EB5 Process & Timeline

Application Stage

Step 1

EB5 & Project Evaluation Process

Welcome to the EB5 Project Evaluation Process. As a qualified investor, you’re entitled to activate your complimentary LCR EB5 Service Plan. This exclusive plan offers a seamless experience, providing you with a range of tailored services over a 60-day period. These services include:

Unlimited Support: LCR will assist you with any queries regarding EB5 and project-related matters.
Preliminary Source of Funds (SOF) Assessment: Conduct an initial assessment of your source of funds and create a personalized I-526 application plan.
Expert Referrals: If needed, LCR will connect you with leading immigration law firms and local banking partners, ensuring you have access to top-tier expertise.

Step 2

Document Lawful Source of Funds

LCR undertakes an initial assessment of the source of funds (SOF) to formulate an optimal strategy that ensures smooth documentation and liquidity of investment capital. As part of this process, potential investors must collaborate with a proficient U.S. immigration attorney. This attorney will meticulously document the lawful origin of funds and collate the necessary materials for the preparation of the I-526 petition.

Step 3

Wire Capital to U.S. Escrow Account

Deposit $800k + Administrative Fee into the EB5 fund escrow account.

Step 4

File I-526 Petition With USCIS

An experienced U.S. immigration attorney will initiate the filing process of the I-526 petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Conditional U.S. Residency Stage

Step 5

I-526 Petition Review & Approval

18 - 24 months

Priority Date Identification: The filing date of the I-526 Petition is established as the Priority Date, marking your place in the queue for processing.
Investment Tracking: Keep tabs on your investment through a personal online account managed by a reputable 3rd party fund administrator.
Construction Monitoring: Stay informed about construction progress through periodic quarterly project updates, real-time webcam feeds accessible 24/7, and in-person site visits.

Please note that due to the processing times of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the actual I-526 approval may extend by approximately 3 – 6 months beyond the anticipated timeframe.

Step 6

Priority Date Review

If your Priority Date is marked as “Current,” kindly proceed directly to Step 7. In situations where EB5 visas are not presently accessible for the country of birth of the principal applicant, it is necessary to await the attainment of a Current status for your Priority Date before further action can be taken.

Step 7

Adjust Immigration Status:

3 - 9 Months

For Residents within the United States

Submit an Adjustment of Status (AOS) Application (Form I-485)

For International Residents

If you reside overseas, attend the EB5 visa interview at the nearest U.S. consulate. This involves submitting the DS-260 form.

Step 8

Obtain a Conditional U.S. Green Card

Principal applicant and immediate family members (if any) will receive 2 year green cards upon entering the U.S.

The filing date of the I-526 Petition is knownas the Priority Date.
The U.S. Department of State publishes a monthly VISA BULLETIN which lists cut-off dates for the EB5 program, based on the principal applicant’s country of birth.

Permanent U.S. Residency Stage

Step 9

Conditional U.S. Residency Period

21 - 24 Months

During this phase, the following conditions apply to maintain your U.S. residency status:

Visit Requirement: Within 180 days of approval, you are required to visit the United States. Additionally, ensure at least one visit every 6 months.

Reentry Permit Option: Consider applying for a Reentry Permit which can reduce the frequency of your travel to the U.S., while still fulfilling residency obligations. This is a preferred choice for many investors.

Step 10

I-829 Petition Review & Approval

File an I-829 petition to remove the conditions on your U.S. green card.

Step 11

Receive Permanent Green Card(s)

20 - 30 Months

After your application is approved, you’ll receive a permanent green card, indicating your lawful permanent resident status in the US. This process usually takes 20 to 30 months. Remember, the green card needs renewal every 10 years to maintain your permanent resident status.

Renews every 10 Years.

Receive 1-829 Approval

Step 12

Apply for U.S. Citizenship (OPT)

If desired, the investor can apply for U.S. citizenship 5 years after a conditional green card.

*The following timeline serves as a general informational guide. The precise duration of the EB5 immigration process may differ based on factors such as the chosen investment, individual case particulars, USCIS processing timelines, and other relevant variables.

(**) Individuals who intend to live outside of the United States for an extended period of time should apply for a Reentry Permit which is then issued for a period of up to 2 years. The Reentry Permit allows a permanent resident to make an entry into the United States every 24 months rather than every 12 months.