What other forms are typically filed together with Form I-956F?

Review the official I-956F instructions for guidance specific to your immigration category and circumstances. The specific forms required vary by case type. Review the instructions for your particular immigration category to determine which forms must be submitted together.

Do I need to file Form I-956F if I'm only updating my address or contact information?

Check the official instructions to see which form or process applies to your type of update. Review the official I-956F instructions for complete guidance specific to your immigration case and circumstances.

What information about the regional center is required on Form I-956F?

Include the legal name and identification number of the regional center in your submission. For detailed guidance tailored to your immigration case, consult the official I-956F instructions.

Do I need to submit Form I-956H with Form I-956F?

Form I-956H is required for every individual associated with the new commercial enterprise and its affiliated job-creating entity.

What should be included in the investment and offering documents?

Investment and offering documents must encompass securities filings along with disclosures detailing any material risks.

How do I choose the correct eligibility category code on I-956F?

Your eligibility category code dictates the grounds for filing Form I-956F. According to section 203(b)(5)(F)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), a regional center must submit an application to the Secretary of Homeland Security for each specific investment offering through an associated new commercial enterprise. This must occur before any foreign national files a petition for classification based on investment in that offering. It is important to note that each Form I-956F is limited to a single commercial enterprise.

What supporting documents do I need for I-956F?

At the time of filing, you may need to submit all evidence and supporting documents listed in the Specific Instructions sections of these Instructions all evidence and supporting documents listed in the Specific Instructions sections of these Instructions Gather all required evidence and supporting documents listed in the instructions.

Who is eligible to file I-956F?

Should you qualify for an exemption from using electronic payment methods, it is necessary to complete and submit Form G-1651, Exemption for Paper Fee Payment, along with the appropriate payment. According to the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) section 203(b)(5)(F)(i), a regional center must file an application with the Secretary of Homeland Security for each specific investment offering through an associated new commercial enterprise before any foreign national submits a petition for classification based on investment in that offering. Note that each Form I-956F is limited to a single commercial enterprise.

What happens after I submit I-956F?

After submitting I-956F, USCIS will issue a Confirmation of receipt confirming acceptance. You may then be scheduled for biometrics, an interview, or additional evidence requests depending on your case. You can monitor your case status online using the receipt number from your notice.

What are common reasons I-956F gets rejected?

Common reasons I-956F is rejected include missing or incorrect signatures, using an outdated form edition, incomplete required fields, incorrect fee payment, missing required supporting documents, and photographs that do not meet official specifications. Carefully review the instructions and checklist before submitting.

Can I request a fee waiver for I-956F?

Review the official I-956F instructions for current requirements.

I-956F project approval | Eligibility, Documents & Filing Guide (2026)

Quick summary

Who fills it

Applicants file I-956F as part of their immigration application, as described in the U.S. Family Immigration Overview guide. Check the form instructions for category-specific requirements, as described in the Form DS-260 guide.

When used

EB-5: EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa

Where it goes next

Include it with your application package and follow official instructions for submission.

What it must match

Names, dates of birth, and passport details on other forms Program checklist requirements Supporting documents and translations

Overview (What is Form I-956F?)

Ongoing compliance is essential for maintaining the investment project's eligibility and ensuring the successful processing of EB-5 petitions submitted by investors.

First page of I-956F form
Source: I-956F PDF

Context and workflow

Processing time for I-956F varies by case type and current workload — always check the official USCIS processing time tool.

Why this matters

This form acts as a cross-check point: details here must match other forms and supporting documents.
This form helps confirm that the application matches the program’s requirements and checklist.

Where it fits in the workflow

Initiates the process for a specific investment project under the related forms program.
Receipt Notice (a related form) is typically issued after filing.
May lead to next stage forms for individual investors seeking classification.

Who uses it

Applicants file I-956F as part of their immigration application, as described in the U.S. Family Immigration Overview guide. Check the form instructions for category-specific requirements.

When it is used

EB-5: EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
When applying for EB-5 — I-956F is typically required as part of the application
When filing I-956F alongside I-956 (Regional center must be designated before project approval)
After filing I-956F — I-526E may be the next step (Investors file I-526E for approved projects)

Eligibility Category Codes

Eligibility information for this form. Confirm your category in the official instructions before filing.

This is a shortlist of common categories. The official instructions include many more.

Code	Who applies	Common scenario	Common mistake
General	Applicants file I-956F as part of their immigration application. Check the form instructions for category-specific requirements.	Confirm your eligibility in the official instructions before filing.	Not verifying your category matches the form requirements.
Eligibility	Investors who make the necessary investment in a commercial enterprise in the United States and plan to create or preserve 10 permanent full-time jobs for qualified U.S. workers.	Review the official instructions to confirm your category.	Filing when your situation does not match the stated eligibility criteria.

Failure prevention (What causes Form I-956F rejections?)

Technical rejections

Submitting the form without a valid handwritten signature.
Failing to notify USCIS of a change of address within the required timeframe.
Ensure form edition is current

Substantive weaknesses

Submitting original documents when not required, risking their destruction.

What it asks for (What does Form I-956F ask for?)

Details about the new commercial enterprise (NCE), such as legal name, organizational structure, and federal employer identification number.
Details about the investment project, including total estimated cost and expected number of EB-5 investors.
Details about the job-creating entity (JCE) and the investment project, including business plans and economic analysis.
Applicant identification information
Supporting documentation inventory
Eligibility or purpose details
Declarations and signatures

What you need (What do you need for Form I-956F?)

The current edition of I-956F
Valid government-issued identification
Supporting documentation for your case
Filing fee or fee waiver documentation

Checklist (What is the Form I-956F checklist?)

To access the most recent version of Form I-956F and its accompanying instructions, please visit the official USCIS website.
Review the official I-956F instructions before filing
Collect all necessary supporting documents as outlined in the instructions.
Complete all required sections of I-956F
Confirm your mailing address is current and correct
Ensure that all pages of your submission belong to the current edition of Form I-956F.
Confirm the form is signed and dated in all required fields
Complete, sign, and date Form I-956F, ensuring you include all necessary supporting documents.

Fees

Component	Details	Amount
Filing FeeIf you qualify for an exemption from the requirement to use an electronic payment method, you will need to complete and file Form G-1651, Exemption for Paper Fee Payment, along with submitting the correct payment	If you qualify for an exemption from the requirement to use an electronic payment method, you will need to complete and file Form G-1651, Exemption for Paper Fee Payment, along with submitting the correct payment	See official schedule
Biometrics Services FeeAt your biometrics appointment, you must sign an oath reaffirming that: 1	At your biometrics appointment, you must sign an oath reaffirming that: 1	See official schedule

Can the Form I-956F fee be waived?

Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility.

What happens if I submit the wrong fee?

USCIS will reject your application if the incorrect fee is submitted. Verify the current fee on the official schedule before filing.

Fee waiver: Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility. For related guidance, see Application for Regional Center Designation.

USCIS fee schedule

Fees change; always verify on USCIS.

Where to file

Online filing is available for some categories — verify on the official form page. Otherwise, file by mail to the address in the instructions.

File online

Check the official I-956F page to see if online filing is available for your category.

Submit application

Paper filing addresses vary by eligibility category and state of residence. Check the official instructions for the correct filing address.

Filing locations and procedures may change. Always verify on the official USCIS website before submitting. For related guidance, see Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor.

Official I-956F page