The conditional green card
Once the I-526E is approved and the green card process completed, investors and their families receive two-year conditional green cards. During this time they can live, work and study in the US with most of the same rights as other green card holders.
When to file I-829
I-829 must be filed within the 90 days before the conditional green card expires. Missing the deadline can end green card status automatically, so timing is critical.
What must be shown
- The investment was maintained in the project throughout the conditional period
- The project has created, or will within a reasonable time create, the required jobs
- The investor continued to meet the other EB-5 requirements
Regional centre projects usually provide progress and job reports to help investors prepare the I-829.
While you wait
After I-829 is filed, USCIS issues a receipt that extends the conditional green card, so your status is unaffected.
Key benefits of EB-5
- Green cards for the whole family in one application
- Live and work in any US state
- Children attend public schools and universities as residents
- No need to own or run a business
- Apply for citizenship once residence requirements are met
EB-5 at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment | TEA projects USD 800,000; other projects USD 1,050,000 |
| Key benefit | Green cards for the whole family — live, work and study anywhere in the US |
| Family | Spouse and unmarried children under 21 can be included |
| Background | No education, English, age or management-experience requirements |
EB-5 application process and timing
- 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.
How to start
We suggest booking a free consultation first: a consultant will understand your family situation, funds and preferred timing, then recommend the most suitable programme and application timeline.
Learn more: US EB-5 Investor Immigration