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Official form guide
Form I-956F: Application for Approval of an Investment in a Commercial Enterprise
USCIS Form I-956F is used by a designated regional center to request approval of an investment project through the Department of Homeland Security. Each Form I-956F may only include one commercial enterprise.
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USCIS Form I-956F - Application for Approval of an Investment in a Commercial Enterprise
USCIS Form I-956F is used by a designated regional center to request approval of an investment project through the Department of Homeland Security. Each Form I-956F may only include one commercial enterprise.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Ensure each Form I-956F only includes one commercial enterprise; otherwise, it may be rejected.
- 2Filing Form I-956F without a United States mailing address is required for submission.
- 3Submitting an original document when USCIS has not requested it may result in its destruction.
- 4Failing to provide a full English translation for any foreign language document submitted.
- 5Not including the translator's certification details (name, signature, date) on translated documents.
Plain English
This form allows a regional center to ask USCIS for official permission to pursue a specific business investment project. When filed correctly, it helps ensure that the investment offering is approved before any alien files a petition based on that investment. The approval confirms the viability of the proposed commercial enterprise.
Submission Date
- Filing date: A designated regional center can file Form I-956F any time after designation to request approval of a project. Furthermore, the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) requires filing before any alien files a petition for classification by reason of investment in that offering.
- 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 designated regional center needs to request approval of an investment project.
- Do not use Form I-956F when requesting a change in the geographic area of the regional center.
- Check Form G-1055 instead when seeking specific information about applicable filing fees.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Regional Center needs to request project approval
This form is used specifically by a regional center for this purpose.
✓ Check the 'Purpose' section on Page 1.
Need fee details for filing
This form provides specific information about fees applicable to Form I-956F.
✓ Verify the fee schedule listed on Form G-1055.
Need general instructions/filing location updates
The website holds the most current information regarding where and how to file this petition.
✓ Confirm the address change notification procedure is followed.
USCIS Website (www.uscis.gov/I-956F)
Deadline or filing window
The regional center must notify USCIS of any change to its mailing address within 30 days of that change. This notification can be sent via email to the EB-5 Program mailbox at [email protected].
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
All supporting documents
All evidence and supporting documents listed in the Specific Instructions sections of these Instructions (Instructions p.1) · At the time of filing
Original handwritten signature
Must be present on the petition for USCIS to accept it for adjudication. · On the main form document(s).
Regional Center Name/Details
Must be typed or printed legibly in black ink. · Top of each sheet (if using extra space).
Change of Address Notification
Must be sent within 30 days of the change. · To EB-5 Program mailbox at [email protected].
Biometrics Requirement
May be required by USCIS for interview, fingerprinting, photograph, or signature verification. · At any time before a decision is made.
Before you submit
- 1Ensure all fields are typed or printed legibly in black ink.
- 2Verify that the petition includes a valid signature (not stamped or typewritten).
- 3Confirm that all required evidence and supporting documents listed in the Specific Instructions are included at the time of filing.
- 4If using extra space, ensure you include the Regional Center entity name, Page Number, Part Number, and Item Number at the top of the sheet.
- 5Verify that if under 14, a parent or legal guardian has signed on your behalf.
- 6Confirm that any address change notification is sent to [email protected] within 30 days of the change.
- 7Ensure you have a United States address to file this application.
How to file this form
- 1Complete Form I-956F by typing or printing legibly in black ink, using Part 14 for extra space if needed.
- 2Sign the petition (or ensure an authorized representative signs) and attach all required supporting evidence.
- 3Determine the proper filing location via www.uscis.gov/I-956F and submit the application to that address or method.
- 4Keep a copy of the submitted Form I-956F for your records, pending USCIS acceptance.
Known limitations
- 1A designated regional center may not use Form I-956F to request a change in the geographic area of the regional center.
- 2Each Form I-956F can only include one commercial enterprise.
- 3The form is not used to request approval for an investment if the alien files a petition before the regional center submits Form I-956F (as required by INA section 203(b)(5)(F)(i)).
- 4If filing, the petitioner must have a United States address.
- 5The form is not to be mailed directly to the OMB No. 1615-0159 mailing address.
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 Form I-956F is dated 04/01/24, and the instructions indicate that users should visit www.uscis.gov/I-956F for the most current filing information.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the revision date reads 04/01/24.
- Fee — consult Form G-1055 for specific fee information applicable to this form.
- Mailing address — ensure a United States address is available, and note that Lockbox facilities do not process change of address requests.
- Signature — verify the signature is handwritten ink (a photocopy, fax, or scan of the original handwriting is valid).
- Form Number — confirm the form number reads I-956F.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Submit legible photocopies of requested documents unless instructions specify an original document must be submitted.
- 2If USCIS requests more information, provide it or evidence to support the petition.
- 3If USCIS requests originals, retain them until USCIS determines they are no longer needed; these will be returned to the filer.
- 4Upon acceptance by USCIS, the petition is checked for completeness; improper completion may lead to rejection or denial.
- 5The regional center must notify USCIS of any change in mailing address within 30 days of that change.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — The purpose of Form I-956F is to allow a designated regional center to request approval of a project.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — A designated regional center can file Form I-956F any time after designation.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — INA section 203(b)(5)(F)(i) requires the regional center to file Form I-956F before an alien files a petition for classification under that paragraph.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — At the biometrics appointment, the filer must sign an oath reaffirming three points: providing/authorizing all info; reviewing/understanding all info; and confirming all info is complete, true, and correct at filing.
- SRCInstructions p.8 — The regional center must notify USCIS of any change to its mailing address within 30 days of the change.
- SRCInstructions p.9 — OMB No. 1615-0159 is associated with Form I-956F, and the form should not be mailed directly to that specific address.
Common confusion points
What is an OAN?
Confusion
It is not the same as an A-Number.
→ Safe check: Confirm if your receipt number begins with IOE.
Where should I send my completed Form I-956F?
Confusion
Do not mail it to the OMB No. 1615-0159 address listed on the form.
→ Safe check: Visit www.uscis.gov/I-956F for current filing locations.
What happens if I don't attend my biometrics appointment?
Confusion
USCIS may deny your petition if you do not attend the biometric services appointment.
→ Safe check: Check your appointment notice.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Current
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
- If the regional center changes its address, it must notify USCIS within 30 days of that change.
Questions about USCIS Form I-956F
What is USCIS Form I-956F used for?
This form allows a regional center to ask USCIS for official permission to pursue a specific business investment project. When filed correctly, it helps ensure that the investment offering is approved before any alien files a petition based on that investment. The approval confirms the viability of the proposed commercial enterprise.
Who must file USCIS Form I-956F?
A designated regional center must file Form I-956F with the Secretary of Homeland Security.
What information does USCIS Form I-956F require?
The form collects details about the project being offered, and if extra space is needed, information can be added in Part 14. The filer must also indicate which Page Number, Part Number, and Item Number their answers refer to on any attached sheets.
When is USCIS Form I-956F due?
A designated regional center can file Form I-956F any time after designation to request approval of a project. Furthermore, the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) requires filing before any alien files a petition for classification by reason of investment in that offering.
Where do I file USCIS Form I-956F?
The most current information on where to file this petition is located at www.uscis.gov/I-956F. If mailing, the regional center must notify USCIS of any address change using the EB-5 Program mailbox: [email protected].
How do I complete USCIS Form I-956F?
The filer must type or print legibly in black ink on Form I-956F. If additional information requires a separate sheet, that sheet must have the regional center entity name typed at the top. Finally, the filer (or their signing authority) must properly complete and sign the petition.
What happens if USCIS Form I-956F is filed incorrectly?
If the regional center does not properly complete Form I-956F, it will not establish a basis for eligibility and USCIS may reject or deny the petition. If an original document is submitted when not requested, USCIS may destroy it after receiving it.
Confusion — what should I check?
It is not the same as an A-Number. Safe check: Confirm if your receipt number begins with IOE.
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