If you’re exploring the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program as a pathway to U.S. residency, you’re probably asking the one question on every prospective investor’s mind:
“How long does EB-5 take in 2025?”
While EB-5 has long been known for its rigorous process and multi-step timeline, the landscape has evolved in recent years—particularly with the implementation of the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022. In 2025, we’re seeing both improved processing speeds and new complexities that make it critical to understand each stage of the journey.
This article breaks down the five key stages of the EB-5 process and how long each takes, including real insights from recent CanAm investor cases. We also explore the significant difference between reserved and unreserved visa categories and how concurrent filing can accelerate your entry to the United States.
Whether you’re just starting your EB-5 research or already preparing your petition, this timeline will help you plan your path with clarity and confidence.
Step 1: I-526E Petition Processing
The I-526E petition is your formal submission to USCIS showing that you’ve made a qualifying investment into a designated regional center project. It’s the first official step toward your EB-5 green card.
2025 I-526E Processing Times:
- Reserved Categories (Rural, High-Unemployment, Infrastructure): 6 to 12 months, with many recent approvals under 7 months for rural projects.
- Unreserved Categories (especially China or India): 18 to 36 months, and potentially longer if demand continues to increase.
Reserved projects benefit from both priority processing and dedicated visa set-asides, making them the fastest route for most investors today.
“Our rural project investors are already seeing approvals in under seven months,” notes Pete Calabrese, CEO of CanAm Investor Services. “That’s a major shift from the multi-year waits we’ve seen in the past.”
Step 2: Visa Availability and the Visa Bulletin
After I-526E approval, your green card timeline depends on visa availability, determined by the monthly Visa Bulletin published by the U.S. Department of State.
Understanding Reserved vs. Unreserved:
- Reserved categories have dedicated visa quotas under the 2022 Integrity Act.
- Unreserved categories rely on leftover visas and are subject to long-standing country-specific backlogs.
|
Category |
Approx. Wait After I-526E |
| Reserved – Rural | Immediate to <1 year |
| Reserved – HUA/Infra | Immediate to <1 year |
| Unreserved – India | 2 to 5+ years |
| Unreserved – China | 5 to 10+ years |
| All Other Countries | Likely current |
Key Insight: Reserved visas have not yet retrogressed in 2025, meaning eligible investors can move ahead much faster.
Track current trends in our EB-5 Visa Bulletin update series
Step 3: Concurrent Filing – A Game-Changer for U.S.-Based Applicants
One of the most important developments in EB-5 is the option for concurrent filing, available to investors who are physically present in the U.S. on another valid visa (such as F-1, H-1B, or L-1).
If your visa category is current, you can file Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) at the same time as your I-526E.
Why This Matters:
- You can remain in the U.S. while your EB-5 petition is processed.
- You’re eligible for Employment Authorization (EAD) and Advance Parole (travel permission) in just 4–6 months.
- This creates immigration flexibility and peace of mind while awaiting permanent status.
This option is especially valuable for international students and professionals already pursuing education or work in the U.S.
Download CanAm’s EB-5 Visa Guide
Step 4: Conditional Green Card – Your First Step Toward Permanent Residency
Once your visa number is available and either your I-485 (for U.S.-based applicants) or DS-260 (for overseas processing) is approved, you’ll receive a 2-year conditional green card.
Processing Times:
- Adjustment of Status: 8 to 12 months after visa availability
- Consular Processing: 6 to 10 months after visa availability
This card allows you to live, work, and travel freely in the U.S. and serves as proof of your lawful permanent resident status.
Important: These two years are used to fulfill the EB-5 job creation requirement. Your investment must remain “at risk” throughout this period.
Step 5: I-829 Petition – Removal of Conditions
90 days before your conditional green card expires, you must file Form I-829 to prove that your investment met the job creation and compliance standards.
2025 I-829 Processing Estimate:
- 24 to 36 months
You are allowed to remain in the U.S. and continue working and traveling while the I-829 is pending, as long as the form is filed on time.
Once approved, you’ll receive a 10-year permanent green card—and begin the clock toward U.S. citizenship, which becomes available after five years of permanent residency.
Full EB-5 Timeline Summary (2025 Estimates)
| Stage | Reserved Categories | Unreserved Categories |
| I-526E Petition Processing | 6–12 months | 18–36+ months |
| Visa Availability | Immediate | 2–10+ years (varies) |
| Adjustment of Status / DS-260 | 8–12 months | 8–12 months |
| I-829 Petition | 24–36 months | 24–36 months |
| Total Time to Green Card | ~3–5 years | 6–10+ years |
Choosing the Right Path for Your Family’s Future
The EB-5 timeline can vary dramatically depending on which project and visa category you select. With the current availability in reserved categories and the ability to file concurrently from within the U.S., many families are choosing to act now.
At CanAm, we’ve helped more than 6,000 families pursue EB-5 immigration—and have repaid over $2.5 billion to investors. Our team is here to help you understand the process and make the most strategic decision for your goals.
Next Steps
Whether you’re ready to start your EB-5 journey or simply want to better understand your options, CanAm is here to guide you through every stage of the process. Our team can help you assess your eligibility, select the right investment project, and take full advantage of reserved visa categories and concurrent filing benefits.
Schedule a consultation with our Sales Team
Explore our current EB-5 offerings
Still have questions about how the EB-5 process works in practice? We teamed up with Suzanne Lazicki, leading EB-5 policy analyst and author of the well-regarded blog Lucid Text, to develop a comprehensive FAQ guide. It addresses everything from source-of-funds documentation to I-829 approval risks, and reflects the latest updates under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act.
