Important EB-5 Filing Definitions You Need to Know: I-956F, I-95G and I-829
24 Sep, 2025
Author: Sam Newbold
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I-956F: Application for Approval of an Investment in a Commercial Enterprise
What it is: Form I-956F is submitted by a designated EB-5 Regional Center to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to request approval of a specific investment project through an associated new commercial enterprise, or NCE, under the EB-5 program.
Why it matters: The form provides detailed information about the project, including business plans, job creation estimates, and compliance with securities laws. A regional center must file the Form I-956F and have it receipted by USCIS before EB-5 investors can file their own petitions (Form I-526E) based on their investment in the NCE. No Form I-526E petitions can be approved without the regional center first receiving an approval of its Form I-956F for the NCE and its project.
Who is it for? This filing is for EB-5 Regional Centers that want to sponsor new investment projects. It’s also important for potential EB-5 investors, as I-526E petitions by investors can only be approved if the I-956F is approved.
What it is: Form I-956G is an annual filing required from every designated EB-5 Regional Center. It reports on the center’s activities and compliance with program requirements over the past year. Every NCE and project associated with the regional center must report on job creation, capital expenditures, and project progress as part of the I-956G filing.
Why it matters: This form ensures ongoing transparency and oversight of regional centers, which are responsible for managing EB-5 investment projects and job creation.
Who is it for? This filing is for EB-5 Regional Centers. They must submit it every year to maintain their designation and demonstrate ongoing compliance. Investors may also want to know that their chosen regional center is in good standing and compliant.
I-829: Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status
What it is: Form I-829 is filed by EB-5 investors (and their dependents) to remove the two-year conditional status from their green cards, proving that the investment has created (or will create) the required number of jobs.
Why it matters: Approval of the I-829 petition grants the investor and their family permanent green cards.
Who is it for? This filing is for EB-5 investors and their dependents who have already received their conditional green cards and want to become permanent residents by proving their investment met all EB-5 requirements.
What it is: Form I-526E is filed by an individual EB-5 investor to petition USCIS for classification as an EB-5 immigrant based on a qualifying investment in a USCIS-approved Regional Center project.
Why it matters: The I-526E is the critical first filing made by the investor after selecting an eligible project. It establishes that the investor’s funds are lawfully sourced and committed to the job-creating enterprise, as outlined in the I-956F filing.
Who is it for? This filing is for EB-5 investors who are participating in a Regional Center-sponsored project and seeking a green card through the EB-5 program.
