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Programme guides · US EB-5 Investor Immigration

Mainland China-Born EB-5: Reserved vs Unreserved in 2026

Global Immigrate consultants · Published

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

Summary

Mainland China-born investors face long unreserved backlogs; rural and other set-asides use separate pools that have often been more available. How the two number logics differ and which bulletin lines to check.

Short answer: Mainland China-born EB-5 investors in the unreserved category usually face a long country backlog. Rural / high-unemployment set-asides use separate number pools that have often stayed more available in recent years. When you pick a project, confirm which number category it claims and match it to the correct Visa Bulletin line that month.

Two logics (overview)

Type Practical meaning for mainland China birth
Reserved (e.g. rural) Separate pool; backlog experience often better than unreserved
Unreserved Tied more tightly to the China EB-5 main line; waits can be longer

See US EB-5.

Global Immigrate’s recommendation

  • If a pitch says only “EB-5” without reserved/unreserved, demand written confirmation.
  • Set-asides still need source-of-funds and project diligence—numbers are not the only variable.
  • Read the State Department Visa Bulletin yourself each month; do not rely only on second-hand summaries.

Data current as of November 2026. General information only; not legal advice. Backlogs can change monthly.

FAQ

Are set-asides always current?

They have often been more favorable recently, but that is not a permanent guarantee—check that month’s bulletin.

Is Hong Kong birth the same as mainland?

Numbers generally follow country of birth; Hong Kong and mainland China are usually treated separately on the bulletin.

Can I switch from unreserved to reserved later?

Structural changes are highly complex; choose the category before investing and filing.

Sources

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