Overview (What is I-956H used for?)
#Form I-956H, Bona Fides of Persons Involved with Regional Center Program, must be completed by each individual associated with a regional center, new commercial enterprise (NCE), or affiliated job-creating entity (JCE). This form is crucial for attesting to their eligibility to participate in the EB-5 program.
Each person involved must provide information that demonstrates their substantive authority over operational or managerial decisions related to funding. This includes roles such as principals, representatives, or board members.
It is important to submit all required evidence alongside the form to avoid rejection. For lawful permanent residents, a copy of the LPR card is necessary.
You can access the form and its instructions through the provided PDF link for detailed guidance on completing the form correctly.
What USCIS is really evaluating (I-956H)
#USCIS evaluates the substantive authority of individuals involved with regional centers, NCEs, or JCEs. Common mismatches include failing to provide adequate evidence of authority or not submitting required documentation like the LPR card.
Context & workflow (How does I-956H 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](/en/united-states/visas/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-956H?)
#- Provide identity verification documents.
- Include evidence of your role and authority within the entity.
- Attach any relevant business documents that support your eligibility.
- Ensure all evidence is current and accurately reflects your involvement.
Failure prevention (Why petitions are rejected or delayed)
#Technical rejections
- Check for missing signatures on the form, as this can lead to rejection.
- Use the correct edition of the form to avoid processing delays.
- Ensure all pages of the form are included in the submission.
Substantive weaknesses
- Avoid inconsistencies in the information provided, as this can raise red flags.
- Provide sufficient evidence to support your claims, ensuring all required documents are attached.
- Double-check that all required fields are filled out accurately to prevent unnecessary delays.
RFE triggers and how to pre-empt (What causes RFEs for I-956H?)
#- Incomplete or missing evidence, such as not providing a copy of the LPR card when required.
- Inaccurate information regarding entity involvement, which can lead to confusion about eligibility.
- Failure to provide required documentation for lawful permanent residents, which is critical for processing.
- Not answering all questions on the form, which can result in a request for additional information.
- Submitting evidence that does not clearly demonstrate the individual's role or authority within the entity.
Eligibility signals
#- Each person involved must complete a Form I-956H.
- Must identify each entity with which they are involved.
- Provide evidence of substantive authority.
- Submit all evidence requested in the instructions.
- Include a copy of the LPR card for lawful permanent residents.
Form sections (Which sections matter most on I-956H?)
#General Instructions
Follow these instructions carefully to complete the form accurately and include all necessary documents.
Specific Instructions
Refer to this section for detailed guidance on filling out each part of the form.
Address Change
If your address has changed, provide the new address and any supporting documentation.
Processing Information
Understand the processing times and any additional steps required after submission.
DHS Privacy Notice
Review how your personal information will be used and protected.
Paperwork Reduction Act
Be aware of the implications of this act on the information you provide.
What it asks for (What fields and questions appear on I-956H?)
#- Name
- Date of Birth
- Country of Birth
- Country of Citizenship
- Current Address
- Position Title
- Entity Name
- Entity Type
- Regional Center ID
- NCE ID
- Signature
- What is the Purpose of Form I-956H?
- When Must the Form I-956H be Filed?
- What Evidence Should You Submit?
- Where To File?
- Penalties
- 05/02/2022
- 03/15/2023
What you need before you start (What should you gather before I-956H?)
#- Completed Form I-956H
- Evidence of identity
- Evidence of eligibility for the EB-5 program
- Copy of LPR card for lawful permanent residents
- Provide Supporting documents for the entity involved
- Provide Any related forms as applicable
- 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-956H?)
#- 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-956H?)
#- Review the completed Form I-956H for accuracy.
- Include all required evidence as specified in the instructions.
- Print or save a copy of your completed form for your records.
- Review the declarations before signing.
- Ensure all signatures are present where required.
- Download the current I-956H 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.
- 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-956H petitions?)
#- Missing required evidence.
- Inaccurate or incomplete information in the form.
- Failure to provide a copy of the LPR card when applicable.
- Not signing the form where required.
- Submitting outdated versions of the form.
Examples (What does a strong I-956H submission look like?)
#- Situation: An applicant is preparing I-956H 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-956H. 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-956H and attach the notice copy. Result: USCIS can verify the underlying filing quickly.
Common misconceptions (What do people often misunderstand about I-956H?)
#- All individuals involved must submit a separate Form I-956H, which is true as each person's eligibility must be individually attested.
- Only affiliated JCEs require this form; however, the Secretary may require it for others, which is a misconception.
- Providing a copy of the LPR card is only necessary for certain applicants, but it is required for all lawful permanent residents.
- Some believe that only the principal needs to file, but all persons in positions of authority must complete the form.
- It's a common misconception that the form can be submitted without any supporting evidence, but all requested evidence must be included.
How this guide is built (Where this I-956H guidance comes from)
#This guide is based on the official instructions for Form I-956H, ensuring you have the most accurate and current information. It is designed to help you navigate the process without legal jargon.
FAQs
Who needs to complete Form I-956H?
Each person involved with a regional center, new commercial enterprise (NCE), or affiliated job-creating entity (JCE) must complete this form to attest to their eligibility. This includes individuals in positions of authority such as principals, administrators, or board members.
What happens if I submit incomplete evidence?
If you fail to submit required evidence, USCIS may reject or deny your form. It's crucial to follow the instructions carefully and provide all requested documentation to avoid this outcome.
Is there a specific format for the evidence I need to submit?
You must follow the instructions provided with the form and submit all evidence as requested. This includes providing a copy of your lawful permanent resident card if applicable.
Can I submit Form I-956H electronically?
Refer to the specific filing instructions for details on submission methods. The instructions will clarify whether electronic submission is permitted.
What are the penalties for falsifying information?
If you knowingly falsify information, your form may be denied, and you could face severe penalties under the law. This includes potential criminal prosecution for serious offenses.
What evidence is required for lawful permanent residents?
Lawful permanent residents must provide a copy of their LPR card when submitting Form I-956H. This is an important requirement to confirm their status.
Do all individuals involved need to submit a separate Form I-956H?
Yes, all individuals involved must submit a separate Form I-956H. This is necessary to attest to each person's eligibility individually.
What should I do if I receive a request for evidence (RFE)?
If you receive an RFE, carefully review the request and gather the additional evidence specified. Submit the requested documentation promptly to avoid delays in processing.
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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