Beginning March 15, USCIS is removing the biometrics submission requirement and $85 fee requirement for petitioners filing Form I-526E, Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor. Petitioners no longer need to submit the fee for biometrics services with their Form I-526E.
USCIS determined that universal biometrics collection is not necessary under INA 203(b)(5)(H)(iii) in connection with the filing of Form I-526E for all regional center investor petitioners in order to confirm compliance with INA 203(b)(5)(H)(i)-(ii). However, USCIS may request the submission of biometrics from a Form I-526E petitioner as may be necessary under INA 203(b)(5)(H)(iii), 8 CFR 103.2(b)(9), or under other applicable authorities.
Since the form’s release in 2022, we have received about 980 Form I-526E petitions filed with the biometrics fee. USCIS will refund these fees in the coming weeks. Petitioners do not need to contact USCIS to request a refund.
Source: USCIS
