Backlogs follow place of birth, not nationality
US immigrant visas are allocated by place of birth. Even if you hold another passport, your backlog is based on where you were born. In some cases a spouse’s place of birth can be used instead.
Born in Taiwan
Taiwan-born applicants are counted under Taiwan and generally face no EB-5 backlog, so they can move to the green card stage relatively quickly after I-526E approval.
Born in mainland China
Demand from mainland China-born applicants is high, so the standard category has a longer backlog. The TEA set-asides (rural, high-unemployment and infrastructure) have separate cut-off dates and often shorter waits.
Born in Hong Kong
How Hong Kong-born applicants are counted should be confirmed from individual documents; we explain this in detail during consultation.
How to read the Visa Bulletin
The US Department of State publishes the Visa Bulletin monthly, listing each category’s "final action date". If your priority date (the date your I-526E was filed) is earlier than that date, you can move to the green card stage.
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.
Main EB-5 requirements
- A qualifying investment: USD 800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) project, or USD 1,050,000 in other projects
- Proof of the lawful source of the investment funds and the full transfer path
- The project must create at least 10 full-time jobs per investor
- The investment must remain at risk throughout the conditional green card period
- Admissibility: no serious criminal record and a satisfactory medical examination
- Participation in the business: investing through a regional centre as a limited partner is sufficient
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