Overview (What is I-956G used for?)
#Form I-956G, the Regional Center Annual Statement, is required for each Federal fiscal year, which runs from October 1 to September 30. Approved regional centers must submit this form on or before December 29 of the calendar year in which the fiscal year ends. The form collects information and evidence to confirm the center's continued eligibility for designation.
Failure to file Form I-956G on time may lead to sanctions, including termination of the regional center's designation. It is crucial to provide accurate and complete information, as USCIS will review the submission and may request amendments if necessary.
For detailed instructions, refer to the official PDF guide available [here](https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-956ginstr.pdf). Make sure to keep a copy of your completed form for your records.
This form is part of the compliance requirements for regional centers participating in the Regional Center Program, ensuring they meet the necessary standards set by USCIS.
What USCIS is really evaluating (I-956G)
#USCIS evaluates the accuracy of reported activities and compliance with regulations when reviewing Form I-956G. A common mismatch occurs when the evidence provided does not align with the claims made in the form. It's important to ensure that all supporting documentation is thorough and up-to-date.
Context & workflow (How does I-956G fit into the case?)
#Use the official form page to confirm the edition date, required evidence, and filing method. Verify [fees](/en/united-states/visas/fees) before filing. Check [processing times](/en/united-states/visas/processing-times) for your category. Review requirements that apply to your status.
Who uses it
Applicants or petitioners who are required to submit this form for their case.
When it is used
- When the official checklist or instructions list this form.
- When submitting an initial application or petition.
- When providing updated information requested by the agency.
Evidence strategy (What evidence does USCIS expect for I-956G?)
#- Gather documentation of activities conducted during the fiscal year.
- Collect evidence of compliance with USCIS regulations.
- Prepare financial records to support the annual fee payment.
- Compile any correspondence with USCIS regarding the regional center's designation.
- Document any changes in management or operations.
- Ensure that all evidence is current and relevant to the submission.
Failure prevention (Why petitions are rejected or delayed)
#Technical rejections
- Ensure the form is the latest version. Using outdated forms can cause delays.
- Check for missing pages or sections. Incomplete submissions may lead to requests for additional information.
- Confirm that the form is signed by an authorized representative. Unsigned forms can be rejected.
Substantive weaknesses
- Avoid inconsistencies in reported activities. All claims should be supported by evidence.
- Provide sufficient evidence to support claims. This is important for demonstrating compliance.
- Ensure all required fields are completed accurately. Double-checking can prevent errors that lead to issues.
RFE triggers and how to pre-empt (What causes RFEs for I-956G?)
#- Incomplete information about activities conducted. This can lead to requests for further evidence.
- Missing evidence of compliance with USCIS regulations. Ensure all required documentation is included.
- Failure to submit the annual fee. This is a critical component of the filing process.
- Inconsistencies in reported activities. Ensure that all information is accurate and matches supporting documents.
- Omitting required fields in the form. Double-check that all necessary sections are completed.
Eligibility signals
#- File Form I-956G for each Federal fiscal year.
- Submit by December 29 of the calendar year.
- Include the appropriate annual fee.
- Provide evidence of continued eligibility.
- Certify compliance with USCIS regulations.
- Report any changes in operations or management.
- Include address change information, if applicable.
- Keep a copy of the completed form for records.
Form sections (Which sections matter most on I-956G?)
#General Instructions
This section outlines the overall requirements for completing the form and the importance of accurate information.
Specific Instructions
Follow these detailed guidelines to fill out each part of the form correctly, ensuring all necessary evidence is included.
Address Change
If there have been any changes to the regional center's address, provide the updated information here.
DHS Privacy Notice
Review the privacy notice to understand how your information will be used and protected.
Paperwork Reduction Act
This section explains the implications of the Paperwork Reduction Act on the information collection process.
What it asks for (What fields and questions appear on I-956G?)
#- Regional Center ID
- NCE ID
- Annual fee payment details
- Information on activities conducted during the fiscal year
- Evidence of continued eligibility for designation
- Certifications related to compliance with USCIS regulations
- Any changes in the regional center's structure or operations
- Address change information, if applicable
- Details of any penalties incurred, if applicable
- Signature of an authorized representative
- C:\Users\FrederickKuhlmann\Workbench 6\PleaseCallMeSomethingCool\USCIS_Forms\1.0\Images\DHS_S_K_su.eps
- What Is the Purpose of Form I-956G?
- A Designated Regional Center
- On/before September 30
- On/after October 1
- Where To File?
- Processing information
- Penalties
- 03/15/2023
What you need before you start (What should you gather before I-956G?)
#- Completed Form I-956G
- Provide Supporting documentation for activities conducted
- Evidence of compliance with USCIS regulations
- Provide Payment for the annual fee
- Provide Any relevant correspondence from USCIS
- Provide Records of previous submissions, if applicable
- Provide Updated address information, if necessary
- Documentation of any changes in management or operations
- Proof of continued eligibility for designation
- Provide A copy of the designation letter
- Provide A complete copy of the current form edition
- Valid identification documents that match the form biographic data
- Provide Supporting evidence for the eligibility category you select
- Provide Payment method or fee waiver evidence if applicable
- Provide Translations for any non-English documents
- Provide Copies of prior USCIS notices or receipts tied to the case
- Provide A clear mailing address and contact information that match your records
- Provide Investment, enterprise, and job creation evidence where applicable
Evidence checklist (Which documents should you prepare for I-956G?)
#- 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-956G?)
#- Review the completed Form I-956G for accuracy.
- Include all required supporting documents.
- Submit the annual fee as specified.
- Ensure the form is filed by December 29.
- Print or save a copy of the completed form for your records.
- Check for any address changes and update accordingly.
- Confirm that all certifications are included.
- Review the declarations before signing.
- Ensure the signature is from an authorized representative.
- Verify that all evidence supports the claims made in the form.
- Download the current I-956G from the official form page.
- Save the PDF locally and open it in a compatible PDF viewer (PDFs often work best in Adobe Reader).
- If the form includes validation or barcode pages, complete the validation steps and include all barcode pages in your submission.
- 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-956G petitions?)
#- Missing Regional Center ID or NCE ID.
- Inaccurate or incomplete information about activities.
- Failure to submit the annual fee on time.
- Omitting required supporting documentation.
- Not updating address changes when applicable.
- Submitting the form after the deadline.
- Not including a signature from an authorized representative.
- Providing outdated evidence of eligibility.
- Neglecting to keep a copy of the submitted form.
- Failing to address any penalties incurred.
Examples (What does a strong I-956G submission look like?)
#- Situation: An applicant is preparing I-956G 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-956G. 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-956G and attach the notice copy. Result: USCIS can verify the underlying filing quickly.
Common misconceptions (What do people often misunderstand about I-956G?)
#- All regional centers must file Form I-956G, regardless of activity level. This is a requirement for maintaining designation.
- The annual fee is optional; it is mandatory for submission. Failing to include this fee can lead to issues with your filing.
- Address changes must be reported even if they occur after the filing deadline. Keeping USCIS informed is important for compliance.
- Filing Form I-956G is only necessary if activities were conducted. However, even if no activities occurred, the form must still be submitted.
- Submitting Form I-956G is a one-time requirement. In fact, it must be filed annually for each Federal fiscal year.
How this guide is built (Where this I-956G guidance comes from)
#This guide is based on the official instructions for Form I-956G, ensuring that you have the most accurate and current information. It provides practical advice for completing the form and preparing your submission.
FAQs
What is the deadline for submitting Form I-956G?
Form I-956G must be submitted on or before December 29 of the calendar year in which the Federal fiscal year ends. This is crucial for maintaining your regional center's designation.
What happens if I miss the filing deadline?
Failure to file Form I-956G on time may result in sanctions, including the termination of the regional center's designation. It's important to adhere to the deadline to avoid these consequences.
What should I include as supporting evidence?
You should include documentation of activities conducted, evidence of compliance with USCIS regulations, and any relevant correspondence. This evidence supports your continued eligibility for designation.
Can I change my address after submitting the form?
Yes, if there are any changes to your address, you must report them in the address change section of Form I-956G. Keeping your address current is important for communication with USCIS.
Is there a fee associated with filing Form I-956G?
Yes, there is an annual fee that must be submitted along with Form I-956G. Make sure to include this fee to avoid any issues with your submission.
What if my regional center has not conducted any activities?
Even if no activities were conducted, you must still file Form I-956G and report this information. It's a requirement to maintain your designation regardless of activity level.
How can I confirm my submission was received?
It is recommended to keep a copy of your completed Form I-956G for your records as proof of submission. This helps in case you need to reference your filing later.
What penalties can I face for inaccurate information?
Knowingly submitting false information may result in sanctions, including termination of designation and potential criminal prosecution. Accuracy is crucial when completing the form.
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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