How long must I wait for the EB-5 project to have USCIS approval? - EB5Investors.com
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How long must I wait for the EB-5 project to have USCIS approval?

Is it wise to invest when other projects have I-956 approval, while the one you’re pursuing in the same system doesn’t have it yet? Should I wait for the project I like best to get this approval, or choose from the ones that already have it?

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Answers

Jinglan Wei

Jinglan “Jane” Wei

EB-5 Immigration attorneys
Answered on

Investing in a project without I-956F approval carries more risk, as USCIS hasn't yet vetted its structure or job creation methodology, which can lead to RFEs or delays on your I-526E petition. If the project you prefer doesn't have approval yet, waiting is generally the safer path.
That said, if you're from a backlogged country (China, India, Vietnam), filing sooner with an already-approved project may outweigh the preference for a specific unapproved one. If you're from a non-backlogged country, you have more flexibility to wait. Either way, approval status alone shouldn't drive your decision. Always conduct thorough due diligence before committing capital.

Bernard P Wolfsdorf

Bernard P Wolfsdorf

EB-5 Immigration attorneys
Answered on

Great question. If you have valid status and you not from India or China, it may be okay to wait a little. Check when the I-956F was filed. The key is you do not want to be stuck with retrogression. The new visa bulletin for March should come out tomorrow. You could see if it’s not backlogged for March, then you safely have until the end of March for your application to be receipted. Maybe do your medical since that can take two weeks.

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