The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is undergoing significant compliance reforms in 2026. New rules under the EB-5 Integrity Fund — established by the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 — are now fully operational, imposing enhanced auditing, due diligence, and reporting requirements on regional centers.
What's New
Regional centers must now submit annual certifications, undergo fund audits, and demonstrate compliance with securities laws. USCIS has the authority to terminate non-compliant regional centers — putting investor petitions at risk. Background checks on regional center principals and promoters are more rigorous.
Impact on Investors
For prospective EB-5 investors, the Integrity Fund rules provide better protection against fraud but also add complexity. The April 2026 Visa Bulletin shows continued backlogs for Chinese EB-5 applicants. Alternative pathways like EB-2 NIW or E-2 treaty investor may offer faster timelines for some investors.