Client Payment Portal

5 Things to Know About the Form I-956G, Regional Center Annual Statement

Oct 5, 2023 | Investor Visas

As part of the landmark EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) introduced the Form I-956G, Regional Center Annual Statement. This new form replaces the previously used Form I-924A, Annual Certification of Regional Center. The purpose of the Form I-956G is to gather essential information and evidence from regional centers in order to demonstrate their continued eligibility for regional center designation. Below, we outline five crucial things that every Regional Center should know about the Form I-956G.

1. Where Should Form I-956G Be Filed?

Do not file at USCIS’ Immigrant Investor Program office in Washington D.C. A Regional Center must submit the form and relevant evidence to a USCIS office in Texas before the December 29, 2023 deadline.

2. What Happens if Form I-956G is Not Filed?

A failure to file Form I-956G may result in sanctions for failing to file in a timely manner for each Federal fiscal year in which the regional center has been designated. Sanctions include possible termination of the regional center’s designation that could adversely impact the immigration status of existing EB-5 immigrant investors.

3. Is There a Fee Separate from the Annual EB-5 Integrity Fee?

Yes. There is a $3,035 filing fee required for Form I-956G. This filing fee is separate from the annual EB-5 Integrity Fee each regional center must also submit. In September 2023, USCIS advised it will take steps to terminate any regional center that has not paid the required EB-5 Integrity Fund fees for FY 2023 and FY 2024 by Dec. 30, 2023.

4. What is “Attachment 1”?

“Attachment 1” is required for each NCE. This attachment includes details about each new commercial enterprise sponsored under its designation with “active EB-5 investors,” those who filed Form I-526/Form I-526Es or have obtained conditional permanent residence and not yet filed the Form I-829.

5. What Does “Attachment 1” Require?

Attachment 1 requires documentary evidence that (1) shows how the new commercial enterprise was funded, (2) when funds were distributed to the job-creating entity, (3) how many jobs have been created to date, and (4) a disclosure of fees collected from EB-5 investors.

Regional Centers are advised to start preparation of Form I-956G early. For expert EB-5 assistance on Form I-956G, please contact attorney Joey Barnett at jbarnett@wolfsdorf.com.

Related Posts:

Biometrics: Questions and Answers

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reported struggles with delays in scheduling and re-scheduling biometrics appointments due to a combination of factors, including demand, capacity, restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and extreme weather. Below are helpful tips for applicants, in a Q&A format: What are biometrics? Biometrics may include fingerprints, photographs, and signature. They allow USCIS to confirm your identity and run required background and security checks. When do I need to provide biometrics? After you file your application, petition, or request, if biometrics are needed, USCIS will schedule your biometric services appointment at a local application support center (ASC), where your biometrics will be collected on machines designed for this purpose. USCIS will notify you by mail about your ASC appointment. USCIS will notify you if it can reuse biometrics submitted previously. What do I need to bring to my biometrics appointment? You must bring your ASC appointment notice (Form I-797C) and valid photo identification, such as your green card, passport, or driver’s license. You may also want to bring a copy of your completed application, petition, or request, as USCIS does not provide copies at appointments. What happens if my biometrics appointment was canceled due to pandemic issues? USCIS will […]

Read More

Key Insights on EB-5 Visa Backlogs from Bernie Wolfsdorf and Charlie Oppenheim

The February Visa Bulletin continues to show no backlogs for EB-5 set-aside categories. However, experts are closely monitoring potential changes as demand grows. Bernie Wolfsdorf, a leading EB-5 attorney, highlighted the processing delays at USCIS and DOS, stating, “There are more than enough petitions in the pipeline to use up the existing quota, but because USCIS and DOS have been slower in processing, the Final Action Date has not been established.” Charlie Oppenheim, WR Immigration’s Director of Visa Consulting and former State Department Director of Visa Control, shared that while Final Action Dates for India and China may be established by summer, they could remain current until the end of Fiscal Year 2025. For more in-depth analysis, read the full article published by EB5Investors here.

Read More