December 31, 2026 is the last day to file an I-526E petition at the current minimum amounts. On January 1, 2027, those amounts adjust for inflation, as required by law. The official figures have not been published yet, but the market is already discussing what they could be.
In this article we explain what the law says, which amounts are being discussed, what other costs you should plan for, and why starting your process early can make a real difference.
What the law says about January 1, 2027
The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA) set the current minimum amounts and required them to adjust automatically for inflation. USCIS reflects this in its Policy Manual, Volume 6, Part G.
The adjustment is a legal requirement, not a proposal. What is still unknown is the exact figure. You can follow the inflation data used for the calculation on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics CPI page.
The amounts being discussed in the market
Important: These figures are not official. They are market estimates, not amounts publushed by USCIS.
Several industry analyses have projected the new amounts using the inflation data available so far. These are the ranges most often mentioned:
| Category | Current Amount | Market Estimates for 2027 | Possible Difference |
| Targeted Employment Area project | US$800,000 | US$900,000 to US$937,500 | US$100,000 to US$137,500 |
| Standard project | US$1,050,000 | US$1,200,000 to US$1,250,000 | US$150,000 to US$200,000 |
In practice, the conversation in the market points to an increase of roughly US$100,000 to US$150,000 for Targeted Employment Area projects. The final figure could be higher or lower, because it depends on the inflation data available at the time of the adjustment. Only the amounts published by USCIS will apply.
Why starting early makes a difference
The amount that applies is the one in effect on the date your I-526E petition is filed. It does not matter when you started evaluating the program. That is why the preparation time matters as much as the decision itself.
If you want to check whether your family is in a good position to begin, read our article on 3 clear signs that you are ready to apply for the EB-5 visa.
Other costs to plan for beyond the minimum amount
The minimum amount is not the only figure in your budget. These are the main additional costs to consider:
| Cost | What it covers | Reference Amount |
| Form I-526E fee | USCIS filing fee for the petition | US$7,850 from November 30, 2026 |
| EB-5 Integrity Fund fee | Fee paid with the initial I-526E | US$1,100 from November 30, 2026 |
| Regional center administrative fee | Project administration and documentation | Varies by project |
| Immigration attorney | Preparation and filing strategy | Varies by firm |
| Translations and certifications | Documents from your country of origin | Varies by case |
| Form I-829 fee | Later petition to remove conditions | US$5,000 from November 30, 2026 |
Always confirm current government fees in the official USCIS fee schedule (Form G-1055).
Targeted Employment Area or standard: why the project’s location matters
The location of the project defines which minimum amount applies. A project located in a Targeted Employment Area qualifies for the lower amount, and that difference remains after the 2027 adjustment.
The RIA also reserves part of the available visas for specific categories:
Your immigration attorney can explain whether these categories are relevant to your case. To compare structures, read our article on direct EB-5 or regional center and our guide to the 5 factors to consider before choosing an EB-5 project.
MidTown Brownsville II
MidTown Brownsville II is the second phase of a Class A multifamily residential development in Brownsville, Texas, located in a Targeted Employment Area in the Rio Grande Valley. Phase I, with 144 units, is complete and operating. The project has 162 projected jobs, an economic projection and not a guaranteed result. As of October 27, 2026, only 2 positions remain available. Up-to-date information is available in our current projects section.
Frequently asked questions about the 2027 adjustment
Are the new amounts already official?
No. As of the date of this article, USCIS has not published the adjusted amounts. The figures mentioned in the market are estimates.
If I start my process in December but file in January, which amount applies?
The amount in effect on the filing date of your I-526E petition. A petition filed on or after January 1, 2027 would be subject to the adjusted amounts.
Will the amounts change again after 2027?
Yes. The law requires an inflation adjustment every five years, so the next one would come in 2032.
Talk with our team about the next steps
If your family would like to evaluate whether MidTown Brownsville II fits your objectives before the January 1 adjustment, we can share the project materials and arrange a confidential consultation. Request a private conversation and review the information with your advisors. You can also start with our participant questionnaire.
This information is provided for general and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, immigration, tax or financial advice, nor an offer or solicitation to buy or sell securities. Participation in the EB-5 program is subject to requirements, risks, formal documentation and government approval. All immigration determinations are made exclusively by USCIS. Consult duly qualified independent advisors.
Editor's Note: The above commentary was penned by Eduardo Prato, a marketing specialist at Open EB5.
