DHS Proposes Major Fee Reduction for EB-5 Investors – What It Means for 2025

EB-5 Visa Fee Reduction: What the DHS Proposal Means for Global Investors in 2025

Big news for EB-5 investors worldwide. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a proposed reduction in filing fees for the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. If approved, this change could make the program significantly more accessible to investors from the world’s most active EB-5 markets — including China, India, Vietnam, South Korea, and Brazil.

Understanding the EB-5 Fee Reduction Proposal

The Department of Homeland Security recently released a proposal to lower the cost of filing key EB-5 forms, benefiting both individual investors and Regional Centers. USCIS fees have long been among the highest in the U.S. immigration system, but this proposal could mark a turning point toward greater affordability and modernization.

Key proposed changes include:

Form I-526/I-526E (Initial Investor Petition): Reduction from $11,160 to approximately $9,625.
Form I-829 (Petition to Remove Conditions): Reduction from $9,525 to around $7,860.
Regional Center forms (I-956 series): Some may see decreases of up to 60%, cutting operational costs significantly.

*Note: These are proposed amounts pending final approval by DHS and USCIS.*

Why This Matters for Global EB-5 Investors

Lower Entry Barriers: Reduced filing costs make EB-5 participation more attainable for new investors.
Increased Global Participation: Markets like India, Vietnam, and Brazil are expanding — this reduction will boost accessibility.
Enhanced Regional Center Competitiveness: Lower overhead means better service and compliance support for investors.
Stronger U.S. Economic Impact: More EB-5 capital means more American jobs and infrastructure development.

Top EB-5 Markets to Watch in 2025

China – Long-time global leader with strong demand despite visa retrogression.
India – Rapidly expanding investor base driven by entrepreneurs and professionals.
Vietnam – Consistent top performer among family investors seeking education and stability.
South Korea – Steady investor flow, emphasizing quality Regional Center partnerships.
Brazil – Latin America’s top EB-5 market fueled by diversification and relocation interest.

What Investors Should Do Now

Monitor DHS updates and be ready to file once new fees are approved.
Prepare documentation and review investment options early.
Work with trusted EB-5 advisors who can help navigate compliance and timing.
Position strategically — early applicants may benefit from faster processing and project access.

Final Thoughts

The DHS proposal to reduce EB-5 filing fees sends a clear message: the U.S. wants to remain a global destination for investment and innovation. For investors from China, India, Vietnam, Brazil, and South Korea, this represents a rare opportunity to secure U.S. residency with reduced upfront costs while supporting job creation and economic growth.

Considering an EB-5 or E-2 Visa?

Our team helps investors structure compliant, job-creating U.S. businesses and guide them through every step — from investment planning to consular approval.