What You Need to Know About The Supplemental Forms for Regional Center Application

What You Need to Know About The Supplemental Forms for Regional Center Application

The EB-5 visa program allows immigrants to obtain a green card by investing in a new commercial enterprise in the United States that creates jobs for US citizens or lawful permanent residents. One of the ways to participate in the program is through a regional center, a designated area, or an industry that promotes economic growth.

While this can be a great option for obtaining a green card, the application process can be complex and requires several forms.

Form I-526 petition is the primary document used by foreign investors seeking to obtain an EB-5 visa through the Immigrant Investor Program. Form I-956, on the other hand, is used by businesses or entities that wish to seek designation as a regional center under the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. 

Additionally, there are supplemental forms, including the I-956F, I-956G, and I-956H.

In this blog, we will discuss the purpose and importance of these supplemental forms in the regional center application process.

Form I-956F, Application for Approval of an Investment in a Commercial Enterprise

If your economic unit was designated as a regional center after March 15, 2022 and you want to request approval for a commercial enterprise project (NCE), you’ll need to use Form I-956F.

You must file an application for your project before individual EB-5 investors file an immigrant visa petition using Form I-526E. Additionally, Form I-956F can only include one commercial enterprise.

When filling out the form, you must:

  1. Provide biographical information about the investor and identify the designated regional center where the investment will be made.
  2. Explain the NCE and list its legal name, other authorized names, and organizational structure.
  3. Provide information about the job-creating entity (JCE) or entities involved in the project, including the legal name, organizational structure, and contact information.
  4. Describe the primary nature of the project and provide the total projected cost of the investment project that will be funded by EB-5 capital.
  5. Disclose all material investment risks associated with the NCE and JCE and provide documentation of policies and procedures to ensure compliance with securities laws.

The filing fee is $17,795. Double-check the current fee on the USCIS before submitting your form as USCIS won’t accept your form if you pay the incorrect amount.

Everyone involved with the NCE and affiliated JCE must complete Form I-956H, Bona Fides of Persons Involved with the Regional Center Program.

Form I-956G, Regional Center Annual Statement

Regional centers must file Form I-956G annually to maintain their designation and demonstrate their continued program participation eligibility. 

The form requires regional centers to provide detailed information about their activities during the reporting period including the number of jobs created, the amount of capital invested, and the progress of the investment projects.

USCIS uses the information provided in Form I-956G to evaluate the regional center program’s effectiveness and ensure it meets its objectives. Regional centers that fail to file the annual report or do not meet the program requirements may be subject to revocation of their designation.

The filing fee for Form I-956 G is $3,035.

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

The purpose of Form I-956H is to provide information about the background, experience, and qualifications of the individuals involved with the regional center program, NCE, or affiliated JCE. You’ll need to complete this form if you’re in a position of authority to make funding decisions or have a managerial role in the regional center, NCE, or JCE.

If you’re involved with a non-affiliated JCE, you may still be required to fill out this form, but it’s up to the Secretary of Homeland Security’s discretion. The form requires the individual to provide information about their education, employment history, business experience, financial information, and any criminal history.

This information helps the USCIS determine whether the individuals are eligible to participate in the EB-5 program. You must complete a separate I-956H for each if you’re involved with multiple entities. 

You should submit Form I-956H along with Form I-956 if you’re applying for regional center designation or if any changes to the center involve new personnel. Additionally, if you’re involved with an NCE and/or an affiliated JCE, you must submit this form with Form I-956F.

There is no filing fee for Form I-956H. However, each person who completes this form will pay an $85 biometrics fee.

Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C., Can Help You Navigate the EB-5 Program

The EB-5 visa program offers many potential benefits to foreign investors, but the application process can be complex and time-consuming. The experienced attorneys at Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C., can help you navigate the process, prepare the necessary documents, and represent your interests in the event of an appeal or other disputes.

Contact us today by calling (312) 444-1940 or fill out our online form.

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