit the fee for biometrics services with their Form I-526E.

The USCIS has determined that universal biometrics collection is not necessary under INA 203(b)(5)(H)(iii). However, it may request the submission of biometrics from a Form I-526E petitioner as may be necessary under INA 203(b)(5)(H)(iii), 8 CFR 103.2(b)(9), or under other applicable authorities. The USCIS will also begin refunding biometrics fees is has collected since 2022 from 980 Form I-526E petitions filed with the biometrics fee. These will be refunded in the coming weeks. Petitioners do not need to contact USCIS to request a refund.

The USCIS has also released a revised edition of Form I-526E dated 03/15/23, with updated instructions. Effective May 15, USCIS will accept only the 03/15/23 edition of Form I-526E. Until then, Petitioners can submit either the new edition or the previous edition of Form I-526E (dated 06/01/22). The edition date is at the bottom of the page on the form and its accompanying instructions. Petitioners should be aware that the previous edition still contains instructions about the biometrics submission requirement that are no longer accurate.

If you have any questions about the EB-5 immigrant investor visa or the possible refund of the biometrics fee, please contact us at info@enterlinepartners.com and speak with a U.S. immigration attorney in Ho Chi Minh City, Manila and Taipei.

Copyright 2023. This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This article may be changed with or without notice. The opinions expressed in this article are those of Enterline and Partners only.

ENTERLINE & PARTNERS CONSULTING

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Office

Suite 601, 6th Floor, Saigon Tower
29 Le Duan Street
Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Tel: +84 933 301 488

Email: info@enterlinepartners.com

Facebook: Enterline & Partners – Dịch vụ Thị thực và Định cư Hoa Kỳ

YouTube: @EnterlineAndPartnersConsulting

Website: http://enterlinepartners.com

Manila, Philippines Office

LKG Tower 37th Floor

6801 Ayala Avenue

Makati City, Philippines 1226

Tel: +63 917 543 7926

Email: info@enterlinepartners.com

Facebook: Enterline and Partners Philippines

Website: https://enterlinepartners.com/language/en/welcome/

Categories: Immigrant Visa

Tags: EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa, Form I-526E, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

David Enterline speaks at IIUSA EB-5 Event in East Asia

What is a Form I-129F? Petition for Alien Fiancé Explained

What Is An Alien Registration Number And What Is It For?

What Does A 214(b) Refusal Mean in U.S. Immigration Law?

our services

contact us today for more information

Latest News

What Is Capital In The RIA?

In the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (“RIA”), the definition of “Capital” as an investment for EB-5 has been updated. Capital includes cash, as well as any real, personal, or mixed tangible assets that are owned and controlled by the investor and which are invested in, or contributed into, the business. Capital can also be assets held in trust for the investor, provided the investor has unrestricted access to them. This guarantees that the funds are accessible for investment purposes and job creation. Capital must be evaluated using Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) or other SEC-adopted standard accounting procedures at the time of investment, at fair market value in U.S. dollars. This guarantees uniformity and openness in the investment’s appraisal. The definition of capital excludes several types of assets: However, Capital invested in a business with a buyback option may still qualify if the option can only be

David Enterline speaks at IIUSA EB-5 Event in East Asia

Enterline and Partners Managing Partner David Enterline served as Panel Moderator for the IIUSA 2025 Passport Series: East Asia event held in October this year. He moderated the panel “How to Evaluate and Select the Right EB-5 Project for Investors”. IIUSA is the national membership-based EB-5 industry association for EB-5 Regional Centers and other EB-5 stakeholders and professionals. Its members are responsible for the large majority of capital investment and job creation in the U.S. from foreign nationals investing and immigrating to the U.S. via the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. David has been an active member of IIUSA since 2009. The panel consisted of experienced EB-5 stakeholders including Regional Center representatives, EB-5 lawyers and third-party promoters from various markets. The panelists shared their knowledge, insight and thoughts on key factors when considering an EB-5 project to invest in. If you are considering the EB-5 route to immigrate to the U.S. and

What is a Form I-129F? Petition for Alien Fiancé Explained

A Form I-129F is a Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) filed through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). The form can only be filed by a U.S. citizen ages twenty-one (21) and above. Non-US citizens including lawful permanent residents are not able to petition a foreign fiancé(e). Form I-129F Requirements Before a U.S. citizen can file for his or her foreign fiance, they must have accomplished the following: How Much is the Form I-129F Petition Filing Fee? The current filing fee for a Form I-129F Petition is US$675. This fee is payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security with a credit card by using a Form G-1450 or ACH transitions with a Form G-1650. When is the Best Time to Submit a Form I-129F Petition? A Form I-129F Petition can be submitted at any time throughout the year. Once the petition is received by USCIS, it will be

USCIS Removes Biometrics Requirement for EB-5 Investors on Form I-526E Petitioners

CATEGORY

contact us today for more information

Latest News