The EB-5 investor visa allows foreign nationals to obtain permanent residence in the United States by making an investment that creates jobs. When filing the petition with USCIS, all documents in Spanish must be accompanied by a certified English translation that meets the requirements of 8 CFR § 103.2(b)(3). A recent Federal Register notice modifies the fee associated with this category, which may affect applicants’ budgets. In this article we explain what the notice states, when it takes effect, who is affected, and what steps to follow to keep the process moving smoothly, emphasizing the role of certified translation.

What the notice says

On September 30, 2026, USCIS published in the Federal Register the notice titled “U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment-Based Immigrant Visa Fifth Preference (EB-5) Fee”. The document announces an adjustment of the filing fee for the I-526 and I-829 petitions related to the EB-5 visa. The notice specifies the new amount applicants must pay when submitting their forms and explains that the change stems from the agency’s periodic cost review. It also states that the fee includes both the basic processing charge and an additional amount for fraud detection and prevention. The notice is publicly available and serves as the official reference for anyone planning to start or continue an EB-5 process.

When it applies

The notice sets an effective date for the new fee; it is the day the document itself indicates as the start of the adjustment. To know the exact date, simply consult the notice published September 30, 2026 in the Federal Register. USCIS reminds that fee changes usually become effective thirty days after publication, but the official source determines the precise date. Applicants should verify the date before filing any form to avoid miscalculations.

Who is affected

The fee adjustment affects everyone filing an I-526 (initial petition) or I-829 (removal of conditions) under the EB-5 category, regardless of country of origin. It also impacts investors who include a spouse and children under 21 in the same petition, because each form carries its own fee. Immigration attorneys and consultants preparing evidence packets must update their budgets to reflect the new cost. Likewise, regional centers sponsoring EB-5 projects must inform their foreign clients of the change so they can plan fund transfers in advance.

What you should do

First, download the full notice from the Federal Register and confirm the exact fee amount and effective date. Then, review the I-526 and I-829 forms on the USCIS website to ensure you are using the most recent version. Prepare your payment using the accepted methods (credit card, debit, or bank transfer) following the instructions in the notice. If you will file electronically, make sure the online payment system reflects the new amount before submitting the form. Finally, keep the payment receipt and attach it to the evidence packet you will send to USCIS.

If you need translations

Because all supporting documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, bank statements, police clearance reports, etc.) must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation, the fee change does not waive this requirement. Remember that the translation must be complete, accurate and accompanied by the translator’s certification of competence, as required by 8 CFR § 103.2(b)(3). At Fidelis Certified Translations, Jorge Cardona, an ATA‑certified translator, performs the translation and a second person reviews each delivery before it is sent, guaranteeing the mirror layout and a signed Certificate of Translation Accuracy. This meets what USCIS asks for and reduces the chance that the office will issue a Request for Evidence due to translation deficiencies.

Conclusion

Before submitting your EB-5 petition, verify that every Spanish‑language document has its corresponding certified translation, that the format is mirror, and that the Certificate of Translation Accuracy includes Jorge Cardona’s legible name, signature, and date. Check that the fee payment matches the amount stated in the Federal Register notice and that the filing date falls after the new fee’s effective date. Make sure all forms are current and signed where required. With these steps, your packet will be ready for USCIS evaluation without avoidable delays.

Sources

Fidelis Certified Translations is an independent translation service, not affiliated with USCIS or any U.S. government agency. This content is for information only and is not legal advice. For your case, talk to an immigration attorney.

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