Peachtree Group Receives USCIS Approval for EB-5 Funded SpringHill Suites by Marriott Development
Peachtree Group has received its I-956F approval from USCIS for the currently under construction SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Bryce Canyon, Utah.
Form I-526E, also known as the "Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor," is the first petition filed by a foreign investor seeking to secure U.S. permanent residence through an investment in a new commercial enterprise associated with a USCIS-designated regional center. This blog post will provide a guide to Form I-526E, including an overview, documentation required for filing the petition, instructions for completion, costs, processing times, and how Peachtree Group can assist you throughout the application process. This is slightly different than a I-526 form, which is an "Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor." You can read more here about the two different forms.
Overview of Form I-526E: Your promise to fulfill the requirements of the EB-5 program
The I-526E form is the initial petition filed by an individual seeking an EB-5 visa. This form is submitted to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and is designed to demonstrate the applicant has made or is actively in the process of making a qualifying investment in a new commercial enterprise (“NCE”) associated with a USCIS -designated regional center, which will benefit the U.S. economy by creating ten (10) full-time jobs for U.S. workers. Approval of the I-526E petition is a crucial step in obtaining an EB-5 visa, which grants the investor and their immediate family members conditional U.S. permanent residency.
In short, Form I-526E is your promise to fulfill the requirements of the EB-5 program.
Evidence to Accompany your Form I-526E Petition
Given the complexity of the Form I-526E application, we advise our EB-5 investors to engage immigration attorneys with EB-5 experience to assist them with the preparation and filing of their I-526E Petition.
Filling out Form I-526E involves several steps, each requiring careful attention to detail. Generally, these steps are done by the EB-5 investor’s immigration attorney. Using the latest version of Form I-526E from the USCIS website, attorneys need the investors to provide personal details, including full name, date of birth, nationality, mailing address, physical address for the past five (5) years, employment history, as well as information about the EB-5 investor’s spouse and children.
The Form I-526E also requires information about the Regional Center and the project application. Peachtree Group provides that information as part of the I-526E Template prepared forEB-5 investors in each of our projects.
Form I-526E also asks for information about the investment. EB-5 investors provide details about the investment amount, the composition of their investment and the source of the invested funds. The EB-5 investors must submit documentation proving the investment funds have been lawfully obtained. In addition, Form I-526E asks for information about visa processing, immigration proceedings, as well as bonafides of persons involved with the Regional Center Program.
Unlike the I-526 Petitions filed before the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (“RIA”), when the petitions included the offering documents, project related documents and the investor specific documents, I-526E Petitions filed post RIA are mainly comprised of documentation of the EB-5 investors’ lawful source of capital.
The typical documents filed with Form I-526E Petition includes:
1. Investment in a USCIS-designated Regional Center: Post RIA, Regional Centers must file a Form I-956F, Application for Approval of an Investment in a Commercial Enterprise before any EB-5 investors can file their Form I-526E Petitions. As evidence of an invest in a new commercial enterprise for which the Regional Center has filed a Form I-956F, the EB-5 investors should provide a copy of the Receipt Notice or the Approval Notice received from USCIS for the Form I-956F filing. Peachtree Group is providing the Receipt Notice or Approval Notice as part of the I-526E Template petition prepared for the EB-5 investors in each of our projects.
With the Form I-956F filing, Peachtree, through the Regional Center, provides USCIS the full package of the offering documents, the business plan, economic impact report, Regional Center designation letter, as well as numerous other project related documents.
Please note: USCIS specifically asked during one of their engagements not to resubmit the documents filed with the I-956F, but to include the Receipt Notice with the investor’s Form I-526E Petition.
In addition, in Part 4, Information About Your Regional Center and Project Application of the FormI-526E, the EB-5 investors are supposed to provide specific information about the filed Form I-956F, the Regional Center, the NCE and the project, which allows USCIS to associate their I-526E filing with the Form I-956F filed for the project they selected for their EB-5 investment. Peachtree is also provides this information with the Sample Form I-526E, part of the I-526E Template petition.
2. Investment: The EB-5 investors must provide evidence they have invested or are actively in the process of investing the required amount of capital. The EB-5 investors must invest $1,050,000 or $800,000 if the investment is made in a project located in a rural or high unemployment targeted employment area (“TEA”) or an infrastructure project.
The NCE is a for-profit organization formed in the United States after November 29, 1990 for the ongoing conduct of lawful business that receives, or is established to receive, capital investment from immigrant investors. Such evidence may include but is not limited to, copies of wires, bank statements showing amounts deposited into the separate account established for the NCE, evidence of monies transferred or committed to be transferred to the NCE in exchange for shares of stock that cannot be redeemed at the holder’s request, or any loan or mortgage agreement, promissory note, security agreement, or other evidence of borrowing that is secured by assets owned by the EB-5 investors (other than those of the NCE) and for which the EB-5 investors is personally and primarily liable.
3. Lawful Capital: TheEB-5 investors must provide evidence the capital they have invested or are actively in the process of investing, as well as any funds used to pay administrative costs and fees, were obtained through lawful means.
Such evidence may include but is not limited to:
- Foreign business registration records
- The investors’ tax returns filed within the last seven years in or outside the United States
- Evidence of other sources of capital.
- If the investment funds were gifted or borrowed, the EB-5 investor must submit evidence from the donor or, if other than a bank, the lender demonstrating that such funds were obtained through lawful means and that the funds were gifted or loaned in good faith and were not gifted or loaned to circumvent any limitations imposed on permissible sources of capital, including, but not limited to proceeds from illegal activity.
I-526E Processing Time and Costs
I-526E Processing Time: At the time of this publishing, USCIS has yet to publish their processing time for the new Form I-526E. Invest in the USA (“IIUSA”), the industry trade association for the EB-5 Regional Center Programs, has recently published an analysis of data collected from the EB-5 industry and concluded that the I-526E Petitions associated with a project located in a rural TEA were approved in 10 months on average, with a normal range of 6 to 15 months, while I-526E Petitions associated with a project located in a high-unemployment TEA were approved in approximately 14 months on average, with normal range of 11 to 16 months.
Cost: As of November 2024, the I-526E filing fee is $11,160. If the EB-5 investors are filing their initial Form I-526E on or after October 1, 2022, they must include a separate fee of $1,000 as required by RIA. Be sure to check the USCIS website for the most up to date fee information.
How Peachtree Group Can Help
Navigating the EB-5 application process can be complex. Peachtree Group offers comprehensive support to investors throughout the I-526E petition process, including:
- Consultation and Guidance: Provide expertadvice on qualifying investments and ensuring compliance with EB-5 regulations.
- Document Preparation: Assist in gatheringand preparing necessary documentation to support the EB-5 investor’s I-526E Petition.
- Tracking and Updates: Help monitor theprogress of the EB-5 investor’s petition and provide updates on any changes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the I-526E Form?
Form I-526E is an application used by foreign nationals pooling their investment with one or more qualified immigrants participating in the Regional Center Program to petition for an EB-5 visa. It demonstrates that the investor has made or is in the process of making a qualifying investment in a new commercial enterprise and meets the program’s requirements for obtaining conditional U.S. permanent residency.
What Do I Need to Fill Out an I-526E?
EB-5 investors must provide personal identification information, details about the investment amount and enterprise, evidence of the lawful source of investment funds.
What Happens After the I-526E Form is Approved?
Once Form I-526E is approved, the next step is consular processing or adjustment of status. If you are outside the U.S., you will attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
If you are already in the U.S., you can concurrently file for adjustment of status with your Form I-536E Petition. After obtaining an EB-5 visa, you and your immediate family members can become conditional permanent residents, with the conditions removed upon proving that the investment has met the program requirements.
By understanding the Form I-526E Petition, you will be well-prepared to start navigating the EB-5 application process successfully. If you need assistance, Peachtree Group is here to provide expert support and ensure your application is filed accurately and efficiently.
Additional Resources
For more information about the I-526E Form and the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, consider consulting the following resources:
- USCIS Website: Access official forms, instructions, and updates on processing times.
- A Simple Guide to EB-5 Immigration by Investment
- Immigration Attorneys: Seek legal advice from professionals specializing in EB-5 cases. If you are not familiar with an immigration attorney, contact Peachtree Group, our team can give you contact information for several knowledgeable lawyers.
- Contact Peachtree Group: Contact Peachtree Group for guidance on specific investment opportunities and compliance requirements.
- Learn more about the Peachtree Advantage
- USCIS Form I-485 for EB5 investors Explained
- What is Form I-826 for EB-5?
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ATLANTA (April 28, 2025) – Peachtree Group("Peachtree") has received its I-956F approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the government agency that oversees the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, for the currently under construction SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Bryce Canyon, Utah.
The I-956F approval, granted by USCIS, marks a crucial step in Peachtree’s ongoing efforts to facilitate investment opportunities through the EB-5 program, which is designed to promote economic growth and job creation in the U.S.
“Securing USCIS approval for this project marks an important milestone,” said Adam Greene, executive vice president of EB-5 at Peachtree. “It highlights our continued focus on structuring and originating capital for high-quality developments that generate economic impact and long-term value for investors and communities.”
Peachtree originated $16.95 million in floating-rate construction financing over a three-year term for the development of a 127-room SpringHill Suites in Bryce Canyon, Utah. The hotel will be located about 10 minutes from Bryce Canyon National Park, one of the most iconic natural attractions in the United States. Known for its dramatic geological formations, the park draws more than 2 million visitors annually. The hotel is expected to be completed by mid-2025.
This is the third hotel development for which Peachtree has received I-956F approval, having previously secured it for its Home2 Suites by Hilton development in Boone, N.C.,and TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Palmdale, Calif.
“With strong travel demand, limited new supply and favorable market tail winds, well-located, newly developed assets are positioned to out perform their competitive set,” said Greene. “Construction is already underway, reducing project risk, and the firm has retained an equity stake aligned with our EB-5 investors — reinforcing our commitment and directly tying our success to theirs.”
Peachtree launched its EB-5 program in 2023 as a key financing tool to support job-creating projects nationwide. The firm remains committed to delivering high-quality investment and development opportunities through its expanding portfolio of EB-5 projects.
The EB-5 visa program allows foreign investors to obtain a green card in exchange for making a significant investment in a new commercial enterprise that creates jobs in the U.S. Under the program, foreign nationals who invest a minimum of $800,000 in a U.S.-based project that creates or preserves at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers are eligible to apply for permanent residency.
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A Journey to U.S. Residency: Why EB-5 Was the Right Choice for My Family
Lance Lee shares his journey from an international student to U.S. citizen through the EB-5 program, highlighting the benefits of faster green card processing, career freedom, and family flexibility.
Navigating the immigration process can be overwhelming, especially for international students and professionals looking to secure their future in the United States. Lance Lee, the Director of Asia-Pacific EB-5 for Peachtree Group, shares his personal journey of coming to the U.S. as an international student, facing the challenges of obtaining a green card, and ultimately using the EB-5 program to secure his future. This is his story of perseverance, career transformation, and the profound impact that obtaining U.S. citizenship has had on his life and family.
Lance Lee's EB-5 Journey: From Student to U.S. Citizen
Lance Lee’s immigration journey began in 2008 when he arrived in the U.S. as an international student, facing the challenges of securing a job during a tough economic time. With his work visa options limited, Lance’s parents urged him to consider how long it might take to obtain a green card, and the answer wasn’t promising. Many of his friends faced decade-long waits for permanent residency. It was his mother’s practical advice “Time is money” that led him to explore alternatives. In 2011, Lance invested in the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, and just eight and a half months later, he received his green card. By 2015, his investment was returned, and he had successfully built his American family, becoming a U.S. citizen with two children born in the U.S.
Learn More About EB-5
Lance’s decision to apply for an EB-5 visa instead of relying on traditional student and H1-B work visas was fueled by the realities of the long wait for green cards, especially for applicants from China and India. After graduating in 2010, Lance was left with the daunting prospect of being tied to one employer for years under the H1-B system while waiting for a green card. The EB-5 program provided a faster and more secure path to permanent residency, allowing Lance the freedom to pursue a career that matched his passions, without the restrictions of a work visa.
One of the key reasons Lance turned to EB-5 was the limitations of H1-B visas, which often left workers vulnerable to sudden job loss. He shared stories of friends who, while traveling abroad, were caught off guard by emails informing them of their layoff, leaving them with just 60 days to find a new job or face losing their visa status. With EB-5, Lance was able to bypass these concerns, enabling him to make career decisions with confidence and travel freely without the constant anxiety that comes with the limitations of temporary work visas.
Lance’s journey also taught him valuable lessons about the EB-5 process, and he offers key tips for prospective investors. He emphasizes the importance of partnering with a reputable immigration attorney and recommends visiting the regional center before investing, to establish trust and gain a better understanding of the project. He breaks the EB-5 process into three stages: obtaining a temporary green card, securing the permanent green card, and finally receiving the investment back. For each stage, Lance stresses the importance of being patient and informed, ensuring that the investment meets job creation requirements and understanding how to eventually retrieve the invested funds.
Looking back, Lance reflects on the significant impact the EB-5 program has had on his life and his family’s future. Living in Kuala Lumpur, Lance and his family enjoy the flexibility of being U.S. citizens while gaining valuable cultural exposure in Asia. His children have had the opportunity to travel and learn from different cultures—experiences that wouldn’t have been possible if he had been stuck in a decade-long wait for a green card. Lance’s journey highlights the freedom that comes with making timely decisions and choosing the right path for both personal and professional growth. “Time is money,” he concludes, echoing his mother’s wisdom, as his decision to pursue the EB-5 program allowed him to shape the life he and his family now enjoy.
Interested in an EB-5 Visa? For More Information, Visit Us Online → peachtreegroup.com/eb-5
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EB-5 Concurrent Filing: How Investors Can Adjust Status While Remaining in the U.S.
Are you looking to adjust your immigration status? This blog explains the EB-5 concurrent filing process.
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For current and prospective U.S. immigrants, the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA) changed the game. This legislation has transformed the way investors can navigate the process of potentially obtaining a U.S. green card, primarily through EB-5 concurrent adjustment of status filing. Concurrent filing means investors now have the ability to file their I-526E (EB-5 Immigrant Petition) and I-485 (Application to Adjust Status) forms at the same time. This makes the EB-5 program more accessible than ever for those who are already in the U.S. In this article, we’ll explain the meaning of concurrent filing, how the process works, and the potential benefits investors can enjoy.
EB-5 Concurrent Filing: What It Means for Investors
So, what does EB-5 concurrent filing mean? And how might it impact you as an investor? The short answer is that prior to the legislation that was passed in March of 2022, EB-5 investors had to wait for their Form I-526 (pre-RIA) to be approved before filing Form I-485 to adjust their status to that of a lawful permanent resident. Often, this resulted in lengthy wait times, especially for individuals already residing in the United States under valid non immigrant visas like H-1B, E2 or F-1. Now, the ability to concurrently file I-526E (postRIA) and I-485 forms has radically changed this process.
Through concurrent filing, prospective investors can potentially bypass this waiting period and potentially obtain their conditional green card faster. To qualify for concurrent filing, investors must meet a couple of key requirements:
- They must already be physically present in the U.S. under a valid nonimmigrant visa status.
- A visa number must be immediately available for their category, which can be confirmed by checking the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin.
This approach can save time and also allow investors to apply for Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) and Advance Parole (travel authorization) while their applications are pending. As a result, investors can continue working, studying, or managing businesses in the U.S. without disruptions, making concurrent filing a pivotal advancement for the EB-5 program. So, how does the process work?
The Concurrent Filing Process
EB-5 concurrent filing allows investors a different approach to their immigration journey. Understanding the steps is crucial to ensuring an efficient process where requirements are met.
Step 1: File Your I-526 Form
The process for concurrent filing begins with the submission of an I-526E form. This form demonstrates the investor’s commitment to a qualifying EB-5 project and compliance with program regulations. Key documents include proof of the investment amount, evidence of lawful source of funds, and details about the job creation potential of the project.
You’ll also want to keep in mind the fees that come with filing an I-526E form. In 2025 the filing fee is about $12,160.
Step 2: Apply for the Current I-485 Form Simultaneously
While submitting your I-526E, you’ll want to concurrently file your I-485 form, too. Concurrent filing means you can submit your application to adjust your status at the same time as your I-526E form. Required documentation includes proof of lawful entry, evidence of valid nonimmigrant status, and supporting materials for eligibility, such as medical examination results. One potential supporting form you may want to consider is an I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record.
In 2025, the I-485 form has a filing fee of $1,440 and a biometrics fee of $85.
Step 3: Apply for EAD and Advance Parole
When you concurrently file your I-485 and I-526E forms, you may at the same time file forms for permission to work and permission to travel—called an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or advance parole. These forms, if approved, enable the investor to work and travel with unlimited entry in and out of the U.S. while their green card application is pending, essentially granting the same benefits as a green card. Investors typically don’t have to wait too long for this, as approval tends to be granted within three months of filing.
The Benefits of EB-5 Concurrent Filing
By allowing investors to simultaneously submit key immigration forms, concurrent filing has meant a lot to EB-5investors. From work and travel authorization to a streamlined process, concurrent filing presents several benefits:
- You can remain in the U.S. while awaiting approval: Before 2022, EB-5 investors had to maintain valid nonimmigrant visa status or risk leaving the U.S. during the lengthy green card process. Concurrent filing eliminates this challenge by allowing investors to remain in the country legally while their adjustment of status application is under review.
- Concurrent filing potential reduces waiting times: Concurrent filing means investors can start the adjustment process immediately, rather than waiting for the approval of their I-526E form. For individuals from countries without visa backlogs, this can mean a faster route to obtaining permanent residency.
- A streamlined path to permanent residency: Investors can enjoy more peace of mind during the process, as they can maintain their lives and careers in the U.S. without disruption.
At Peachtree Group, our team has collectively spent decades helping investors like you obtain their green cards through EB-5 investing. Connect with our team to learn more about your options for EB- 5 investing, concurrent filing and access to immigration attorneys that have experience representing investors who petition concurrent filing.
FAQs
What does concurrent filing mean?
Concurrent filing allows prospective EB-5 investors to simultaneously file their I-526E and I-485 forms. This may limit wait times and allows investors to remain working in the U.S. while awaiting their status.