Hong Kong
Taiwan
VietnamShort answer: A Taiwan-born client in the U.S. on H-1B invested in a high-unemployment TEA set-aside project and filed I-526E and I-485 together in September 2024. An EAD issued in March 2025; I-526E was approved in February 2026 and I-485 in June 2026, giving the family conditional green cards. About 21 months from filing to green card in this illustrative timeline (individual cases differ).
Milestones (illustrative)
| Stage | Timing | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Diligence, source of funds, project selection | May–Aug 2024 | Completed |
| Investment + concurrent filing (I-526E + I-485) | Sep 2024 | Receipt |
| EAD / AP | Mar 2025 | Issued |
| I-526E approved | Feb 2026 | Approved (~17 months) |
| I-485 approved / conditional green card | Jun 2026 | Completed |
Concurrent filing requires presence in the U.S., adjustable status and available numbers. See US EB-5.
Lessons
Filing both forms at once demands complete source-of-funds and project disclosure up front. EAD holders must still follow status and travel rules.
Global Immigrate’s recommendation
- Confirm set-aside numbers and the USCIS chart before filing.
- Maintain H-1B until I-485 is receipted, then reassess reliance on the EAD.
- Start the I-829 calendar as soon as the conditional card is approved.
Data current as of November 2026. General information only; not legal advice. Individual results vary.