How long does it take to get my passport back after the EB-5 visa interview? - EB5Investors.com

How long does it take to get my passport back after the EB-5 visa interview?

I am an EB-5 investor and was interviewed for an EB-5 visa at the U.S. consulate in Islamabad on Oct. 15, 2018. At the interview, my passport was held at the consulate for further administrative processing. I was told that there was nothing pending at my end and I should be informed about the status of the visa issuance in couple of weeks. It has been one month, but I have heard nothing from the consulate. What is the timeline for the issuance of an EB-5 immigration visa after the interview is completed?

Answers

BoBi Ahn

BoBi Ahn

Immigration Attorneys
Answered on

Unfortunately, there is no normal or usual processing time for cases that are under review for administrative processing. In most cases these are going through security clearance, and that can take some time since it has to go through other agencies (i.e., Interpol, FBI, etc.) to provide clearance before USCIS can proceed. You should continue to touch base with the consulate every few weeks to follow up to see if there are any updates.

Julia Roussinova

Julia Roussinova

Immigration Attorneys
Answered on

There is no specific timeline. Administrative processing can take two weeks or a year or longer, in certain cases. You can request your passport be returned by contacting the embassy.

Hassan Elkhalil

Hassan Elkhalil

Immigration Attorneys
Answered on

Anytime there is an "administrative processing," there is not really a time frame to go by. It may take two weeks and it may take a year.

Marko Issever

Marko Issever

EB-5 Broker Dealers
Answered on

Under normal circumstances, you should have received your passport back by now. They are either very backlogged or checking on something. The administrative processing time could be anywhere between six to 12 months, but of course, in rare cases, it could take longer.

A Olusanjo Omoniyi

A Olusanjo Omoniyi

Immigration Attorneys
Answered on

In a consular situation, the issuance of an EB-5 immigrant visa, particularly if there is an ongoing investigation, depends on when the investigation is completed. Thus, visas may not be issued until the investigation is completed. If you need your passport as soon as possible, contact the consulate in Islamabad on the possibility of getting your passport. The meeting may also provide you an insight of how long you need to wait for the issuance of your immigrant visa.

Bernard P Wolfsdorf

Bernard P Wolfsdorf

Immigration Attorneys
Answered on

First, it is good they held the passport because if there were problems they would return it. My guess is you will get it back in two to three weeks.

Charles Foster

Charles Foster

Immigration Attorneys
Answered on

If one&#39s case is delayed for "administrative processing," it would be impossible to tell how long it would take for the matter to be resolved. If you need your passport to travel, then you&#39ll need to contact the consulate and retrieve the same. Thus, there&#39s no particular timeline, as "administrative processing" covers a multitude of sins. If there were a "hit" on the applicant&#39s name and there were negative information associated with the applicant''s name, it can take months or anywhere from several months or much longer in order for the matter to be resolved.

Belma Demirovic Chinchoy

Belma Demirovic Chinchoy

Immigration Attorneys
Answered on

Admin processing can take as long as 12 months. You and your attorney should be following up with the Consulate and make arrangements if you need to retrieve your passport during that period.

Lynne Feldman

Lynne Feldman

Immigration Attorneys
Answered on

No specific timeline, but you can follow up with the consulate.

Salvatore Picataggio

Salvatore Picataggio

Immigration Attorneys
Answered on

In my experience, shorter than a month. Contact the consulate or have your attorney do so.

Stephen Berman

Stephen Berman

Immigration Attorneys
Answered on

There is no set time frame. If you need your passport for travel you can request it be returned.

Jinhee Wilde

Jinhee Wilde

Immigration Attorneys
Answered on

Every consulate is putting cases to unnecessary administrative processing for all the cases from H-1B, L-1 to EB-5 these days. In the past, the AP would be resolved after two to eight weeks max but, under this administration, it is hard to say. If you do not get something after another month, have your lawyer put in an inquiry.

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