This is an illustrative scenario: the people and details are for explanation only and are not a real client case. Every family’s outcome depends on its background and the policies in force at the time.
Background
Ms Wong (pseudonym), living in Hong Kong, born in mainland China, husband and a 10-year-old son. She wanted green cards before her son started secondary school.
Main concern
Applicants born in mainland China face longer waits in the standard category, and she worried this would disrupt his education.
Our approach
After comparing waits across the TEA categories, we chose a rural project with set-aside visas and prepared the source-of-funds documents in parallel.
Process and outcome
The rural project received priority processing: the I-526E was approved in about 14 months and moved to the green card stage faster under the set-aside.
Adviser’s comment
The TEA category should follow your place-of-birth backlog and family timeline — not everyone needs a rural project.
EB-5 application process
- Assessment and project selection (4–8 weeks): We choose the TEA category and a vetted project based on your place of birth, your children’s ages and your family’s goals.
- Source of funds and investment (3–6 months): Prepare the source-of-funds evidence, make the investment and sign the investment documents.
- File I-526E (12–24 months): File the investor petition; eligible applicants in the US can file I-485 at the same time. Once approved, the family receives two-year conditional green cards.
- I-829 removal of conditions (After two years of conditional residence): Show the investment was sustained and the jobs created, and receive ten-year permanent green cards.
Is this right for you?
Every family’s background and timeline is different. To find out whether a similar plan could work for you, book a free consultation with Global Immigrate.
Learn more: US EB-5 Investor Immigration