I invested in the EB5 program this May. I heard that the approval from USCIS has been delayed since 2011. The EB5 program says the shortest timeframe is 1 year for the investor to get their EB5 visa. But currently, it seems to be taking at least 2 years. I worry about the passing time. I was going to file the I-526 this September. If I file the I-526 with USCIS next March, will I be able to get my immigrant visa within a year?
Processing times vary depending on the volume of applications USCIS received. Current processing times are 8 months for the I-526 petition and 4-8 months processing of the applications for consular processing or adjustment of status.
Unless there are some problems with your application or source of funds (or, perhaps, your country of origin), you should be able to get your visa in less than a year. 6-8 months is about average these days.
I just saw an I-797 approval notice dated less than 60 days from the I-797 receipt notice. I think it very much depends upon both the project you invest in and the regional center involved.
The process of obtaining an EB-5 immigrant visa consists of two steps. The first step is to file and obtain approval by USCIS of the Form I - 526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur. EB-5 processing times vary based upon seasonal workload and staffing at the agency as well as the complexity of the petition. Current processing time for I-526 petitions are running eight months. The second step is to process the applicant?s immigrant visa through the United States Department of State. Upon approval, I-526 petitions are forwarded to the National Visa Center in New Hampshire for "front end" processing, including the payment of visa fees, completion of background checks, and the collection of civil documents and completed visa applications. After all required materials have been submitted to the national visa center, the file will be forwarded to the U.S. Consulate or Embassy in the applicant''s home country where the visa interview will be conducted.
