Form I‑924 Explained

If you plan to operate an EB‑5 regional center or expand an existing one, Form I‑924 is the application that makes it possible. This guide explains what the form does, who must file it, and how it fits into the EB‑5 Immigrant Investor Program. You will learn the eligibility standards, filing steps, required documentation, and compliance obligations that keep a regional center in good standing with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

What is Form I‑924?

Form I‑924, Application for Regional Center Designation Under the Immigrant Investor Program, is filed with USCIS to request approval for participation in the EB‑5 Regional Center Program. It is the official application for regional center designation, authorizing an entity to pool EB‑5 investment capital and sponsor projects that create U.S. jobs.

The legal authority for this process comes from section 203(b)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and 8 CFR § 204.6(m). The form is reviewed by the Immigrant Investor Program Office (IPO) within USCIS. You can find the current version and instructions on the USCIS Form I‑924 page.

Purpose and legal background

The EB‑5 Immigrant Investor Program was created by Congress in 1990 to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and EB‑5 investment by foreign nationals. The Immigrant Investor Pilot Program, later renamed the Regional Center Program, allows designated entities to manage pooled investments across multiple projects rather than a single enterprise.

A regional center is an economic unit, public or private, that promotes economic growth, improved regional productivity, job creation, and increased domestic capital investment. USCIS grants regional center designation to qualified applicants that demonstrate the capacity to oversee EB‑5 projects responsibly and in compliance with federal law.

The EB‑5 program operates under the oversight of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through USCIS. Regional centers must follow the regulations in 8 CFR § 204.6 and the USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 6, Part G.

For background on how EB‑5 investments lead to permanent residence, see Lighthouse’s guides on EB‑5 visa eligibility and process and EB‑5 green card pathways.

Who must file Form I‑924

You must file Form I‑924 if you are:

• A U.S. entity seeking initial designation as an EB‑5 regional center
• An existing regional center filing an amendment to expand its geographic area, add or change industry categories, modify its organizational structure, or update owners of the regional center entity
• A successor organization assuming control of an approved regional center
• A regional center responding to a Notice of Intent to Terminate (NOIT) or other compliance action

Individual EB‑5 investors do not file Form I‑924. They instead file Form I‑526 (Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor) to demonstrate eligibility for a green card through a specific project.

Eligibility and requirements for regional center designation

To qualify for regional center designation, the applicant must meet several baseline requirements:

• U.S. entity formation: The applicant must be a legal entity organized in the United States, such as a limited liability company, corporation, partnership, or other lawful structure.
• Credible economic plan: The submission must include a business plan and economic analysis showing how EB‑5 investment will promote economic growth and create at least 10 full‑time jobs per investor.
• Defined geographic area: The geographic area must be clearly identified and supported by data showing economic interdependence.
• Industry category: Each proposed NAICS code (North American Industry Classification System) must align with the types of projects the center intends to sponsor.
• Organizational structure and management: The application must describe the managing company, key personnel, and their qualifications to oversee EB‑5 projects.
• Compliance readiness: Applicants must demonstrate systems for recordkeeping, investor tracking, and compliance with securities and immigration laws.

USCIS conducts due diligence on all principals and owners to confirm good moral character and lawful source of administrative funds.

How to complete Form I‑924: step by step

Step 1: Obtain the current form and instructions

Download the completed form template and instructions from the USCIS website. Always confirm the OMB (Office of Management and Budget) expiration date to ensure you are using the current version.

Step 2: Identify your purpose

Check the box that matches your filing type:

• New application for regional center designation
• Amendment to an existing designation
• Annual certification of regional center (Form I‑924A is used for this purpose but may be referenced in amendments)

Step 3: Provide entity and contact information

List the legal name, organizational structure, date of formation, EIN, and contact information for the principal office. Include the date of birth and citizenship details for each principal, owner, and officer.

Step 4: Describe the geographic area

Provide a detailed map and narrative identifying the counties or metropolitan areas where the center will operate. Support the boundaries with economic data showing regional interdependence.

Step 5: Identify industry categories

List each NAICS code that corresponds to the industries in which the center will promote EB‑5 investment. Examples include construction, hospitality, renewable energy, or manufacturing.

Step 6: Submit a comprehensive business plan

Attach a business plan that meets the standards set in Matter of Ho, 22 I&N Dec. 206 (AAO 1998). The plan should include:

• Market analysis and project descriptions
• Job creation methodology
• Financial projections and use of funds
• Details of escrow arrangements for investor capital
• Management structure and operational timeline

Step 7: Include supporting documentation

Provide supporting documentation such as:

• Organizational charts
• Operating agreements or bylaws
• Evidence of lawful source of administrative funds
• Economic impact analysis prepared by qualified professionals
• Contracts or memoranda with project developers
• Evidence of compliance with federal and state securities laws

Step 8: Sign and certify

The authorized signatory must sign under penalty of perjury, confirming the accuracy of all information. Include documentation proving the signer’s authority to represent the entity.

Required supporting documents

A strong I‑924 application is evidence‑driven. USCIS expects a well‑organized submission with clear indexing. Typical attachments include:

• Formation documents: articles of incorporation, operating agreements, or partnership certificates
• Ownership chart identifying all direct and indirect owners, including percentages of ownership
• Economic analysis with detailed job creation models showing direct, indirect, and induced employment
• Business plan consistent with Matter of Ho
• Financial documentation proving lawful source of administrative funds and capital structure
• Project documentation such as offering documents and escrow agreements
• Compliance plan describing procedures for monitoring EB‑5 investors, tracking capital investment, and maintaining records for audits
• Prior approvals, including copies of earlier approved regional center notices or Form I‑924A filings if applicable

Filing and fees

Where to file

Send the I‑924 application package to the USCIS Immigrant Investor Program Office (IPO). The current mailing address is listed on the USCIS I‑924 page. USCIS may update addresses periodically, so verify before filing.

Filing fee

The filing fee for Form I‑924 is $17,795, payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Always confirm the current amount on the USCIS Fee Schedule.

Payment and submission tips

• Include the fee on top of the packet with a cover letter identifying the filing type.
• Use tabs or dividers to separate sections.
• Label each exhibit clearly.
• Retain a full copy for your records.

USCIS does not offer premium processing for Form I‑924. Cases are processed in the order received.

USCIS review process and timelines

After receiving your package, USCIS performs several stages of review:

1. Intake and receipt notice: USCIS checks for completeness and issues a receipt notice acknowledging receipt.
2. Initial review: The IPO verifies signatures, fees, and basic eligibility.
3. Substantive review: Adjudicators evaluate the economic methodology, business plan, and compliance systems.
4. Requests for Evidence (RFEs): If additional information is needed, USCIS issues an RFE or Notice of Intent to deny or terminate.
5. Decision: Approved applications receive a formal regional center designation notice. Denied cases may be appealed using Form I‑290B.

Processing times vary. You can check current estimates on the USCIS Processing Time Tool. Complex or incomplete filings often extend review periods.

Common reasons for denial or RFE

• Insufficient business plan lacking financial projections or clear job creation methodology
• Weak economic analysis failing to link investment to measurable job creation
• Incomplete documentation such as missing ownership details, financial evidence, or contracts
• Unsupported geographic area without data showing economic interdependence
• Non‑compliance history, including failure to file Form I‑924A or respond to USCIS inquiries
• Inadequate due diligence on principals or questionable fund sources

Responding thoroughly to RFEs with organized evidence and clear explanations is critical to avoid denial.

Amendment and termination procedures

When amendments are required

A regional center must file an amended Form I‑924 when it:

• Expands or reduces its geographic area
• Adds or removes industry categories
• Changes its organizational structure or ownership
• Updates its managing company or control arrangements
• Seeks to include new project exemplars

Termination of designation

Under 8 CFR § 204.6(m)(6), USCIS may terminate a regional center’s designation for:

• Failure to promote economic growth
• Fraud or misrepresentation
• Failure to file the annual certification of regional center (Form I‑924A)
• Extended inactivity or lack of EB‑5 investors
• Non‑response to a Notice of Intent to Terminate

Regional centers have the right to respond to a NOIT with evidence of continued activity and compliance. For details, see USCIS policy on regional center termination.

Compliance and recordkeeping requirements

Maintaining designation requires ongoing compliance:

• Annual reporting: File Form I‑924A by December 29 each fiscal year to demonstrate continued eligibility. Failure to file may result in termination.
• Recordkeeping: Maintain detailed records of capital investment, job creation, and investor tracking for each new commercial enterprise.
• Compliance review: USCIS may conduct audits or site visits to verify operations.
• Securities compliance: Regional centers must follow SEC and state securities laws in all promotional activities and investor offerings.
• Cooperation with DHS: Respond promptly to any request for additional information or documentation.

USCIS may impose penalties or revoke designation for false statements or failure to maintain proper oversight.

Policy updates affecting EB‑5 regional centers

The EB‑5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 reauthorized the Regional Center Program and introduced new compliance obligations:

• Mandatory annual certification of regional center filings and integrity fees
• Enhanced background checks for owners and administrators
• New definitions for targeted employment areas (TEAs)
• Requirements for fund administration and escrow controls
• Expanded authority for DHS to conduct compliance reviews and site inspections
• Clarified procedures to file Form I‑924A and investor reporting

These updates strengthen transparency and investor protection. For the latest guidance, review the EB‑5 Reform and Integrity Act overview.

Lighthouse support for EB‑5 regional centers

Preparing a compliant I‑924 application requires precision, documentation management, and familiarity with USCIS adjudication standards. Lighthouse helps regional center operators and project sponsors organize every component, from the business plan and economic analysis to the supporting documentation required for approval.

Our team combines technology with expert review to streamline complex filings, track USCIS forms, and maintain compliance across reporting cycles. We help clients prepare Form I‑924A submissions, respond to Requests for Evidence, and coordinate with counsel on amendments or ownership changes.

If you are planning to establish or maintain a regional center, Lighthouse can help you structure your documentation and timelines to align with USCIS expectations. Discover the best visa pathway for your team or connect with us to discuss your EB‑5 regional center strategy.

Frequently asked questions

Who files Form I‑924 versus Form I‑526?‍

Form I‑924 is filed by entities seeking regional center designation or amendments. Individual EB‑5 investors file Form I‑526 to request classification as immigrant investors based on a specific project. Lighthouse supports both regional center operators and investors through document preparation and compliance tracking.

What is the EB‑5 Regional Center Program?‍

It is part of the EB‑5 Immigrant Investor Program that allows designated regional centers to pool investor funds for larger projects that create U.S. jobs. Regional centers must maintain USCIS approval and comply with annual reporting. Lighthouse assists with both initial filings and ongoing compliance.

Can individual investors apply directly?‍

Yes, but they would invest through a new commercial enterprise outside the regional center framework. Only entities managing pooled investments file Form I‑924. Lighthouse can help investors evaluate whether a direct or regional center investment best fits their goals.

Does an approved I‑924 guarantee investor petitions will be approved?‍

No. Each investor must independently meet EB‑5 requirements, including lawful source of funds and minimum capital investment. A regional center’s approval supports but does not ensure investor success. Lighthouse helps both sides align documentation to reduce risk of petition delays.

How often must a regional center report to USCIS?‍

Every fiscal year, the center must file Form I‑924A for its annual certification of regional center activity. The report summarizes investor numbers, job creation, and project status. Lighthouse provides structured templates and reminders to help centers file on time.

What happens if a regional center fails to meet job creation goals?‍

USCIS may issue a Notice of Intent to Terminate or request corrective action. Centers must provide evidence of progress or revised economic models to maintain designation. Lighthouse assists in preparing responses and updated documentation.

Can a terminated center reapply?‍

Yes. A new application for regional center designation may be filed with a fresh completed form, updated business plan, and full filing fee. USCIS will evaluate it as a new case. Lighthouse can help rebuild the submission package to meet current standards.

What is the role of biometrics in the I‑924 process?‍

USCIS may require biometrics for principals or owners during background checks as part of due diligence. Applicants receive instructions if this step applies.

Where can I find official updates?‍

Visit uscis.gov for current forms, policy updates, and fee information. Always verify details directly with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Does an approved I‑924 guarantee investor petitions will be approved?‍

No. Each EB‑5 investor must independently meet program requirements, including lawful source of funds and minimum EB‑5 investment thresholds.