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)

Do You Need a U.S. Immigration Lawyer if You Are in Vietnam? Five Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Do It Alone

How to Petition Your Vietnamese Spouse for a U.S. Green Card?

Enterline and Partners Consulting Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday at AmCham’s Independence Day Celebration in Ho Chi Minh City

Green Card Through Investment: Is the EB-5 Visa Worth It for Vietnamese Investors?

our services

contact us today for more information

Latest News

New USCIS Policy Aims to Reduce Frivilous and Incomplete Filings

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has amended a previous policy during the Biden Administration which encouraged adjudicating officers to issue a Request for Evidence (“RFE”) before denying an immigration benefit even if the benefit being sought was filed incomplete, the requestor failed to demonstrate eligibility for the benefit being sought, or did not provide initial evidence clearly required at the time of submission. According to USCIS, the previous policy allowed for frivolous or substantially incomplete filings which slowed processing times and led to increased operational costs. The new policy, which was announced on August 5, 2026, restores an adjudicating officer’s full discretion in denying an immigration benefit without first issuing an RFE or a Notice of Intent to Deny (“NOID”). Updated policy highlights include the following: The revised policy is effective immediately and applies to immigration benefits that remain pending with USCIS or filed on or after

Do You Need a U.S. Immigration Lawyer if You Are in Vietnam? Five Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Do It Alone

Applying for a U.S. visa from Vietnam may seem straightforward when the forms are available online and the basic steps appear clear. However, the process may become difficult when there is a prior visa refusal, past marriage and name issues, missing documents or anything else that may require a closer review. These details can easily affect eligibility, timing and how the case should be prepared before applying. At Enterline and Partners, we help clients in Vietnam understand their U.S. immigration options with guidance from licensed U.S. immigration attorneys who have experience handling cases involving Vietnamese applicants and beneficiaries. In this guide, we explain when working with a U.S. immigration lawyer who has experience assisting clients in Vietnam may be helpful, how legal guidance differs from visa agencies and what to consider before deciding whether you need a lawyer for your case. What Can a U.S. Immigration Lawyer Do For Your

How to Petition Your Vietnamese Spouse for a U.S. Green Card?

Marriage to a U.S. Citizen does not automatically grant a Vietnamese spouse the right to live permanently in the United States. Before a Vietnamese spouse can immigrate to the United States, the U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (“Petitioner”) must first establish the marital relationship, complete the required documentation and have the process go through the U.S. immigration system. Multiple government agencies are involved including United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”), the United States Department of State (“DOS”), National Visa Center (“NVC”) and the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. Each stage has separate forms, evidence requirements and deadlines. At Enterline and Partners, our U.S. immigration lawyers assist Petitioners with a spouse in Vietnam who would like to bring their Vietnamese spouses to the United States permanently. In this guide, we explain the sponsorship process, the difference between filing as a U.S. Citizen or a Lawful Permanent

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

CATEGORY

contact us today for more information

Latest News

Need help with your U.S. visa?Talk to our experts today.

Need help with your U.S. visa?
Talk to our experts today.