Overview (What is I-526E used for?)
#Form I-526E, titled Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor, is a USCIS form designed for investors pooling their investments in a USCIS-designated regional center. It allows qualified immigrants to petition for immigrant status under section 203(b)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). This form captures vital details about the petitioner, their investment, and the intended benefits to the U.S. economy.
To file Form I-526E, you must demonstrate that your investment will create full-time employment for at least 10 U.S. citizens or lawful residents. The required investment amount is set by statute, and you can find more information on the USCIS website or at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.
When preparing your petition, ensure all required evidence and supporting documents are included. This includes proof of your investment and any necessary identification. Missing or incorrect information can lead to delays or denials.
For further assistance, you can visit the USCIS Contact Center or refer to the official instructions available in the PDF linked on the USCIS website.
What USCIS is really evaluating (I-526E)
#USCIS evaluates several criteria for Form I-526E, including the validity of the investment, the creation of jobs for U.S. workers, and the lawful means of obtaining investment capital. A common evidence mismatch occurs when the investment documentation does not clearly demonstrate compliance with these requirements.
Context & workflow (How does I-526E fit into the case?)
#Most cases file this form together with the required evidence listed on the official form page. Verify [fees](/en/united-states/visas/fees) before filing. Check [processing times](/en/united-states/visas/processing-times) for your category. Review [requirements](/en/united-states/visas/requirements) that apply to your status.
Who uses it
Petitioners filing on behalf of a beneficiary.
When it is used
- When the official instructions list this form for your case type.
- When updating or supplementing a pending petition if requested.
Evidence strategy (What evidence does USCIS expect for I-526E?)
#- Provide proof of investment in a new commercial enterprise.
- Include the receipt number for the approved regional center application.
- Attach the receipt number for Form I-956F.
- Submit the NCEID if available to link your investment.
- Ensure all identification documents are photocopied and legible.
- Demonstrate lawful means of obtaining investment capital.
Failure prevention (Why petitions are rejected or delayed)
#Technical rejections
- Missing signatures on the petition.
- Submitting an outdated version of the form.
- Omitting pages from the submission.
Substantive weaknesses
- Inconsistencies in personal information.
- Insufficient evidence of investment.
- Failure to provide required translations.
RFE triggers and how to pre-empt (What causes RFEs for I-526E?)
#- Missing required evidence or supporting documents.
- Inaccurate or incomplete personal information.
- Failure to provide a valid signature.
- Not submitting proof of investment in the required format.
- Omitting the receipt number for the regional center application.
Eligibility signals
#- Investment in a USCIS-designated Regional Center
- Receipt notice for the approved regional center application
- Receipt notice for Form I-956F
- NCE identification number (NCEID) if available
- Photocopy of government-issued ID
- Evidence of lawful capital acquisition
- Legible photocopies of all documents
- Full English translations for foreign documents
- Valid handwritten signature
- Filing fee as per Form G-1055
Form sections (Which sections matter most on I-526E?)
#General Instructions
This section provides guidance on completing the form and submitting required documents.
Specific Instructions
Detailed instructions for each part of the form, including what evidence to submit.
Your Entry Into The United States
Information about your arrival in the U.S. and current status.
Address Change
Instructions for updating your address if it changes during the process.
Processing Information
Details on how your petition will be processed and what to expect.
DHS Privacy Notice
Information on how your personal data will be used and protected.
What it asks for (What fields and questions appear on I-526E?)
#- Item Number 1. Alien Registration Number (A-Number) (if any)
- Item Number 2. USCIS Online Account Number
- Item Number 3. U.S. Social Security Number (if any)
- Item Number 4. Your Full Name
- Item Numbers 5. - 6. Other Names Used (if any)
- Item Number 7. Date of Birth
- Item Number 8. Sex
- Item Numbers 9. - 11. Place of Birth
- Item Number 12. - 13. Country of Citizenship or Nationality
- Item Number 14. Country of Last Foreign Residence
- Item Numbers 15. - 16. Mailing Address
- Item Numbers 17. - 19. Physical Address
- Item Numbers 20. - 23. Employment History
- Item Number 24. Date of Arrival
- Item Numbers 25. - 26. Place of Arrival or Port-of-Entry
- Item Numbers 27. - 28. Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
- What Is the Purpose of Form I-526E?
- Who May File Form I-526E?
- How To Complete Form I-526E
- Information or attach a separate sheet of paper. Type or print your name and Alien Registration Number (A-Number)
- U.S. Social Security number, type or print “N/A.”
What you need before you start (What should you gather before I-526E?)
#- Provide Receipt number for the approved regional center application
- Provide Receipt number for Form I-956F, Application for Approval of an Investment
- Provide NCE identification number (NCEID) if available
- Provide Photocopy of government-issued identification
- Evidence of lawful means of obtaining investment capital
- Provide Legible photocopies of all required documents
- Provide Full English translations for any foreign language documents
- Provide Signature on the petition
- Provide Accurate identity details that match your supporting documents
- Provide Documents that support the information you enter
- Provide Official instructions for signature and submission rules
- Provide You may file this petition for yourself if you have invested or are actively in the process of investing the required
- Provide We provide free forms through the USCIS website. To view, print, or complete our forms, you should use the latest
- Provide as valid for filing purposes. The photocopy, fax, or scan must be of the original document containing the handwritten ink
- Evidence. When you file your petition you must submit all evidence and supporting documents listed in the What
Evidence checklist (Which documents should you prepare for I-526E?)
#- Evidence of identity (passport, government ID, or USCIS-issued document).
- Evidence of current immigration status or admission/parole.
- Evidence that supports the eligibility category selected.
- Evidence of any required family relationship or sponsorship.
- Evidence of investment funds and job creation metrics.
Checklist (What are the key steps before filing I-526E?)
#- Use the latest version of Adobe Reader to complete the form.
- Review the declarations before signing the petition.
- Submit legible photocopies of requested documents unless originals are specified.
- Include a full English translation for any foreign language documents.
- Ensure all signatures are handwritten; photocopies of signatures are acceptable.
- Check that all required fields are completed accurately.
- Verify that the filing fee is included as per Form G-1055.
- Confirm that your petition is signed; unsigned petitions will be rejected.
- Include all evidence and supporting documents as listed in the instructions.
- Submit the petition to the correct address as specified in the instructions.
- Download the current I-526E from the official form page.
- Save the PDF locally and open it in Adobe Acrobat Reader so form features work correctly.
- Follow the form’s signature instructions (some PDFs require printing and hand-signing).
- Complete every required section and review for consistency.
- Follow the signature and submission instructions exactly.
- Keep copies of everything you submit.
Fees (verify before filing)
#Fees change over time and can vary by category. Verify the latest schedule before filing.
USCIS filing feesCommon mistakes (What errors delay I-526E petitions?)
#- Failing to sign the petition or providing an invalid signature.
- Submitting original documents when not required.
- Omitting required evidence or supporting documents.
- Using a stamped or typewritten name instead of a handwritten signature.
- Not providing translations for documents in foreign languages.
- Incorrectly filling out personal information such as names or dates.
- Not indicating the correct filing fee on Form G-1055.
- Failing to provide the NCEID if available.
- Not checking for legibility of photocopied documents.
- Submitting incomplete or inaccurate employment history.
Examples (What does a strong I-526E submission look like?)
#- Situation: An applicant is preparing I-526E and must include all required evidence. Task: They submit a complete packet within a 30-day preparation window. Action: They compile identity records, eligibility evidence, and the filing fee before submitting. Result: The petition is accepted without a request for missing items.
- Situation: A filer is close to a deadline for I-526E. Task: They submit within the required 90-day timeline. Action: They finalize the packet and file within the stated window. Result: The case proceeds without a late-filing issue.
- Situation: A petitioner must reference a receipt number. Task: They match the receipt number to the underlying petition. Action: They include the exact receipt number on I-526E and attach the notice copy. Result: USCIS can verify the underlying filing quickly.
Common misconceptions (What do people often misunderstand about I-526E?)
#- A photocopy of a signature is not valid; it must be an original.
- The filing fee is not fixed and can change; always check Form G-1055.
- Translations are not optional; all foreign documents must be translated.
- You cannot submit documents in a foreign language without a certified translation.
- If your regional center is terminated, you cannot proceed with your petition without making adjustments.
How this guide is built (Where this I-526E guidance comes from)
#This guide is built from the official instructions for Form I-526E, ensuring that all information is current and accurate. It provides non-legal advice to help you navigate the filing process effectively.
FAQs
What is I-526E used for?
I-526E is used to request a specific immigration benefit based on the eligibility category you select. The form must align with your supporting evidence and any underlying petition.
What happens if I submit an incomplete packet?
USCIS may reject the filing or issue a request for evidence if required documents are missing. Use the official checklist to ensure each required item is included before submission.
Do I need to submit original documents?
Most filings require legible copies unless the instructions specifically request originals. Always follow the official instructions for each document type.
How do I verify I am using the correct edition of the form?
Check the form edition date on the USCIS form page and compare it to your PDF. Submitting an outdated edition can lead to rejection.
Do I need translations for non-English documents?
Yes, USCIS typically requires certified translations for documents not in English. Include translations that meet USCIS requirements.
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.
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