By Felicia J. Persaud
News Americas Now, NY, NY, Thurs. Oct. 1, 2206: Two separate US immigration fee increases are landing within weeks of each other this fall, and together they touch nearly every category of immigration status relevant to Caribbean nationals in the US – from investors to TPS holders to those seeking asylum or parole. Here’s what’s changing, and when you need to file to beat the new rates.
1. EB-5 Investor Visa Fees Jump Nearly 71% – Effective November 30
USCIS has finalized a sweeping fee increase for the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, the pathway that lets foreign nationals earn US permanent residency by investing in American job-creating businesses – a route a growing number of Caribbean entrepreneurs and investors have used to secure green cards. Starting with applications postmarked November 30, 2026, filers will pay an average of 70.7% more – roughly $2,945.90 per filing – across nearly every form in the process, including the I-526/I-526E investor petitions, the I-829 petition to remove conditions on residency, and the I-956/I-956F regional center forms.
On top of the base fees, Integrity Fund fees are rising 10% for inflation: the I-526E Integrity Fee goes from $1,000 to $1,100, the standard Regional Center Integrity Fee rises from $10,000 to $11,000, and larger regional centers will pay $22,000, up from $20,000. A new $75 technology fee has also been added.
USCIS says the hikes close a $48.4 million gap between what the EB-5 program costs to run ($105 million annually) and what current fees bring in ($56.6 million), under cost-recovery rules set by the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022.
2. Asylum, TPS, and Parole Fees Rise – Effective October 16th
A separate, broader fee adjustment hits three categories that matter deeply to the Caribbean diaspora. Effective October 16, 2026:
- TPS (Form I-821): $510 → $520
- Asylum, annual fee for pending applications: $102 → $105
- Parole (Form I-131): $1,020 → $1,050
- Initial work permits (EADs) for all three categories: $560 → $570
This round is tied to a routine 3.36% Consumer Price Index adjustment mandated under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, with increases rounded down to the nearest $10. Renewal and extension EAD fees are staying flat for now. Applications postmarked on or after October 16 must include the new amounts, or they’ll be rejected outright.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re an investor weighing an EB-5 petition or a TPS holder renewing your status, the message from USCIS this fall is the same: costs are going up, and the timing matters. Filing before October 16th locks in current rates for asylum, TPS, and parole applications; filing before November 30th does the same for EB-5. After those dates, there’s no grace period – applications with the old fee amounts will simply be rejected.
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