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Form I-526: Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor
USCIS Form I-526 is an Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor filed to show business expansion resulting from investment. The required investment amount is set by statute.
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USCIS Form I-526 - Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor
USCIS Form I-526 is an Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor filed to show business expansion resulting from investment. The required investment amount is set by statute.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Failing to submit a full English translation with certified documentation for foreign documents.
- 2Not providing an A-Number on Item 1 of Part 1 when one exists.
- 3Failing to submit a full English translation for foreign documents.
- 4Submitting original documents when they are not requested by USCIS.
- 5Omitting the translator's certification details (signature, date, contact).
Plain English
This form allows a business that has already been operating to petition for immigration based on new investment. It proves the company expanded substantially—by at least 40 percent in net worth or employees—since its founding. Filing this demonstrates eligibility under the EB-5 program.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The form is filed when a business expands due to investment, which must result in at least a 40 percent increase in net worth or employees. Not stated in the official source regarding an absolute deadline.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when a standalone investor petitions U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for immigrant status under section 203(b)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended.
- Do not use it when an investment is being pooled with one or more additional investors seeking classification under INA section 203(b)(5); in that case, file Form I-526E.
- Check Form I-526E instead when the petition involves a regional center investor.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Filing as a pooled investment
Required if pooling with additional investors under INA section 203(b)(5)
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Obtaining replacement/initial record when needed
Used to get an I-94 if it cannot be obtained from the CBP website
✓ Check before you continue
Filing a change of address notification (if not a U.S. citizen)
Must notify USCIS within 10 days of moving
✓ Check before you continue
Not stated in official source — verify on the agency site
Deadline or filing window
The filing trigger is business expansion resulting from investment that causes at least a 40 percent increase in net worth or employees. There is no specific deadline stated, but the form must be filed when this qualifying event occurs.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Tax Records
Photocopies of tax records · Submitted with petition
Employee Identification
Photocopy of government-issued identification (may include passport) for qualifying employees · Submitted with petition
Business Plan
A comprehensive business plan · Submitted with petition
Form I-94 Details
I-94 admission number and expiration date (or departure number) · Form I-94 or CBP website
NCE Date/Type
Proof that the NCE resulted from capital investment in and substantial expansion of a business formed on or before November 29, 1990 · Not stated in official source — verify on the agency site
Before you submit
- 1Complete all fields using black ink (type or print legibly).
- 2If extra space is needed, use Part 10 or attach a separate sheet.
- 3On every supplementary page, type/print your name and Alien Registration Number (A-Number) at the top.
- 4For each supplemental page, indicate the Page Number, Part Number, and Item Number to which the answer refers.
- 5If applicable, provide the I-94 admission number and expiration date for Item Number 23.
- 6Ensure all required evidence (tax records, business plan, etc.) is included with the submission.
- 7Verify that your signature is handwritten ink on the original document being submitted.
How to file this form
- 1Complete Form I-526 using black ink and legibility, adding supplementary sheets if necessary.
- 2Gather all required evidence, including tax records, a comprehensive business plan, and identification copies for qualifying employees.
- 3Sign the petition (or have your legal guardian/parent sign if under 14) before sending it to USCIS.
- 4Submit the completed Form I-526 and all supporting documents to the designated filing location (check www.uscis.gov/i-526 for current addresses).
- 5Receive confirmation that USCIS has accepted your petition for initial processing.
Known limitations
- 1The Form I-526 does not apply to an investor who intends to pool investment with other investors seeking classification under INA section 203(b)(5) unless they file Form I-526E instead.
- 2If the business was formed after November 29, 1990, it may still qualify if there is a substantial change (at least 40 percent increase) in net worth or number of employees due to investment.
- 3The required investment amount for Form I-526 is set by statute, and more details are available on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/eb-5-immigrant-investor-program or a U.S. Embassy/Consulate abroad.
- 4The Form I-526 does not cover an investor who is filing for classification under INA section 203(b)(5) but is not acting as the standalone investor.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Applicant Info
3 items
Your current legal name.
MM/DD/YYYY.
Alien Registration Number if previously assigned.
Details
1 items
The specific reason or legal basis for filing this form.
Evidence
1 items
List of documents supporting this application.
Signatures
2 items
Sign under penalty of perjury.
MM/DD/YYYY.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition of USCIS Form I-526 is dated 01/20/25, and the instructions reference a website for the most current filing location information.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the revision date reads 01/20/25.
- Fee — consult Form G-1055 for specific fee information.
- Mailing address — the primary mailing address is 5900 Capital Gateway Drive, Mail Stop #2140, Camp Springs, MD 20588-0009 (but do not mail to this address unless directed).
- Signature — ensure it is a handwritten ink signature; photocopied, faxed, or scanned copies of the original are valid.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Retain a copy of your completed Form I-526.
- 2If you are overseas, confirm with your notice whether to schedule an appointment at a U.S. Embassy, Consulate, or USCIS office outside the United States.
- 3Submit legible photocopies of requested documents unless the Instructions specifically require an original document; USCIS may request originals later.
- 4If filing from outside the U.S., be prepared for your biometrics appointment to include signing an oath affirming accuracy and completeness.
- 5Notify USCIS of a change of address within 10 days if you are not a U.S. citizen.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — The purpose of Form I-526 is to allow a standalone investor to petition USCIS for immigrant status under INA section 203(b)(5).
- SRCInstructions p.1 — An investor pooling investment must use Form I-526E, not Form I-526.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — The required investment amount is set by statute and more details are on the USCIS website.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — If overseas, you must schedule an appointment with a U.S. Embassy, Consulate, or USCIS office outside the United States.
- SRCInstructions p.3 — Item Number 1 (A-Number) requires providing your A-Number; if none exists, type 'N/A'.
- SRCInstructions p.9 — Required submissions include photocopies of tax records, Forms I-9s for qualifying employees, and a comprehensive business plan.
- SRCInstructions p.11 — The filing address listed (5900 Capital Gateway Drive) is where the petition should NOT be mailed to.
Common confusion points
What is the difference between filing Form I-526 and using Form I-526E?
Form I-526 is for standalone investors, while Form I-526E is used when pooling investment with other investors under INA section 203(b)(5)(E).
→ Check the purpose definition on Instructions p.1.
Do I need an A-Number to fill out Part 1?
If you have received correspondence from DHS or USCIS, your A-Number will begin with 'A'; if not, type or print 'N/A'.
→ Refer to Item Number 1 instructions on Instructions p.3.
Where exactly should I mail the completed Form I-526?
Do not mail it to the address listed in Part 11; check www.uscis.gov/i-526 for current filing locations.
→ The specific mailing address provided (Camp Springs, MD) is NOT where you should send it.
What happens if I don't attend my biometrics appointment?
USCIS may deny your petition if you do not attend the scheduled biometric services appointment.
→ This requirement is detailed on Instructions p.2.
When must a non-U.S. citizen notify USCIS of an address change?
You must notify USCIS within 10 days of moving from your previous residence.
→ This rule is stated under the 'Address Change' section on Instructions p.9.
What documents must I submit along with Form I-526?
A photocopy of government-issued identification (like a passport), photocopies of tax records, Forms I-9s for qualifying employees, and a comprehensive business plan are required.
→ See the list provided in the instructions on Instructions p.9.
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Questions about USCIS Form I-526
What is USCIS Form I-526 used for?
This form allows a business that has already been operating to petition for immigration based on new investment. It proves the company expanded substantially—by at least 40 percent in net worth or employees—since its founding. Filing this demonstrates eligibility under the EB-5 program.
Who must file USCIS Form I-526?
The filer is an investor who owns a business expanding through investment, specifically one formed on or before November 29, 1990.
What information does USCIS Form I-526 require?
Part 1 collects personal information about you; other sections collect details like your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) and the country of birth. Additional Information in Part 10 allows for extra detail regarding citizenship or location.
When is USCIS Form I-526 due?
The form is filed when a business expands due to investment, which must result in at least a 40 percent increase in net worth or employees. Not stated in the official source regarding an absolute deadline.
Where do I file USCIS Form I-526?
Do not mail your completed Form I-526 to the address listed on page 11; instead, check www.uscis.gov/i-526 for current filing locations. For overseas filers, contact a U.S. Embassy or Consulate first.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-526?
First, type or print legibly in black ink, using Part 10 if extra space is needed. Ensure you provide your A-Number (if any) on Item 1 of Part 1. Finally, the petition must be signed before sending.
What happens if USCIS Form I-526 is filed incorrectly?
If you do not properly complete this petition, USCIS may reject or deny your Form I-526, and you will not establish a basis for eligibility.
What is the difference between filing Form I-526 and using Form I-526E?
Form I-526 is for standalone investors, while Form I-526E is used when pooling investment with other investors under INA section 203(b)(5)(E). Check the purpose definition on Instructions p.1.
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