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Form I-526E: Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor
USCIS Form I-526E is used by an investor to petition for immigrant status under the regional center program. This form must be filed with USCIS before the expiration date of 03/31/2027.
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USCIS Form I-526E - Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor
USCIS Form I-526E is used by an investor to petition for immigrant status under the regional center program. This form must be filed with USCIS before the expiration date of 03/31/2027.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not submit a petition without a valid handwritten signature, as this will lead to rejection.
- 2Filing without providing your U.S. Social Security number when one exists (Item Number 3).
- 3Submitting a photocopy/scan that is not of the original handwritten signature.
- 4Failing to provide a full English translation for documents in another language.
- 5Not including the translator's certification details on foreign document translations.
Plain English
This form allows an investor who pools money with a regional center group to apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for immigrant status in the United States. If an investor is not pooling funds with others, they should use Form I-526 instead. Filing this petition initiates the process for the investor to become an immigrant.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The form must be filed when the investor is petitioning for status as an immigrant under section 203(b)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended. No specific deadline date is stated other than the instruction booklet's expiration date.
- 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 an investor pools investment with one or more qualified immigrants participating in a regional center program to petition USCIS for immigrant status under section 203(b)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
- Do not use this form when an investor is seeking classification without pooling their investment with additional investors under section 203(b)(5) of the INA.
- Check Form I-526 instead when filing as a Standalone Investor.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Filing for status alone
This form is used by an investor not pooling investment with others.
✓ Check the purpose statement on Instructions p.1.
Needing a replacement arrival record
Use this if you cannot obtain your Form I-94 from the CBP website.
✓ Refer to Part 3, Item Number 2 of Form I-526E.
Need fee details
This form contains specific information about fees applicable to Form I-526E.
✓ Check the Filing Fee section on Instructions p.1.
Deadline or filing window
The instructions booklet indicates that Form I-526E expires on 03/31/2027. If USCIS accepts the request for adjudication but finds a deficient signature, they may deny the request. The source does not specify an extension period if the initial filing date is missed.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
All supporting evidence
All required documentation listed in the Instructions sections · Included with the petition submission
Government-issued identification
A photocopy of your passport or other valid ID · Part 3, Item Number 8 (Identification)
Foreign Language Documents
Full English translation and translator's certification · Submitted with the petition
A-Number
Your Alien Registration Number (if applicable) · Part 2, Item Number 1
Passport/Travel Document Info
Passport or travel document numbers and details · Part 2, Items Numbers 29-31
Current Nonimmigrant Status Date
The date your current nonimmigrant status expires (MM/DD/YYYY) · Part 2, Item Number 33
Before you submit
- 1Verify that you have signed Form I-526E properly.
- 2Confirm all required supporting evidence is included with the petition package.
- 3If submitting documents in a foreign language, confirm the full English translation and translator's certification are attached.
- 4Ensure Part 12 describes circumstances related to new associations and/or investments (if applicable).
- 5Verify that you have provided your A-Number if one exists (Part 2, Item Number 1).
- 6Check that passport or travel document numbers are entered even if the document is expired (Part 2, Items Numbers 29-31).
- 7Confirm that any change of address notification will be sent to USCIS within 10 days if you are not a U.S. citizen.
How to file this form
- 1Complete Form I-526E by providing all required information in Parts 1, 2, and 3.
- 2Attach photocopies of government-issued identification (like your passport) as evidence.
- 3If applicable, provide the full English translation and certification for any foreign language documents.
- 4Submit the completed Form I-526E and all supporting evidence to the correct filing location listed on www.uscis.gov/i-526E.
- 5Retain a complete copy of the entire petition package for your records.
Known limitations
- 1An investor who does not pool investment with one or more additional investors seeking classification under section 203(b)(5) of the INA must use Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor.
- 2If an investor is under 14 years of age, a parent or legal guardian may sign the petition on their behalf; a legal guardian may also sign for a mentally incompetent person.
- 3USCIS may destroy original documents submitted if they are not required or requested by USCIS.
- 4Failure to provide all requested information, including the Social Security number (if applicable), may delay a final decision or result in denial of the petition.
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-526E is dated 01/20/25, and the instructions indicate that users should consult www.uscis.gov/i-526E for the most current filing location information.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm 01/20/25 is listed.
- Filing deadline — confirm the expiration date reads 03/31/2027.
- Mailing address — check www.uscis.gov/i-526E for the most current location.
- Signature — ensure your signature (or signing authority's) is properly completed, as USCIS will not accept a stamped or typewritten name.
- Foreign Language Document — confirm you have submitted a full English translation if using non-English documents.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Submit legible photocopies of requested documents unless the Instructions specifically instruct submission of an original document.
- 2If you mail the form, find your Official Receipt Number (OAN) at the top of the Account Access Notice sent by USCIS; if filing online, locate the OAN in your account profile.
- 3Keep a copy of the completed Form I-526E and any submitted evidence.
- 4If you do not attend your biometric services appointment, USCIS may deny the petition.
- 5If USCIS requests an original document, it will be returned to the filer after USCIS determines it is no longer needed.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — The purpose of Form I-526E is to petition for immigrant status under section 203(b)(5) of the INA when pooling investment with regional center immigrants.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — An investor not seeking to pool investment must file using Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — USCIS will reject a petition if it is unsigned or the signature is invalid (See 8 CFR 103.2(a)(7)(ii)(A)).
- SRCInstructions p.2 — If submitting foreign language documents, a certified English translation must be provided.
- SRCInstructions p.3 — Item Number 3 requires providing the U.S. Social Security number or typing "N/A" if none exists.
- SRCInstructions p.8 — A photocopy of government-issued identification (like a passport) must be submitted for identification.
- SRCInstructions p.10 — The mailing address listed on Instructions p.10 is 5900 Capital Gateway Drive, Mail Stop #2140, Camp Springs, MD 20588-0009, but do not mail to this address.
Common confusion points
What is the difference between the OAN and A-Number?
The OAN is a receipt number that begins with IOE; the A-Number is not necessarily the same as the OAN.
→ Check if your receipt number starts with 'IOE' to confirm it is an OAN.
Where should I send my completed Form I-526E?
Do not mail it to the address listed on Instructions p.10; check www.uscis.gov/i-526E for the most current filing location.
→ Verify the mailing address on the official USCIS website before sending.
What must be provided if I do not have a U.S. Social Security Number?
Type or print "N/A" in Item Number 3 of Form I-526E.
→ Ensure you clearly write 'N/A' instead of leaving the field blank when no SSN exists.
What happens if my petition is not signed correctly?
USCIS will reject the petition, as a stamped or typewritten name cannot replace a signature (unless signing authority is present).
→ Confirm that the required signature(s) are properly executed on the form before submitting.
Do I need to submit an original copy of every document?
Submit legible photocopies by default, but be prepared for USCIS to request an original at any time.
→ Always have originals available in case a request comes through during processing.
What if my documents are not in English?
A full English translation must accompany the foreign language document, and the translator must certify its completeness and accuracy.
→ Verify that the certification includes the translator's signature, printed name, date of signing, and contact information.
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Questions about USCIS Form I-526E
What is USCIS Form I-526E used for?
This form allows an investor who pools money with a regional center group to apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for immigrant status in the United States. If an investor is not pooling funds with others, they should use Form I-526 instead. Filing this petition initiates the process for the investor to become an immigrant.
Who must file USCIS Form I-526E?
An investor who pools his or her investment with one or more qualified immigrants participating in the regional center program must file USCIS Form I-526E.
What information does USCIS Form I-526E require?
The form collects personal details such as your full legal name (Item Number 4), date of birth (Item Number 7), and U.S. Social Security number (if any) (Item Number 3). It also captures other names used, including maiden or married names (Items 5-6).
When is USCIS Form I-526E due?
The form must be filed when the investor is petitioning for status as an immigrant under section 203(b)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended. No specific deadline date is stated other than the instruction booklet's expiration date.
Where do I file USCIS Form I-526E?
For the most current information on where to file USCIS Form I-526E, applicants must check the website at www.uscis.gov/i-526E. If an address change is needed for a non-citizen, it must be reported within 10 days of moving.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-526E?
The investor must properly complete all sections of the Form I-526E. The petitioner or their signing authority must sign the form; a stamped or typewritten name is not accepted as a substitute for a signature. If filing online, the applicant can find their OAN in their account profile.
What happens if USCIS Form I-526E is filed incorrectly?
If your petition is not signed or if the signature provided is invalid, USCIS will reject the petition (See 8 CFR 103.2(a)(7)(ii)(A)). If you do not attend your biometric services appointment, USCIS may deny your petition.
What is the difference between the OAN and A-Number?
The OAN is a receipt number that begins with IOE; the A-Number is not necessarily the same as the OAN. Check if your receipt number starts with 'IOE' to confirm it is an OAN.
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