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Official form guide
Form I-956: Application for Regional Center Designation
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-956 is used by regional centers to request USCIS designation as a regional center or to amend an existing designation, and must include notice of changes within five (5) business days.
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USCIS Form I-956 - Application for Regional Center Designation
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-956 is used by regional centers to request USCIS designation as a regional center or to amend an existing designation, and must include notice of changes within five (5) business days.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1A stamped or typewritten signature will cause USCIS to reject the form.
- 2Using a stamped or typewritten name instead of a handwritten signature.
- 3Failing to attach a Supplement Form I-956H for each person involved with the regional center.
- 4Omitting evidence of policies and procedures that ensure EB-5 program compliance.
- 5Not providing a United States mailing address on the application.
Plain English
Form I-956 lets a regional center ask USCIS to become a designated regional center or to change an already approved one. You must list policies, provide evidence, and attach a supplemental form for every person involved. The form requires a handwritten signature and a U.S. mailing address. All parts must be completed before filing.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Not stated in the official source.
- 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 you are requesting USCIS designation as a regional center or filing an amendment to an approved regional center.
- Do not use it when you need to submit a routine address change or other non‑exigent updates.
- Check Form I-956H instead when you need to provide the Bona Fides of Persons Involved with the Regional Center Program.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Applying for initial regional center designation
Required to request USCIS designation under INA 203(b)(5)(E)
✓ Verify you have selected "Initial application"
Submitting fee information for the regional center application
Provides the filing fee schedule for Form I-956
✓ Confirm current fee amount on Form G-1055
Providing Bona Fides for persons involved with the regional center
Supplement required for each individual linked to the regional center
✓ Ensure each Supplement Form I-956H is attached
Deadline or filing window
Not stated in the official source.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Application Type
Selection of Initial or Amendment · Form I-956 Part 1
Amendment Details
Description of change (e.g., name) · Amendment Type section
Policies and Procedures
Written policy document describing EB‑5 compliance · Evidence section
Persons Involved
Supplement Form I-956H for each person · Supplement Form I-956H attachment
Signature
Handwritten signature of authorized official · Signature block
Address Change Notice
Email to EB‑5 Program mailbox within required timeframe · Email notification
Before you submit
- 1Verify you are using the latest edition dated 04/01/24.
- 2Confirm you selected the correct application type (initial or amendment).
- 3Ensure all required evidence is attached, including policies, procedures, and a Supplement Form I-956H for each person.
- 4Attach any amendment documentation describing the change to the regional center.
- 5Provide a handwritten signature of the authorized signing authority.
- 6If filing electronically, include a clear scan of the signed form.
- 7Confirm you have a United States address listed on the form.
- 8Do not send the form to the address shown on page 7.
- 9Submit the form through the filing location indicated on www.uscis.gov/I-956.
- 10Retain a complete copy of the submitted application for your records.
How to file this form
- 1Download the latest Form I-956 (revision 04/01/24) from the USCIS website.
- 2Complete the application, selecting Initial or Amendment and attach all required evidence.
- 3Sign the form by hand and scan the signed document.
- 4Submit the form electronically or by mail to the address provided on www.uscis.gov/I-956.
- 5Obtain a receipt notice confirming USCIS has accepted the filing.
Known limitations
- 1The form cannot be used for routine address changes; a separate address‑change process is required.
- 2Exigent changes must be notified within five (5) business days; other changes follow the 30‑day address‑change rule.
- 3Do not mail the form to the address listed on page 7; that address is not a filing location.
- 4A filing requires a United States mailing address; applications without one are invalid.
- 5A stamped or typewritten signature is not accepted; a handwritten signature is required.
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.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->The instructions for Form I-956 are dated 04/01/24 and will expire on 03/31/2027. The source directs filers to visit www.uscis.gov/I-956 for the most current filing location.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the instructions show revision date 04/01/24.
- Fee — confirm the applicable filing fee by reviewing Form G-1055 (fee amount not stated in the source).
- Mailing address — confirm you are not mailing to the address on page 7; file according to the website location.
- Signature — confirm a handwritten signature is provided; stamped or typewritten names are not accepted.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep the USCIS receipt notice in a safe place.
- 2Monitor case status online using the receipt number.
- 3Respond promptly to any Requests for Evidence, interview notices, or biometric service appointments.
- 4Retain copies of all submitted documents for at least five years.
- 5If an error is discovered, file a corrected Form I-956 with an explanation of the correction.
- 6Await the USCIS decision; note that USCIS may request additional documentation or an interview.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — purpose of Form I-956 is to request USCIS designation as a regional center or an amendment.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — notice of changes must be provided within five (5) business days for exigent circumstances.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — photocopied, faxed, or scanned copies of the original handwritten signature are valid for filing.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — filing fee information is found on Form G-1055.
- SRCInstructions p.6 — each person involved must submit Supplement Form I-956H attached to Form I-956.
- SRCInstructions p.6 — filing location is provided on www.uscis.gov/I-956; do not mail to the address on page 7.
- SRCInstructions p.6 — address changes must be notified within 30 days via email to [email protected].
- SRCInstructions p.6 — a United States address is required to file the application.
Common confusion points
Do I need to mail the form to the address on page 7?
The address on page 7 is for policy correspondence, not for filing.
→ Verify filing location on www.uscis.gov/I-956.
Can I use a typed signature?
USCIS requires a handwritten signature; typed signatures are not accepted.
→ Ensure the signature is handwritten.
What fee do I pay?
The fee amount is not listed in the instructions; it is provided on Form G-1055.
→ Check Form G-1055 for the current fee.
Do I need to submit a Supplement Form I-956H for every employee?
Only persons involved with the regional center must submit the supplement.
→ Attach Form I-956H for each listed person.
How soon must I notify a change in the regional center’s name?
Exigent circumstances require notice within five (5) business days; other changes follow the 30‑day rule.
→ Determine if the change is exigent and send email within the required timeframe.
Is a photocopy of the signed form acceptable?
USCIS accepts photocopied, faxed, or scanned copies of the original handwritten signature.
→ Submit a clear scan of the signed form.
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Questions about USCIS Form I-956
What is USCIS Form I-956 used for?
Form I-956 lets a regional center ask USCIS to become a designated regional center or to change an already approved one. You must list policies, provide evidence, and attach a supplemental form for every person involved. The form requires a handwritten signature and a U.S. mailing address. All parts must be completed before filing.
Who must file USCIS Form I-956?
Regional centers seeking initial designation or an amendment to an approved regional center must file USCIS Form I-956.
What information does USCIS Form I-956 require?
The form collects the applicant’s request type (initial or amendment), policies and procedures for EB-5 compliance, and requires each involved person to submit Supplement Form I-956H.
Where do I file USCIS Form I-956?
File the form to the address listed on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/I-956, which provides the most current filing location.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-956?
Select the appropriate Application Type (initial or amendment) in Part 1, attach a completed Supplement Form I-956H for each person, include evidence of policies and procedures, and sign with a handwritten ink signature. A photocopied, faxed, or scanned copy of the original signature is acceptable. Submit the package to the filing address shown on the USCIS website.
What happens if USCIS Form I-956 is filed incorrectly?
USCIS will reject the application if the signature is stamped or typewritten, and failure to follow address‑change notification rules can lead to denial.
Do I need to mail the form to the address on page 7?
The address on page 7 is for policy correspondence, not for filing. Verify filing location on www.uscis.gov/I-956.
Can I use a typed signature?
USCIS requires a handwritten signature; typed signatures are not accepted. Ensure the signature is handwritten.
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