Questions and Answers > EB-5 Investments

Why are the I-485 processing times for EB-5 so long?

Is it true that the EB-5 related I-485s always get transferred to the California service center? If yes, why is that the case? CSC has the longest processing times for I-485, at least 4years. Is it intentional?

Answers

• Raymond Lahoud

  Immigration Attorney

  Answered on May 20, 2021

  Processing times are long given the number of petitions, lack of resources at the agency, and the like.

• Fredrick W Voigtmann

  Immigration Attorney

  Answered on April 26, 2021

  As of April 2021, CSC processing times for I-485 applications have a wide range, between 12 and 70.5 months, with the majority of applications adjudicated at the lower end of the time range.

• Bernard P Wolfsdorf

  Immigration Attorney

  Answered on April 26, 2021

  It is possible the lengthy waiting lines for adjustment are part of the prior efforts of the administration to make it more difficult to become a resident. We are filing mandamus actions and the courts are highly sympathetic to these artificial delays.

• Lynne Feldman

  Immigration Attorney

  Answered on April 26, 2021

  They are ridiculous but also not very accurate as we are seeing approvals much sooner.

• Stephen Berman

  Immigration Attorney

  Answered on April 23, 2021

  Yes, it is intentional. It is because EB-5 is not a very popular program and DHS just does not like it very much. In addition, it takes a great deal of their time to adjudicate such applications, so other matters take a higher priority. Many may argue that they should give EB-5 high priority. You should make such arguments to your Congressmen.

• Dale Schwartz

  Immigration Attorney

  Answered on April 23, 2021

  Hangover from Trump days.