The Visa Bulletins for April and May 2025 released by the U.S. Department of State, have implemented significant modifications to the EB-5 Unreserved visa category. These changes have a substantial impact on how investors plan for U.S. permanent residency through the EB-5 immigrant visa program. At the same time, Reserved EB-5 categories—Rural, High-Unemployment, and Infrastructure—remain “Current” for all nationalities. This gives new investors a chance to avoid growing backlogs.
Retrogressions Hit China and India the Hardest
Investors from China and India are especially affected by these changes. The priority date for Chinese applicants was pushed back to January 22, 2014—about two and a half years. For Indian applicants, the date went back more than two years, now set at May 1, 2019. These delays are similar to the long waits seen during 2015 to 2019, when Chinese investors had to wait over 10 years.
The EB-5 visa is an employment-based immigrant visa with a limit of about 10,000 each year. This includes both the main investor and their family members. In the past, China used more than 80% of these visas. Even after new rules aimed at spreading demand across countries, China and India still apply in large numbers.
Why Are These Delays Happening?
There are several reasons. First, the number of applications from China and India keep rising. Second, more people from Vietnam, Brazil, and South Korea are applying too. These new applications use up visa numbers that previously went to China and India. Third, strict annual visa limits for 2025 forced the U.S. government to move priority dates backward to stay within the legal cap.
Industry experts saw these changes coming. Without shifting dates back, the U.S. would run out of visa supply too soon, causing legal and process issues.
Reserved Categories Are Still Open
Unlike the Unreserved category, Reserved EB-5 categories are still open for all nationalities. These were created under the 2022 EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act and include:
- 20% of visas for Rural Area investments
- 10% for High-Unemployment Areas
- 2% for Infrastructure Projects
These Reserved categories make up 32% of the annual EB-5 visas—around 3,200 spots. Right now, there are no backlogs in these categories, no matter where the investor is from.
Also, USCIS data from 2024 shows that these cases are processed about 35% faster. That’s because fewer people apply under these categories, making the application process quicker.
Why Wait Times Matter
Here’s a real-world example:
- A Chinese investor applying under the Unreserved category in May 2025 may wait 12–15 years.
- The same investor applying under a Reserved Rural or High-Unemployment project would wait only as long as it takes USCIS to process their petition. No delay exists because of visa availability.
This is why Reserved categories are now the better choice for serious investors, especially from countries with high demand.
A Look Back: Lessons from 2015–2019
The visa delays observed in 2025 closely resemble those experienced between 2015 and 2019. During that earlier period, the Reserved EB-5 categories did not yet exist, and all applicants competed within a single, unsegmented pool of available visas. Today, smart investors can choose Reserved projects to skip long waits.
This change has made the EB-5 visa process more flexible. Project choice now has a significant impact on how fast someone can get a green card.
How to Plan Ahead
If you are thinking about applying for an EB-5 visa—especially from China, India, or Vietnam—consider these steps:
- Choose a project that qualifies for a Reserved category
- Apply soon to get ahead of possible future delays in those categories
- Work with a trusted regional center and legal team to make sure your project meets all requirements
- Regularly check the Visa Bulletin for updates on priority dates and visa issuance
The choice of project is more important than ever. Investors should do their homework and make sure the project truly qualifies for one of the Reserved groups.
Understanding the Numbers: An Example
Let’s say you’re a Chinese investor choosing between two EB-5 projects:
- Project A is in a city and falls under the Unreserved category. The current priority date is May 1, 2019. You might wait 12–15 years.
- Project B is a Rural development, qualifying as Reserved. No backlog exists. Your visa can be issued once your petition is approved.
Now, let’s talk investment outcomes:
- Assume each project costs $800,000 to invest.
- USCIS takes 18 months to approve your petition.
- With Project B, you could get a conditional green card in under two years.
In contrast, with Project A, you could face a wait of more than ten years, even with a swift petition approval, solely due to visa availability.
Keep in mind that each EB-5 investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. These jobs are tracked and verified during the green card application process. Investors must also submit all required documents to USCIS and attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Final Thoughts: Time to Act
The EB-5 immigrant visa application process is changing fast. If you apply under the Unreserved category, you may face long delays. But if you choose a Reserved project, you could move ahead much faster.
For those considering an employment-based green card through EB-5, now is a good time to act. Reserved categories are still open, but that may not last forever.
Houston EB5 is a leading regional center that can help. We offer free consultations to review your goals and guide you to the right project. With smart planning, you can secure a better immigration timeline and a strong investment path to becoming a Lawful Permanent Resident.
Key Takeaways:
- Reserved EB-5 categories are faster and have no backlog.
- Priority dates for China and India have moved back significantly.
- Smart project choice can reduce wait times by many years.
- Reserved projects include rural, high-unemployment, and infrastructure developments.
- Always monitor visa issuance trends and stay updated on changes.
Let Houston EB5 help you take the next step toward your future in the United States.
