Question:
I am interested in the EB5 visa for my family. I have many business obligations and do not have much time to spend on the visa application. I am speaking with many US lawyers to choose one for the process. How long does it take to file the I-526 form and how long until it gets approved. An estimate even. How long until I can move to USA?
Answers:
Our law firm has been representing clients in the EB-5 process for over 20 years and continually keeps up to date on the rules and new policies of the U.S.immigration service. In order for you to obtain an EB-5 immigrant visa to enter the U.S. to live and work here as soon as possible you will need the services of an experienced EB- attorney. The preparation of the I-526 petition will take a few weeks to file with the USCIS and several months for an approval. Once the I-526 is approved then you will have to be interviewed at the U.S.consulate to obtain your conditional permanent residency, this process may take a couple of months. Hopefully within this time frame you will be able to move to the U.S.
Processing times may vary, but it may take more than 12 months for the processing of an I-526 Petition, once filed, and additional months for the nonimmigrant visa processing. This doesn’t even take into account the time spent in preparing an approvable petition. However, if you are in the U.S. first with certain nonimmigrant visas (like an E-2 or F-1) you can adjust to permanent resident status once the I-526 is approved.
Fortunately, you are early in the process of planning, which is why we recommend retaining experienced U.S. Immigration counsel (like the attorneys at our law firm) to assist and represent you.