Learn about the I-956 Application for EB-5 Regional Centers - EB5Investors.com
EB-5 Visa Forms

I-956 Application

I-956 Application Summary

As the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 repealed the Regional Center Program, previously designated regional centers must now reapply by filing Form I-956, Application for Regional Center Designation.

USCIS has published two forms for the designation of EB-5 regional centers: Form I-956, Application for Regional Center Designation, and Form I-956H, Bona Fides of Persons Involved with Regional Center Program.

As of May 14, 2022 all entities that seek to be designated as a regional center are required to file these forms. USCIS will no longer accept filings of Form I-924 and Form I-924A.

What is the I-956 Application?

Form I-956 is used to request USCIS designation as a regional center or an amendment to an approved regional center.

The filing fee for the I-956 application is $17,795. Each person involved with the regional center must also submit Form I-956H, Bona Fides of Persons Involved with Regional Center Program. Applicants must attach their Form I-956H to the Form I-956. Each form must be accompanied by a separate biometric services fee of $85. As of May 2022, there is no timeframe published for adjudication.

I-956 Requirements

In order to demonstrate that you are eligible for regional center designation, you may need to submit evidence along with your Form I-956. The following points are generally required from the applicant:

  • The particular geographic location of the regional center, demonstrated by a map or illustration
  • The estimated economic impact of the regional center on its geographic area
  • Policies and procedures in place to monitor new commercial enterprises and job-creating entities
  • Evidence of EB-5 program compliance
  • Information about all individuals involved with the regional center (Form I-956H, Bona Fides of Persons Involved with Regional Center Program)

What is Form I-956H, Bona Fides of Persons Involved with Regional Center Program?

Form I-956H is a supplement to I-956. It must be submitted by each person associated with a regional center, new commercial enterprise or affiliated job-creating entity. There is no separate filing fee for Form I-956H. A copy of the front and back of the applicant’s Permanent Resident Card is required as initial evidence if the applicant is a lawful permanent resident.

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