The EB-5 Regional Center Program will expire at midnight tonight because Congress has not reached an agreement on reauthorization.

An attempt by Senators Chuck Grassley and Patrick Leahy to pass the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2021 was blocked by Senator Lindsay Graham.  Despite the lapse, it is expected negotiations will continue although there is much uncertainty surrounding the timing and outcome of the negotiations.  It is important to note the lapse in authorization does not affect EB-5 petitions filed by EB-5 investors seeking benefits outside the Regional Center Program.

Today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued guidance on how the agency will handle EB-5 Regional Center filings during the lapse:

• Form I-924, Application for Regional Center Designation Under the Immigrant Investor Program:  USCIS will reject Form I-924 applications received on or after July 1, 2021 except when the application type indicates that it is an amendment to the regional center’s name, organizational structure, ownership, or administration.  USCIS will place any pending applications as of July 1, 2021 on hold.

• Form I-526, Immigration Petition by Alien Investor:  USCIS will reject Form I-526 petitions received on or after July 1, 2021 when it indicates the petitioner’s investment is associated with an approved regional center.  USCIS will place any pending applications as of July 1, 2021 on hold.

• Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status: USCIS will continue to accept and review Form I-829 petitions, including those filed on or after July 1, 2021.  These petitions will not be affected by the expiration of the Regional Center Program.

• Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status:  USCIS will continue to accept Form I-485 applications based on an approved Form I-526 however the agency will be unable to act on any Form I-485 based on an approved Form I-526 associated with an approved regional center unless a visa through the Regional Center Program is reauthorized.  USCIS will place these filings on hold.

Additionally, after June 30, 2021, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) will not issue immigrant visas to applicants seeking immigrant visas pursuant to an approved Form I-526 at U.S. consulates abroad.

We will continue to monitor negotiations and other EB-5 Regional Center Program developments. 

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