When choosing a visa to apply for, the approval time length may be a determining factor. At Houston EB5, we understand the ins and outs of EB-5 visas. Here is what you should know about the approval process for an EB-5 visa:
EB-5 Visa Timeline
The timeline for an EB-5 visa is much shorter than one may think. The process usually yields a green card in 2–3 years. Although, this timeline can be slightly longer if there are issues that arise. Investors can obtain a green card in approximately 1 year if they invest in a rural, priority-processing project. Houston EB5 will be with our investors throughout the entire process to offer assistance. Here is the timeline for an EB-5 visa:
Contact Houston EB5
The first step to take is to contact us at Houston EB5. We will schedule a call to explain our background, current projects, and provide answers to any questions that you may have. Then we will request you to submit our questionnaire for potential investors as a matter of compliance. This questionnaire will ask you basic questions to make sure that you are eligible for this type of visa. After you complete the questionnaire, we’ll share the EB-5 project’s offering documents with you for review in addition to introducing you to an immigration attorney if you do not already have one.
Collect Documents
Once you have engaged an immigration attorney to pursue an EB-5 visa petition, you will need to collect certain documents. These documents will go towards your I-526E application. Here are some of the documents you will need:
Project Documents
When you work with Houston EB5, we will provide project documents for you. These documents include evidence that you have invested the correct amount of funds toward an EB-5 project as well as the project’s legal documents. If the project is in a targeted employment area, information will be provided on that as well. We will also provide the I-526E template that your immigration attorney will use to prepare your EB-5 petition.
Financial Documents
Because this visa is based on a specific amount of funds invested, there are key documents that need to be shared. You will need to provide tax returns, bank statements, sources of capital, and other documents that verify that you have obtained your investment funds through lawful means and are able to provide documentation of it.
All documents for this application should be translated by a verified translator if not provided in English. If you need assistance in finding a translator, our team at Houston EB5 can offer guidance.
I-526E Stage – Acquire a Conditional Green Card
After all of these documents are filed with your I-526E application and that application has been approved, you will gain your conditional green card. Typically, it takes the USCIS 2–3 years to approve conditional green cards. Investors can receive priority processing by investing in a project in a rural area.
The conditional green card is valid for two years and allows investors, the investor’s spouse, and unmarried children under the age of 21 to live, work, study, and travel to and from the United States with no restrictions. This green card allows you to have the same rights as other permanent residents.
I-829 Stage – Removal of Conditions
Once you are ready to remove the conditional status on your green card, your attorney will need to fill out an I-829 application. When you work with Houston EB5, we will provide the proper evidence needed for this application so that you will be approved. This proof shows that your investment in one of our projects has created at least 10 full-time positions.
Receive Permanent Green Card
Once the 24-month conditional period has passed and your I-829 application has been approved, the conditions on your green card can be removed. This applies to you as well as members of your family. After this, you are converted to a permanent green card holder and, you can then apply for full citizenship after 5 years.
The approval time of an EB-5 visa application to receive permanent residence should take less than 12 months. This can vary from application to application, depending on potential issues that may arise. At Houston EB5, we want our investors to have a smooth transition between each step of the process. We understand the pressure that an investor may feel, as we are immigrants ourselves.
Get Approved With Houston EB5
Though this timeline may seem lengthy, it is well worth it. When you choose to work with our team at Houston EB5, we will assist you in any way that we can. From the first application to collecting documentation, we are here to help. Our team understands the process and how daunting it may seem. We will assist in streamlining everything to make sure that it goes as smoothly as possible. Contact Houston EB5 to begin the process today.
