2025 Changes in Fees and Requirements for EB-5 and E-2 Investor Visas
- Viktor A. De Maio
- 22 hours ago
- 4 min read
In the United States immigration context, the changes 2025 fees requirements EB-5 E-2 investor visas represent a major milestone for foreign investors seeking to enter the country under the investor visa category. Both the EB-5 (immigrant) visa and the E-2 (nonimmigrant) visa are subject to adjustments involving minimum investment amounts, filing fees, and eligibility criteria. For example, official guidance indicates that EB-5 investment thresholds are indexed to inflation and subject to review every five years.
This article analyzes the major changes 2025 fees requirements EB-5 E-2 investor visas, their implications, what investors must understand, and the steps needed for proper preparation. 😊
What do the changes 2025 fees requirements visas EB-5 and E-2 involve?
The adjustments contemplated under changes 2025 fees requirements EB-5 E-2 investor visas include three key areas:
1. Investment thresholds and eligibility adjustments
For the EB-5 category, the standard minimum investment requirement has previously been set at USD 1.8 million and USD 900,000 for Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs) according to USCIS guidance. Although not all adjustments are finalized for 2025, the changes 2025 fees requirements EB-5 E-2 investor visas anticipate revised amounts or structural changes driven by inflation.
The E-2 visa requires “substantial capital” without a fixed statutory minimum, and the associated application and processing costs are being adjusted.
2. New filing and processing fees
USCIS intends to adjust application fees based on operational costs. The final fee rule issued on January 31, 2024, increased many immigration benefit fees. In 2025, the typical fee for consular E-2 processing is USD 315. For EB-5, additional proposed regulations will modify category-specific filing fees. These developments form part of the changes 2025 fees requirements EB-5 E-2 considerations for investors.
3. Strengthened compliance requirements
The changes 2025 fees requirements EB-5 E-2 investor visas also include enhanced scrutiny of the lawful source and path of funds, program compliance, and investment use, particularly for EB-5. The EB-5 Integrity Fund for regional centers is an example. For E-2, authorities may increase expectations related to commercial activity, real investment, economic risk, and operational control.
Specific elements of the changes 2025 fees requirements EB-5 E-2 investor visas
EB-5 Visa
• Minimum investment amount: USD 1.8 million for standard projects and USD 900,000 for TEAs.• Government filing costs: Estimates for 2025 indicate USD 21,130 to USD 22,225 in government fees for the I-526 petition and related steps.• Integrity: Regional Centers must pay an annual EB-5 Integrity Fund contribution of USD 10,000 or USD 20,000 depending on volume.• Fee schedule review: Proposed regulations contemplate additional EB-5 fee adjustments. These items represent core elements of the changes 2025 fees requirements EB-5 E-2 investor visas for EB-5.
E-2 Visa
• Investment: No fixed federal minimum, but investment must be substantial and proportional. Many franchise models reference USD 75,000 to USD 250,000 as a practical range.• Consular application fee: Typically USD 315 per applicant in 2025.• Domestic petition fee (Form I-129) for change of status: The April 1, 2024 fee rule set USD 1,015 for certain E-1/E-2/E-3 petitions.• Other requirements: Active investment, operational control, and real business risk. These requirements are reinforced by the changes 2025 fees requirements EB-5 E-2.
What should investors do regarding the 2025 changes?
Recommended actions include:
• Assess the investment amount and any expected increases.• Confirm and budget all filing and governmental fees.• Prepare full documentation of the lawful source and path of funds.• Structure the enterprise as a real operating business demonstrating investor control.• Seek specialized investment-immigration legal counsel.• Monitor ongoing regulatory developments.• Include contingency planning for potential future increases or structural changes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What do the changes 2025 fees requirements EB-5 E-2 investor visas mean for my project?
Investment thresholds, filing fees, and eligibility requirements are under review for 2025. Investors must ensure capital levels and budgets align with updated requirements.
Have EB-5 filing fees increased for 2025?
Yes. USCIS has already implemented increases and proposed further modifications affecting EB-5.
What is the typical E-2 application fee in 2025?
Generally USD 315 for consular processing per applicant, with possible variation due to reciprocity fees.
Is there a required minimum investment for E-2 under these changes?
No fixed federal minimum exists, but investment must be substantial, proportional, and show control. Practical examples often range from USD 75,000 to USD 250,000.
Do the changes 2025 fees requirements EB-5 E-2 investor visas mean EB-5 will be fully redesigned?
Full replacement is not guaranteed. However, continued regulatory adjustments are expected.
What if I file before the new changes take effect?
The rules and fees effective on the filing date usually govern the petition, although later-stage impacts are possible.
How can I prepare for these changes?
Review official fee schedules, verify your business structure and source of funds documentation, and plan financially for adjustments.
Do these changes affect all countries the same way?
USCIS requirements apply globally, while consular reciprocity fee variations depend on nationality.
Conclusions
The changes 2025 fees requirements EB-5 E-2 investor visas represent a significant update for foreign investors.
Key conclusions include:
• Investment thresholds, filing fees, and eligibility criteria are under review, which requires proactive planning.
• Total costs for EB-5 and E-2 petitions are already substantial and may continue to increase.
• Structured preparation, legal guidance, and continuous monitoring are essential to mitigate risks.
📞 Contact Us
For a personalized evaluation of your investment project:
📞Phone/WhatsApp: (786) 232-9120
📧Email: info@demaio-law.com
📍Address: 2121 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Suite 550, Coral Gables, FL 33134
Schedule a consultation to determine how these changes affect your strategy. 😊
📚 Recommended Readings