What Happens After Your EB-5 Investment? A Step-by-Step Guide to Your Green Card

Understanding the EB-5 Process After Making Your Investment

So, you’ve made your EB-5 investment—what happens next? For many investors, the process can feel complex, with multiple steps before finally securing a U.S. green card.

If you're wondering:

🔹 How long does it take to get my EB-5 visa after investing?

🔹 What steps come after the initial investment?

🔹 When will I get my permanent green card?

You’re in the right place. This Blog will walk you through what happens after your EB-5 investment and how to navigate the journey smoothly.

📌 Step 1: Submitting the I-526E Petition

Once you invest in an EB-5 regional center project, the first step is filing Form I-526E (Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor) with USCIS.

⏳ Processing Time:

✅ Rural EB-5 investments qualify for priority processing, meaning faster approvals (as little as 12-18 months).

✅ Other investments typically take 24-36 months for USCIS approval.

💡 Investor Tip: Choosing a rural project through Makaan Regional Center can help you get your EB-5 approval faster.

📌 Step 2: Applying for a U.S. Visa or Adjustment of Status

Once your I-526E petition is approved, the next step depends on where you are located:

🔹 If you are outside the U.S. – You must apply for an EB-5 visa through consular processing at a U.S. embassy in your home country. This typically takes 6-12 months.

🔹 If you are already in the U.S. on a valid visa – You can apply for an Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) to change to EB-5 conditional residency.

✅ After this step, you and your family (spouse & children under 21) receive a 2-year conditional green card.

📌 Step 3: Entering the U.S. as a Conditional Resident

Once your EB-5 visa is approved, you must enter the U.S. within six months. Upon arrival, USCIS will mail your Conditional Green Card, valid for two years.

📌 During these two years:

✔ You can live, work, and travel freely in the U.S.

✔ Your investment must remain active and continue to create jobs as per EB-5 requirements.

📌 Step 4: Filing the I-829 Petition for Permanent Residency

Before your Conditional Green Card expires, you must file Form I-829 to remove conditions and receive a permanent green card.

🔹 When to file? Within 90 days before the 2-year green card expires.

🔹 Processing time? Typically 24-36 months.

🔹 Requirements? Proof that your investment remained at risk and created 10+ U.S. jobs.

✅ Once I-829 is approved, you receive a 10-year Permanent Green Card (which can be renewed indefinitely).

📌 Step 5: U.S. Citizenship

After 5 years as a permanent resident, you may apply for U.S. citizenship if you meet the following conditions:

✔ You have lived in the U.S. for at least 30 months (out of the last 5 years).

✔ You have no criminal record and meet all naturalization requirements.

✔ You pass the U.S. citizenship test and interview.

✅ Once approved, you receive a U.S. passport and full citizenship rights!

💡 Investor Tip: If you plan to apply for citizenship, ensure you maintain your residency requirements throughout the process.

Your EB-5 Green Card Journey with Makaan Regional Center

The EB-5 process may take time, but with the right investment and strategy, it leads to a secure future in the U.S

📩 Start Your EB-5 Journey Today – Contact Us!