The EB-5 industry is constantly evolving, and stakeholders are always seeking clarity on petition processing times, especially in light of the new EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act (“RIA”). However, USCIS has not yet published any official data on I-526E processing times, nor does it include Form I-526E in the USCIS “Check Case Processing Times” tool. As a result, a critical question facing new EB-5 investors — “How long will it take for my I-526E to be approved?” — remains unanswered.
As the trade association in the EB-5 industry, IIUSA proactively took steps to fill this information gap. In June 2024, we reached out to our regional center members, initiating a data-driven effort to enhance transparency and provide stakeholders with up-to-date insights. Eleven (11) regional center operators provided us with anonymized case status information as of mid-2024 for a total of 1,254 I-526E cases and 61 I-956F project applications filed from June 2022 to August 2024. The data collected by IIUSA represents nearly 25% of all I-526E cases filed with USCIS and close to 50% of I-526E case approvals during that period, providing a robust basis for evaluating processing times.
By analyzing the data from these I-956F and I-526E cases, this comprehensive report offers valuable insights into the latest processing trends. Key findings include:
- I-956F Processing Times: Rural project applications averaged 8 months, while high-unemployment projects took about 13 months. The “normal range” for rural projects was 4 to 15 months, while for high-unemployment projects, it was 7 to 18 months.
- I-526E Processing Times: Rural I-526E petitions were approved in an average of 10 months, while high-unemployment cases took around 14 months. The “normal range” for rural cases was 6 to 15 months, whereas for high-unemployment cases, it was 11 to 16 months.
Additionally, this in-depth analysis also discusses the latest trends related to processing priorities and future expectations revealed by the data, including:
- USCIS prioritization of rural case adjudications
- The impact of I-956F approvals on I-526E processing times
- A recent increase in processing times
- Expectations for future processing times
This report provides important transparency into the EB-5 process and sets the foundation for future insights. IIUSA plans to continue collecting and analyzing data to provide the industry with ongoing updates. Regional centers and EB-5 stakeholders are encouraged to contribute their data to IIUSA to help build a more comprehensive picture of processing times.
IIUSA would like to express its sincere gratitude to all those who contributed to our data collection initiatives and this analysis. Special thanks go to IIUSA Director Christine Chen (CanAm Enterprises) for her leadership on this project. Additionally, we extend our appreciation to EB-5 industry expert and IIUSA member, Suzanne Lazicki (Lucid Professional Writing), for her invaluable insights and thoughtful edits to this report.
We would also like to extend a big thank you to the following IIUSA member regional center operators for their contributions to this initiative and their commitment to industry transparency:
- CanAm Enterprise
- Civitas Capital Group
- CMB Regional Centers
- EB5 Capital
- EB5 Coast to Coast
- EB5 New York State, LLC
- EB5AN
- FirstPathway Partners
- Houston EB5
- Peachtree Group
- Pine State Regional Center
Sign Up for the Upcoming EB-5 Experts Webinar for a Deep Dive Into the New I-526/E Data and Processing Time Trends
We invite you to join us for a comprehensive deep dive into crucial topics at our upcoming EB-5 Experts Webinar on Wednesday, October 2nd, at 12 PM ET. Brought to you by JTC, this webinar will explore the latest I-526/E filing and adjudication data by country and take a deep dive into the actual processing times revealed in this latest IIUSA report.
Register Now to secure your spot and ensure you’re equipped with the latest data and insights to make informed decisions. Registration is FREE for IIUSA members. Not a member, join today!
