If you’re a Canadian thinking about the EB-5 investor green card, two deadlines matter right now. US government filing fees for most EB-5 petitions roughly double on November 30, 2026. Then the minimum investment amount is scheduled to rise on January 1, 2027.
- November 30, 2026: the main EB-5 petition fee rises from $3,675 to $7,850 for regional center investors, for petitions postmarked on or after that date.
- January 1, 2027: the $800,000 and $1,050,000 minimum investment amounts are scheduled to be adjusted for inflation.
- What to do: if the EB-5 is a real option for you, get advice now. Don’t rush a weak application just to beat a deadline.
- You’ve sold a business or property, or you’re about to, and you’re deciding what to do with the money.
- You want a green card for your whole family, not a visa you have to keep renewing.
- You’re a Canadian permanent resident and just found out the E-2 is only for Canadian citizens.
The new EB-5 fees
USCIS published a final rule on September 30, 2026. It raises most EB-5 fees for filings postmarked on or after November 30, 2026.
| Form | Fee now | From Nov 30, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| I-526E, regional center investor petition | $3,675 | $7,850 |
| I-526, standalone (direct) investor petition | $3,675 | $7,615 |
| I-829, petition to remove conditions | $3,750 | $5,000 |
| EB-5 Integrity Fund fee (with I-526E) | $1,000 | $1,100 |
Source: USCIS final rule, Federal Register, September 30, 2026. Fees include the new EB-5 technology fee where it applies.
For one investor, the extra government fees add up to about $5,500 over the life of a regional center case. That’s small next to an $800,000 investment, so the fee change alone shouldn’t drive your decision. But if you’re already ready to file, there’s no reason to pay more.
The minimum investment is set to rise in 2027
Today, the EB-5 minimum is $800,000 in a targeted employment area (a rural or high-unemployment area) or $1,050,000 anywhere else. The law that set these amounts in 2022 requires them to be adjusted for inflation starting January 1, 2027.
The exact new amounts haven’t been announced yet. Whatever they are, they will be higher, so investors who are ready now have a reason to move sooner rather than later.
Is the EB-5 right for you?
The EB-5 gives you, your spouse and your children under 21 a green card. It’s open to any citizenship, including Canadian permanent residents. You need to invest the minimum amount, create 10 full-time US jobs, and show where your money came from.
What to do before November 30
1. Confirm the EB-5 is your best route. Compare it with the E-2 and other options before committing.
2. Start on your source of funds. Proving where your money came from takes the most time, and it’s where many cases run into trouble.
3. Choose your investment carefully. If you’re investing through a regional center, look at the project’s track record and job plan, not just the promised return.
4. Don’t rush. If you can’t file a complete, well-prepared petition by November 30, it’s usually better to pay the higher fee than to file a weak case.
Is the EB-5 or E-2 right for you?
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VisaPlace Immigration works with licensed and experienced immigration lawyers. VisaPlace Immigration does not provide legal advice. This article is for information purposes only and reflects fees and rules as of November 2026. For legal advice, consult a licensed immigration lawyer.
President & CEO
Michael Niren
Mr. Niren is CEO of VisaPlace LLC and the President and Managing Partner of VisaPlace Legal Canada, an immigration law firm based in Toronto, and VisaPlace Legal US a law firm registered in The District of Columbia, USA. Mr. Niren is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Canadian Bar Association’s Citizenship and Immigration Section, American Lawyers Association, and an Associate Member of the American Bar Association.
