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Client stories · US EB-5 Investor Immigration

My child is nearly 21 — is it too late for EB-5?

Written by Global Immigrate consultants · Reviewed by Oscar Yip, Founder & Managing Director

Summary

Ms Chou’s EB-5 experience. She wanted her son to receive a green card with the family and finish university in the US.

Background

Ms Chou, from Hsinchu, has a son who was 20 at the time. She wanted her son to receive a green card with the family and finish university in the US.

Main concern

Her son was about to turn 21 and she feared he would age out.

Our approach

We immediately assessed his age under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA), prioritised the funds documents, and filed the I-526E as quickly as possible to lock in his age.

Process and outcome

He was under 21 at filing, his age was protected under the rules, and he received a green card with the family.

Adviser’s comment

For families with children close to 21, time is everything — seek advice as early as possible.

EB-5 application process

  1. 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.
  2. Source of funds and investment (3–6 months): Prepare the source-of-funds evidence, make the investment and sign the investment documents.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

Based on a real client’s experience; names and some details have been changed for privacy.

Learn more: US EB-5 Investor Immigration

FAQ

What does 30 September 2026 mean for applicants?

Under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022, regional centre petitions filed on or before 30 September 2026 are protected by a grandfather clause: USCIS must continue processing them even if the regional centre programme later lapses. Petitions filed after that date do not have this protection, so it is worth watching whether Congress reauthorises the programme.

Will the investment amount rise in 2027?

Yes. The law adjusts the investment thresholds for inflation from 1 January 2027 and every five years after that. The new amounts will be announced by USCIS; petitions filed before then use the current amounts.

Will the regional centre programme expire?

The regional centre programme is currently authorised until 30 September 2027, after which Congress must pass legislation to extend it. It has been extended many times before, but the timing and terms are not guaranteed.

Sources

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