Timeline

Source of Funds Audit and Investment Decision

Timeframe: 1-3 months

Description: This stage involves gathering, documenting, and verifying the source of funds for the EB-5 investment. Once your immigration attorney has deemed the source of funds narrative to be complete, you can invest in a qualifying project, and the EB-5 process can proceed.

I-526E Petition Submission

Wait Period: 6-28 months

Description: During this time, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reviews the I-526E petition, which is an application for conditional residency. After approval, the applicant will attend a consular interview (if applying from outside the U.S.) or proceed to adjust status within the U.S. It is important to note that Rural and Urban TEA offerings can have significantly different adjudication timelines.

Conditional Green Card Issuance

Timeline Marker: Official move to the U.S.

Description: Once the I-526E petition is approved and the consular interview (or status adjustment) is complete, the applicant, along with their family, can officially move to the U.S. as conditional green card holders. They gain U.S. residency but must fulfill certain conditions related to their investment.

I-829 Petition Submission

Timeframe: 2 years after I-526E approval

Description: The I-829 petition is filed to remove the conditions on the green card, proving that the investment requirements have been met (e.g., job creation). Approval of the I-829 grants an unconditional green card.

Unconditional Green Card Approval

Timeframe: Approximately 2 years after filing the I-829 petition

Description: The family becomes unconditional green card holders, meaning they are now permanent residents without investment-related conditions on their status.

U.S. Citizenship Application

Timeframe: 5 years after the initial move to the U.S. as conditional green card holders

Description: After five years of U.S. residency with a conditional or unconditional green card, applicants may become eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship, assuming they meet all additional requirements.