Form I-526 – Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor (EB-5)

TITLE: Form I-526 – Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor (EB-5)

WHAT IT IS:

Form I-526 is a petition you file to ask the U.S. government for permanent residence (a green card) through investment. It is for investors who invest on their own, not through a regional center. The official name is “Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor.” It falls under section 203(b)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

WHO NEEDS IT:

You need this form if you are a standalone investor under the EB-5 program. A standalone investor is someone who invests directly in a new commercial enterprise, not through a USCIS-designated regional center. (If you invest through a regional center, you must use Form I-526E instead — see the official filing addresses page mentioned in the How to File section.)

HOW TO FILE:

1. Get the correct form. Download Form I-526 from the official USCIS website. Use only the current edition (see Current Edition & Deadlines below).

2. Fill out the form completely. Print it, make sure all pages are from the same edition, and that the edition date and page numbers are visible at the bottom of every page.

3. Sign the form. An unsigned form will be rejected.

4. Prepare your payment. Check the fee schedule for the exact amount (see Fees section).

5. Mail the petition to the right address. Look up the Direct Filing Addresses page for Form I-526 and Form I-526E on the USCIS website. Mailing to the wrong address can cause delays.

6. Wait for receipts. You will first get a notice from the USCIS lockbox that your form and fee were received. Later, you will get a formal receipt notice with your case number.

FEES:

The filing fee for Form I-526 is not listed on the source page. Check the official fee schedule on the USCIS website (check the official fee schedule).

CURRENT EDITION & DEADLINES:

The form edition date is 01/20/25. You can see this date at the bottom of every page on the form and instructions. Dates are shown in mm/dd/yy format. You must use this edition; if pages are missing or from a different edition, your form may be rejected. There is no separate deadline stated on the page—(check the current edition on the official page).

COMMON MISTAKES:

- Using an outdated form. Always download the edition dated 01/20/25 from the official site right before you file.

- Forgetting to sign the form. USCIS rejects any unsigned petition immediately.

- Sending your petition to the wrong mailing address. Check the Direct Filing Addresses page for the correct location; wrong addresses cause processing delays.

WHERE TO GET THE FORM:

Download it only from the official USCIS website: https://www.uscis.gov/i-526

SOURCE: https://www.uscis.gov/i-526

DISCLAIMER: General info from USCIS, not legal advice — always verify on the official page and consult a licensed immigration attorney for your case. English is authoritative.