How long does it take to obtain a green card through the EB-5 visa program?

Obtaining a green card through the EB-5 program has historically involved varying processing times. In the past, the typical timeline from investment and petition filing to conditional green card issuance ranged from 2 to 3 years.

However, since the program’s reinstatement, processing times have exhibited a positive trend, particularly for targeted employment area (TEA) projects, especially in rural areas. For these investments, approvals are now being granted within 12 months, with green card issuance expected shortly after.

Based on current observations, the overall processing timeframe can be estimated between 18 and 30 months. This timeframe is likely to continue improving as USCIS increases staffing and demonstrates continued commitment to streamlining processing times.

It is important to note that processing times can vary depending on individual circumstances and project specifics. Consulting with an immigration attorney is highly recommended to understand the most up-to-date processing estimates and tailor your specific timeline expectations.

Video Transcript
The length of time that it can take to obtain a green card through the EB-5 process really has varied over the years. Historically, I would say perhaps 2 to 3 years time from making the investment and filing your petition you could wind up as a conditional green card holder. Over the last several years, we’ve seen some delays due to COVID and the reinstatement of the EB-5 program, but as a result of that reinstatement of the EB-5 program we’re now seeing much faster processing. For those investors investing in targeted employment area projects, particularly in rural projects we’re seeing approvals in as quickly as under 12 months and from there the issuance of the green card should be coming shortly after. So I would put that timeframe anywhere from 18 to 30 months, and we’ll continue to see if we see better and better processing times as USCIS has staffed up and shown more commitment to improving those processing times.

Presented by:
Christian Triantaphyllis, Partner, Jackson Walker LLP