I-526E vs I-829: Understanding the Start and Finish of the EB-5 Journey

Admin
Jul 15
2 min read

The EB-5 immigration process is defined by two major filings—Form I-526E and Form I-829. These forms bookend the investor’s journey from conditional residency to permanent green card holder. Understanding their purpose, timing, and impact is essential for a successful EB-5 experience.

I-526E: The Beginning of the Journey

Form I-526E is filed once you’ve made your EB-5 investment. It includes documentation of:

● Source and path of funds

● Your selected EB-5 regional center and project

● Business plan demonstrating potential job creation

This is the most document-heavy part of the process. A well-prepared I-526E petition sets the foundation for a smoother transition to conditional residency. Investors can expect USCIS to take 12–24 months (or less with expedited processing) to adjudicate.

What Happens After I-526E Approval?

If you're outside the U.S., you proceed with consular processing. If you're inside the U.S., you can apply for adjustment of status. You’ll receive a conditional green card valid for 2 years.

I-829: The Final Step to Permanent Residency

Toward the end of your two-year conditional period, you’ll file Form I-829. This petition proves:

● Your investment remained "at risk" throughout

● At least 10 full-time jobs were created by the project

● You complied with all EB-5 requirements

This is where working with a transparent regional center becomes critical. At Makaan, we provide all required reports, economic analyses, and project updates to support your I-829 filing.