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Form I-956F: Application for Approval of an Investment in a Commercial Enterprise
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-956F is used by a designated regional center to request approval of a single commercial enterprise investment project, and must be filed within 30 days of any address change.
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USCIS Form I-956F - Application for Approval of an Investment in a Commercial Enterprise
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-956F is used by a designated regional center to request approval of a single commercial enterprise investment project, and must be filed within 30 days of any address change.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Missing the biometrics appointment can lead to denial of the petition.
- 2Submitting more than one commercial enterprise on a single Form I-956F.
- 3Failing to attend the required biometrics appointment, leading to possible denial.
- 4Providing original documents when only photocopies are requested, risking destruction.
- 5Omitting an English translation for foreign-language documents or missing the translator’s certification.
Plain English
A regional center files this form to get USCIS approval for a new investment project. The petition can only cover one commercial enterprise and must include a signed oath and a biometrics appointment. All information must be true and complete at filing. USCIS will check the petition for completeness before moving forward.
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 a designated regional center requests approval of a single commercial enterprise investment project. (Instructions p.1)
- Do not use it when seeking to change the regional center’s geographic area or to report an address change. (Instructions p.1, Instructions p.8)
- Check Form G-1055 instead when you need to determine the filing fee. (Instructions p.1)
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Determining filing fee
Fee amount varies by project size
✓ Verify fee schedule on USCIS website
Paying the fee electronically
Provides payment instructions and accepted methods
✓ Confirm payment method matches form instructions
Finding fee exemptions or waivers
Lists eligibility for fee waiver
✓ Check waiver criteria before submitting
Deadline or filing window
A designated regional center may file Form I-956F any time after it receives its designation. There is no fixed filing deadline for the project approval request. However, any change to the regional center’s mailing address must be reported to USCIS within 30 days. No extensions are mentioned for the filing itself.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Project description
Detailed investment project plan · Regional center business plan
Certifier's Email Address
Certifier’s email address · Internal records of the certifier
Signature
Handwritten signature (or scanned copy) · Completed form
Biometrics appointment notice
Appointment confirmation notice · USCIS communication
Address change notification
Email to EB-5 Program mailbox documenting new address · Email sent to [email protected]
Before you submit
- 1Confirm the form is the 04/01/24 edition.
- 2Complete all required fields, describing only one commercial enterprise.
- 3Attach legible photocopies of all supporting documents.
- 4Enter the certifier’s email address in the designated field.
- 5Sign the form with a handwritten signature (or a valid scanned copy).
- 6Schedule and attend the mandatory biometrics appointment.
- 7Pay the filing fee as indicated on Form G-1055 and retain the receipt.
- 8Submit the petition to the filing location listed on the USCIS website (do not mail to the address on the form).
- 9Retain a complete copy of the petition and payment receipt for your records.
- 10Notify USCIS of any address change within 30 days via the EB-5 Program mailbox.
How to file this form
- 1Download the latest Form I-956F and instructions from www.uscis.gov/I-956F. (Proof: saved PDF)
- 2Complete the form, describing a single commercial enterprise and providing all required information. (Proof: completed form)
- 3Obtain the required handwritten signature and, if applicable, a scanned copy of the signature. (Proof: signed form)
- 4Pay the filing fee as specified on Form G-1055 and retain the payment receipt. (Proof: fee receipt)
- 5Schedule the mandatory biometrics appointment and obtain the appointment notice. (Proof: appointment confirmation)
- 6Submit the completed petition to the filing location indicated on the USCIS website, retaining the mailing or electronic submission receipt. (Proof: submission receipt)
Known limitations
- 1The form cannot be used to request a change in the regional center’s geographic area. (Instructions p.1)
- 2Address changes must be reported via email to the EB-5 Program mailbox, not on this form. (Instructions p.8)
- 3Filers must have a United States address to submit the application. (Instructions p.8)
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->Form I-956F is the 04/01/24 edition, which expires on 03/31/2027. The instructions direct filers to the USCIS website for the most current filing location. (Instructions p.1, Instructions p.8)
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the form shows revision date 04/01/24 and expiration 03/31/2027. (Instructions p.1)
- Fee — confirm you have consulted Form G-1055 for the correct filing fee. (Instructions p.1)
- Mailing address — confirm you are not mailing to the address on the form; use the filing location listed on the USCIS website. (Instructions p.8, Instructions p.9)
- Signature — confirm the form includes a handwritten signature (or a valid scanned copy) and not a typed or stamped name. (Instructions p.1)
- Appointment — confirm you have scheduled the required biometrics appointment. (Instructions p.2)
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Monitor the USCIS portal for an acceptance notice confirming receipt of the petition.
- 2Respond promptly to any Request for Evidence (RFE) issued by USCIS.
- 3Attend the scheduled biometrics appointment; failure may result in denial.
- 4If the mailing address changes, email the EB-5 Program mailbox within 30 days.
- 5Retain copies of all submitted documents and any USCIS correspondence for your records.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — purpose: used by a designated regional center to request approval of a single commercial enterprise investment project.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — cannot be used to request a change in the geographic area of the regional center.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — filing fee information is found on Form G-1055.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — biometrics appointment is required and must be attended.
- SRCInstructions p.8 — filing location must be obtained from the USCIS website; do not mail to address on form.
- SRCInstructions p.8 — address changes must be notified within 30 days via email to EB-5 Program mailbox.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — signature must be handwritten; typed or stamped names are rejected.
- SRCInstructions p.8 — must have a United States address to file this application.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — revision date 04/01/24 and expiration 03/31/2027.
- SRCForm p.8 — includes Certifier's Email Address field.
Common confusion points
Do I need to file this form to change the regional center’s address?
The form is not used for address changes; those require an email notification.
→ Verify you are sending an email to [email protected] within 30 days.
Can I type my name instead of signing?
USCIS rejects stamped or typewritten names.
→ Ensure a handwritten signature (or a valid scanned copy) is present.
May I list multiple commercial enterprises on one form?
Each Form I-956F may include only one commercial enterprise.
→ Confirm only one enterprise is described.
Is the filing fee printed on this form?
Fee information is provided on Form G-1055, not on Form I-956F.
→ Consult Form G-1055 for the correct fee amount.
Where should I mail the completed form?
The address on the form is not for filing; the website provides the correct location.
→ Check www.uscis.gov/I-956F for the current filing address.
Do I still need a biometrics appointment if filing from abroad?
Overseas filers are instructed to contact a U.S. Embassy, Consulate, or USCIS office abroad to schedule.
→ Follow the overseas appointment instructions in the notice.
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Questions about USCIS Form I-956F
What is USCIS Form I-956F used for?
A regional center files this form to get USCIS approval for a new investment project. The petition can only cover one commercial enterprise and must include a signed oath and a biometrics appointment. All information must be true and complete at filing. USCIS will check the petition for completeness before moving forward.
Who must file USCIS Form I-956F?
Only a designated regional center may file USCIS Form I-956F to request project approval.
What information does USCIS Form I-956F require?
The form collects details about a single commercial enterprise and requires the regional center’s name, project description, and the signing authority’s signature.
Where do I file USCIS Form I-956F?
File the petition according to the latest instructions on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/I-956F.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-956F?
Type or print legibly in black ink and include the regional center’s name at the top of each page. Use Part 14 for any additional information and reference page, part, and item numbers. The signing authority must sign the form, and the filer must attend a biometrics appointment and sign an oath. Submit legible photocopies unless originals are specifically requested.
What happens if USCIS Form I-956F is filed incorrectly?
If the petition is incomplete or the required biometrics appointment is missed, USCIS may reject or deny the application.
Do I need to file this form to change the regional center’s address?
The form is not used for address changes; those require an email notification. Verify you are sending an email to [email protected] within 30 days.
Can I type my name instead of signing?
USCIS rejects stamped or typewritten names. Ensure a handwritten signature (or a valid scanned copy) is present.
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