USCIS Shuts Down 30 EB-5 Regional Centers: What It Means for Investors
- February 18, 2026
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has ramped up enforcement of the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, shutting down 30 EB-5 regional centers in one swift action. This marks the second large-scale termination following the implementation of new reforms in 2025. The recent closures occurred on January 16 and January 21, 2026, impacting long-established regional centers in prominent locations like San Francisco, San Diego, and Las Vegas.
Why the Shutdowns Happened
The terminations were not unexpected. After a similar wave of closures in January 2025, USCIS had been slow to act but began enforcing stricter compliance requirements. The new regulations, including the Integrity Fund mandate, forced regional centers to pay into the fund by September and submit detailed annual reports by December. As a result, many centers opted to voluntarily surrender their designations, while others were directly revoked by USCIS for failing to meet compliance standards. This latest round of shutdowns highlights both the consolidation of the market and the inevitable consequences of increased regulatory oversight.
Impact on Investors
For investors, the termination of a regional center can be a daunting prospect. In some cases, investors discover issues only after receiving termination notices or realize their investments are at risk once the regional center is no longer operational. USCIS provides a short 180-day window for affected investors to report their status and take action. If you haven’t already received a notification, it’s important to act quickly.
Here’s what investors need to do:
1. Verify Your Regional Center’s Status
Head over to the USCIS Regional Center Terminations page and check if your regional center is on the list. This is a crucial step to confirm whether your investment is affected by the recent shutdowns.
2. Reach Out to Your Regional Center
If your regional center has been shut down, contact its representatives to understand the reason behind the termination. Was it voluntary, or was it due to compliance failures or project-related issues? This distinction will help you decide on the appropriate course of action.
3. Assess the Status of Your Project and Immigration Eligibility
You’ll need to evaluate whether the EB-5 project is still operational and progressing with job creation. If the project is moving forward and creating jobs as planned, your immigration petition may remain on track. However, if the project is delayed or job creation targets won’t be met, you’ll need to make plans for transferring your investment to a compliant regional center or exploring redesignation options.
4. Consider Your Status by Application Stage
- I-829 Approved: If you’ve already received your green card, your status remains unaffected. However, you should focus on recovering your capital as outlined in the project’s repayment terms.
- I-829 Pending/Not Yet Filed: If your regional center was terminated, you may still be able to transfer your petition to a compliant regional center, depending on the circumstances. Make sure to consult an experienced immigration lawyer to preserve your immigration eligibility.
- I-526E Filed: If your petition has been filed but not yet approved, now is the time to seek professional guidance on whether your petition can be transferred to a new, compliant center. Simultaneously, ensure that your investment is protected.
5. Be Prepared for Future Risk
Even if your regional center wasn’t affected by the recent terminations, it’s important to remain vigilant. If your center is not actively raising EB-5 capital or is experiencing inactivity, it should be considered high-risk. Monitor future announcements from USCIS and be prepared with contingency plans to avoid any disruptions in your investment or immigration process.
The Silver Lining for Prospective Investors
While this wave of terminations may seem alarming, it’s actually a sign that the EB-5 program is evolving into a more secure and transparent investment environment. The elimination of non-compliant regional centers clears the way for stronger, more reliable projects. For prospective investors, it’s an encouraging development—giving priority to regional centers that are compliant, actively raising capital, and supported by tangible, ongoing projects will mitigate the risks.
For those still considering an EB-5 investment, focusing on areas such as infrastructure or rural development can provide added security. These priority areas tend to be less volatile and offer stable, long-term prospects for both investors and the communities involved.
Conclusion
The changes brought on by the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 and the subsequent enforcement by USCIS represent a significant shift in the landscape of U.S. immigration investment. With stricter regulations and more aggressive oversight, the program is weeding out non-compliant regional centers and reinforcing a more sustainable, transparent investment environment. While this may present challenges for some investors, it ultimately sets the stage for a more stable and reliable EB-5 market. As always, staying informed and consulting with legal and financial experts is key to navigating this evolving space.
