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EB-5 Visa Processing Time by Country 2025

Gain valuable insights into EB-5 Visa Processing Time by Country 2025 worldwide. Navigate the residency journey efficiently with Paperfree's global perspectives on country-specific processing times.

last updated Thursday, December 26, 2024
#eb5 processing time #eb-5 processing time


John Burson     Subscribe
EB-5 processing time by country 2023, 24

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Key Points

  • Applicants from China face a wait time of approximately 7.5 years due to high demand and significant backlogs.
  • In India, the processing time is around 7.75 years, with rising demand contributing to longer waits.
  • Vietnamese applicants have a slightly shorter processing time of 6.8 years, despite increasing demand.
  • South Korean applicants experience a relatively short wait of around 2 years, with no backlog, ensuring faster processing.
  • For Brazil, the processing time is 1.4 years, with no backlog, allowing for quicker processing.
  • Applicants from countries like Mexico and Canada typically face processing times of 1-2 years.

Article Glossary

I-485 is a form  of  application to register permanent residence or adjust status

I-526 is a form of an immigrant petition by a standalone investor

I-526E is an immigrant petition by a regional center investor

NVC is an abbreviation of the National Visa Center

Latest EB-5 Visa Processing Times by Country (2025)

  • China (Mainland-born)

    • Priority Date: January 1, 2015
    • Estimated Processing Time: 9-10 years
      Due to high demand, applicants from China are facing significant backlogs.

  • India

    • Priority Date: October 1, 2019
    • Estimated Processing Time: 5-6 years
      Processing times for Indian nationals have increased with rising demand.

  • Vietnam

    • Priority Date: November 1, 2019
    • Estimated Processing Time: 2-3 years
      Vietnam’s demand is increasing, but processing times remain relatively shorter.

  • South Korea

    • Priority Date: Current (No backlog)
    • Estimated Processing Time: 1-2 years
      South Korean applicants can expect faster processing times with no backlog.

  • Brazil

    • Priority Date: Current (No backlog)
    • Estimated Processing Time: 1-2 years
      Processing times for Brazil are relatively quick, with no backlog.

  • Other Countries (Mexico, Canada, etc.)

    • Priority Date: Current (No backlog)
    • Estimated Processing Time: 1-2 years
      Applicants from countries with lower demand face the shortest processing times.

Generic EB5 Visa to Green Card Process

Each EB-5 visa applicant has unique circumstances that shape their journey to obtaining a Permanent Green Card. The high-level process involves several stages, from filing the initial petition to receiving a Conditional and eventually a Permanent Green Card.

Generic EB5 Visa to Green Card Process

Fig 1. EB5 Green Card Processing

How to Get the EB-5 Visa: Step-by-Step Process Explained

  • Filing the I-526 Petition: Investors submit the I-526 form, demonstrating their investment in a U.S. business.
  • Priority Date Assignment: Upon acceptance, applicants receive a priority date, securing their place in the visa queue.
  • Visa Availability and Application: When the priority date aligns with the current visa bulletin, applicants can proceed with visa applications or adjustment of status.
  • Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status: Final steps involve either consular processing abroad or adjusting status within the U.S.

EB5 Wait Time by Country

The primary determinant of visa wait times is the volume of I-526 Petitions By the December 2023 Visa Bulletin.

When even the most hopeful estimates of wait times are excessively lengthy, it becomes crucial to focus on resolving the EB-5 Backlog Issue and pursue the singular potential solution of increasing visa availability.

China EB5 wait time, Analysis as of March 2022.

China wait time Pending I-526 Pending at Visa Stage (visa application or I-485) Total
China-born principal applicants in the process 4,823 18,095
[1] Visa demand estimate ≈ 6,000 ≈ 39,000 ≈ 45,000
[2] Visa supply estimate ≈ 5,600

VISA TIME ESTIMATE

Estimated total wait time for a visa for China priority date

 ≈ 45,000/5,600 ≈ 8 years (i.e. 2029)

Table 1: China I-526 Petitions By December 2023 Visa Bulletin.  Source: https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/historic-pt 

Where:

[1] Visa demand estimate

Estimated total Chinese-born applicants (principals + family) who were in the process and who will persevere to get approved for a visa.

The model uses these assumptions to estimate visa demand from data for principal applicants:

This is consistent with recent history, but the future could differ.

[2] Visa supply estimate

Estimated average annual unreserved visas available to China 2022-2030**

The model assumes all reserved visas in 2022 and EB-5 Visa US 2023 will go unused and carry over; continued low-volume I-526 processing; low incoming demand for unreserved visas; most “otherwise unused” visas go to China; and consular processing keeps up with supply.

India EB-5 Visa Wait Times as of January 2025

As of January 2025, we've updated our analysis to reflect the latest Visa Bulletin data, providing a clearer picture of the current wait times and what applicants can expect moving forward.

Current Wait Times Overview

Based on the January 2025 Visa Bulletin, here is the updated estimate for EB-5 visa wait times for India:

INDIA Pending the I-526 Stage Pending at NVC Pending I-485 Total
India-born Principal Applicants in the Process 2,175
[1] Visa Demand Estimate ≈ 3,600 ≈ 1,900 ≈ 700 ≈ 6,200
[2] Visa Supply Estimate ≈ 800
Total Wait Time for a Visa India Priority Date ≈ 6,200 / 800 ≈ 7.75 years (i.e., 2032)

Table 1: India EB-5 Visa Wait Times as of January 2025 Visa Bulletin

Understanding the Numbers

[1] Visa Demand Estimate

Our demand estimate is based on the following assumptions:

  • I-526 Survival/Approval Rate: 89%
  • Visas per Principal Applicant: 2.26 visas
  • Visa-Stage Survival/Approval Rate: 83%

These figures account for India-born applicants (both principals and their families) who are actively pursuing their visas and are likely to persevere through the approval process. While these assumptions align with recent historical data, future trends may vary based on policy changes and processing efficiencies.

[2] Visa Supply Estimate

The visa supply estimate considers:

  • Average Annual Unreserved Visas Available (2022-2029): ≈ 800
  • Country Caps and Carryovers: We assume a higher supply due to increased EB-5 visa limits and the carryover of unused reserved visas during the prediction period.
  • Processing Assumptions: Continued low-volume “first in, first out” I-526 processing, with most “otherwise unused” visas allocated to China, and visa issuance keeping pace with supply.

Recalculating the Wait Time

Using the updated figures:

Total Wait Time=Total Visa DemandAnnual Visa Supply=6,200800≈7.75 years\text{Total Wait Time} = \frac{\text{Total Visa Demand}}{\text{Annual Visa Supply}} = \frac{6,200}{800} \approx 7.75 \text{ years}

This recalculation projects that the wait time for an EB-5 visa for India priority dates is now approximately 7.75 years, moving the estimated completion year to 2032.

Table 2: India I-526 Petitions by January 2025 Visa Bulletin

Stage Number of Applicants
Pending the I-526 Stage 2,175
Pending at NVC 1,900
Pending I-485 700
Total 6,200

Source: U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin January 2025

Reserved visa supply under country caps in a typical year for EB-5 waiting times by country is about 10,000*68%*7%=. However, the model assumes a higher number due to higher EB visa limits and carryover of unused reserved visas during the prediction period. The model further assumes continued low-volume “first in, first out” I-526 processing, most “otherwise unused” visas go to China, and that visa issuance keeps up with supply.

Vietnam EB-5 Visa Wait Times as of January 2025

As of January 2025, we've refreshed our analysis to incorporate the latest Visa Bulletin data, offering a clearer understanding of current wait times and what Vietnamese applicants can anticipate in their immigration journey.

Current Wait Times Overview

Based on the January 2025 Visa Bulletin, here is the updated estimate for EB-5 visa wait times for Vietnam:

VIETNAM Pending at I-526 Stage Pending at NVC Pending I-485 Total
Vietnam-born Principal Applicants in the Process 1,028
[1] Visa Demand Estimate ≈ 3,200 ≈ 1,300 ≈ 40 ≈ 4,500
[2] Visa Supply Estimate ≈ 660
Total Wait Time for a Visa Vietnam Priority Date ≈ 4,500 / 660 ≈ 6.8 years (i.e., 2031)

Table 1: Vietnam EB-5 Visa Wait Times as of January 2025 Visa Bulletin

Understanding the Numbers

[1] Visa Demand Estimate

Our demand estimate is derived from the following assumptions:

  • I-526 Survival/Approval Rate: 88%
  • Visas per Principal Applicant: 3.81 visas
  • Visa-Stage Survival/Approval Rate: 92%

These figures account for Vietnam-born applicants (both principals and their families) who are actively pursuing their visas and are likely to persevere through the approval process. While these assumptions align with recent historical data, future trends may vary based on policy changes and processing efficiencies.

[2] Visa Supply Estimate

The visa supply estimate considers:

  • Average Annual Unreserved Visas Available (2022-2028): ≈ 660
  • Country Caps and Carryovers: We assume a higher supply due to increased EB-5 visa limits and the carryover of unused reserved visas during the prediction period. However, the estimated average is lower than the EB-5 processing time in India due to the difference in visas issued in FY2022.
  • Processing Assumptions: Continued low-volume “first in, first out” I-526 processing, with most “otherwise unused” visas allocated to China, and visa issuance keeping pace with supply.

Recalculating the Wait Time

Using the updated figures:

Total Wait Time=Total Visa DemandAnnual Visa Supply=4,500660≈6.8 years\text{Total Wait Time} = \frac{\text{Total Visa Demand}}{\text{Annual Visa Supply}} = \frac{4,500}{660} \approx 6.8 \text{ years}

This recalculation projects that the wait time for an EB-5 visa for Vietnam priority dates is now approximately 6.8 years, moving the estimated completion year to 2031.

Table 2: Vietnam I-526 Petitions by January 2025 Visa Bulletin

Stage Number of Applicants
Pending at I-526 Stage 1,028
Pending at NVC 1,300
Pending I-485 40
Total 4,500

Source: U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin January 2025

The model further assumes continued low-volume but FIFO I-526 processing, that most “otherwise unused” visas go to China, and that visa issuance keeps up with supply.

The Employment-Based Fifth Preference (EB-5) program is globally renowned as a leading immigrant investor program, highly sought after by affluent international individuals aspiring to achieve the American dream.

EB-5 Visa Processing Times by Country as of January 2025

As of January 2025, while some countries like South Korea, Taiwan, and Brazil offer relatively swift pathways, others like China and India require patience due to longer wait times. 

 As of January 2025, we've updated our analysis to reflect the latest trends and Visa Bulletin data, providing a clearer understanding of current wait times for applicants from various countries.

Current EB-5 Visa Wait Times by Country

Based on the January 2025 Visa Bulletin and recent processing trends, here are the updated estimated wait times for the EB-5 visa program:

Country Waiting Time (Years)
China 7.5
Vietnam 6.8
India 7.75
South Korea 2.0
Taiwan 1.6
Brazil 1.4

Table 1: Updated EB-5 Visa Wait Times by Country as of January 2025 Visa Bulletin

Detailed Wait Time Breakdown

  1. China

  2. Vietnam

  3. India

  4. South Korea

  5. Taiwan

  6. Brazil

EB5 Green Card Waiting Times by Country Till 2024

This table displays current EB 5 visa timeline wait times till 2024 for various employment-based EB5 green card categories by country.

Country Subregion Rank Green Card Waiting Time F2A
Green Card Waiting Time EB5
India Southern Asia, South Central Asia 1 09-01-2023 04-01-2022
China Eastern Asia 2 09-01-2023 01-01-2017
Indonesia South-Eastern Asia 4 09-01-2023 Current
Pakistan Southern Asia, South Central Asia 5 09-01-2023 Current
Nigeria Western Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 6 09-01-2023 Current
Brazil South America, Latin America 7 09-01-2023 Current
Bangladesh Southern Asia, South Central Asia 8 09-01-2023 Current
Russia Eastern Europe 9 09-01-2023 Current
Mexico Central America, Latin America 10 09-01-2023 Current
Ethiopia Eastern Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 11 09-01-2023 Current
Japan Eastern Asia 12 09-01-2023 Current
Philippines South-Eastern Asia 13 09-01-2023 Current
Egypt Northern Africa, The Middle East 14 09-01-2023 Current
DR Congo Middle Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 15 09-01-2023 Current
Vietnam South-Eastern Asia 16 09-01-2023 Current
Iran Southern Asia, The Middle East 17 09-01-2023 Current
Turkey Western Asia, The Middle East 18 09-01-2023 Current
Germany Western Europe 19 09-01-2023 Current
Thailand South-Eastern Asia 20 09-01-2023 Current
United Kingdom Northern Europe 21 09-01-2023 Current
Tanzania Eastern Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 22 09-01-2023 Current
France Western Europe 23 09-01-2023 Current
South Africa Southern Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 24 09-01-2023 Current
Italy Southern Europe 25 09-01-2023 Current
Kenya Eastern Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 26 09-01-2023 Current
Myanmar South-Eastern Asia 27 09-01-2023 Current
Colombia South America, Latin America 28 09-01-2023 Current
South Korea Eastern Asia 29 09-01-2023 Current
Uganda Eastern Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 30 09-01-2023 Current
Sudan Northern Africa 31 09-01-2023 Current
Spain Southern Europe 32 09-01-2023 Current
Argentina South America, Latin America 33 09-01-2023 Current
Algeria Northern Africa 34 09-01-2023 Current
Iraq Western Asia, The Middle East 35 09-01-2023 Current
Afghanistan South Central Asia, Southern Asia 36 09-01-2023 Current
Poland Eastern Europe 37 09-01-2023 Current
Canada Northern America 38 09-01-2023 Current
Morocco Northern Africa 39 09-01-2023 Current
Saudi Arabia Western Asia, The Middle East 40 09-01-2023 Current
Ukraine Eastern Europe 41 09-01-2023 Current
Angola Middle Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 42 09-01-2023 Current
Uzbekistan Central Asia, South Central Asia 43 09-01-2023 Current
Yemen Western Asia, The Middle East 44 09-01-2023 Current
Peru South America, Latin America 45 09-01-2023 Current
Malaysia South-Eastern Asia 46 09-01-2023 Current
Ghana Western Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 47 09-01-2023 Current
Mozambique Eastern Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 48 09-01-2023 Current
Nepal Southern Asia, South Central Asia 49 09-01-2023 Current
Madagascar Eastern Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 50 09-01-2023 Current
Ivory Coast Western Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 51 09-01-2023 Current
Venezuela South America, Latin America 52 09-01-2023 Current
Cameroon Middle Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 53 09-01-2023 Current
Niger Western Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 54 09-01-2023 Current
Australia Australia and New Zealand 55 09-01-2023 Current
North Korea Eastern Asia 56 09-01-2023 Current
Taiwan Eastern Asia 57 09-01-2023 Current
Mali Western Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 58 09-01-2023 Current
Burkina Faso Western Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 59 09-01-2023 Current
Syria Western Asia, The Middle East 60 09-01-2023 Current
Sri Lanka Southern Asia, South Central Asia 61 09-01-2023 Current
Malawi Eastern Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 62 09-01-2023 Current
Zambia Eastern Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 63 09-01-2023 Current
Romania Eastern Europe 64 09-01-2023 Current
Chile South America, Latin America 65 09-01-2023 Current
Kazakhstan Central Asia 66 09-01-2023 Current
Chad Middle Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 67 09-01-2023 Current
Ecuador South America, Latin America 68 09-01-2023 Current
Somalia Eastern Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 69 09-01-2023 Current
Guatemala Central America, Latin America 70 09-01-2023 Current
Senegal Western Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 71 09-01-2023 Current
Netherlands Western Europe 72 09-01-2023 Current
Cambodia South-Eastern Asia 73 09-01-2023 Current
Zimbabwe Eastern Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 74 09-01-2023 Current
Guinea Western Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 75 09-01-2023 Current
Rwanda Eastern Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 76 09-01-2023 Current
Benin Western Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 77 09-01-2023 Current
Burundi Eastern Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 78 09-01-2023 Current
Tunisia Northern Africa 79 09-01-2023 Current
Bolivia South America, Latin America 80 09-01-2023 Current
Haiti Caribbean 81 09-01-2023 Current
Belgium Western Europe 82 09-01-2023 Current
Jordan Western Asia, The Middle East 83 09-01-2023 Current
Dominican Republic Caribbean 84 09-01-2023 Current
Cuba Caribbean 85 09-01-2023 Current
South Sudan Middle Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 86 09-01-2023 Current
Sweden Northern Europe 87 09-01-2023 Current
Honduras Central America, Latin America 88 09-01-2023 Current
Czech Republic Eastern Europe 89 09-01-2023 Current
Azerbaijan Western Asia 90 09-01-2023 Current
Greece Southern Europe 91 09-01-2023 Current
Papua New Guinea Melanesia 92 09-01-2023 Current
Portugal Southern Europe 93 09-01-2023 Current
Hungary Eastern Europe 94 09-01-2023 Current
Tajikistan Central Asia, South Central Asia 95 09-01-2023 Current
United Arab Emirates Western Asia, The Middle East 96 09-01-2023 Current
Belarus Eastern Europe 97 09-01-2023 Current
Israel Western Asia, The Middle East 98 09-01-2023 Current
Togo Western Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 99 09-01-2023 Current
Austria Western Europe 100 09-01-2023 Current
Switzerland Western Europe 101 09-01-2023 Current
Sierra Leone Western Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 102 09-01-2023 Current
Laos South-Eastern Asia 103 09-01-2023 Current
Hong Kong Eastern Asia 104 09-01-2023 Current
Serbia Southern Europe 105 09-01-2023 Current
Nicaragua Central America, Latin America 106 09-01-2023 Current
Libya Northern Africa 107 09-01-2023 Current
Paraguay South America, Latin America 108 09-01-2023 Current
Kyrgyzstan Central Asia, South Central Asia 109 09-01-2023 Current
Bulgaria Eastern Europe 110 09-01-2023 Current
Turkmenistan Central Asia, South Central Asia 111 09-01-2023 Current
El Salvador Central America, Latin America 112 09-01-2023 Current
Republic of the Congo Middle Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 113 09-01-2023 Current
Singapore South-Eastern Asia 114 09-01-2023 Current
Denmark Northern Europe 115 09-01-2023 Current
Slovakia Eastern Europe 116 09-01-2023 Current
Central African Republic Middle Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 117 09-01-2023 Current
Finland Northern Europe 118 09-01-2023 Current
Norway Northern Europe 119 09-01-2023 Current
Liberia Western Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 120 09-01-2023 Current
Palestine Western Asia, The Middle East 121 09-01-2023 Current
Lebanon Western Asia, The Middle East 122 09-01-2023 Current
New Zealand Australia and New Zealand 123 09-01-2023 Current
Ireland Northern Europe 125 09-01-2023 Current
Mauritania Western Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 126 09-01-2023 Current
Oman Western Asia, The Middle East 127 09-01-2023 Current
Panama Central America, Latin America 128 09-01-2023 Current
Kuwait Western Asia, The Middle East 129 09-01-2023 Current
Croatia Southern Europe 130 09-01-2023 Current
Eritrea Eastern Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 131 09-01-2023 Current
Georgia Western Asia 132 09-01-2023 Current
Mongolia Eastern Asia 133 09-01-2023 Current
Moldova Eastern Europe 134 09-01-2023 Current
Uruguay South America, Latin America 135 09-01-2023 Current
Puerto Rico Caribbean 136 09-01-2023 Current
Bosnia and Herzegovina Southern Europe 137 09-01-2023 Current
Albania Southern Europe 138 09-01-2023 Current
Jamaica Caribbean 139 09-01-2023 Current
Armenia Western Asia 140 09-01-2023 Current
Gambia Western Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 141 09-01-2023 Current
Lithuania Northern Europe 142 09-01-2023 Current
Qatar Western Asia, The Middle East 143 09-01-2023 Current
Botswana Southern Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 144 09-01-2023 Current
Namibia Southern Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 145 09-01-2023 Current
Gabon Middle Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 146 09-01-2023 Current
Lesotho Southern Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 147 09-01-2023 Current
Slovenia Southern Europe 149 09-01-2023 Current
North Macedonia Southern Europe 150 09-01-2023 Current
Latvia Northern Europe 151 09-01-2023 Current
Equatorial Guinea Middle Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 152 09-01-2023 Current
Trinidad and Tobago Caribbean 153 09-01-2023 Current
Bahrain Western Asia, The Middle East 154 09-01-2023 Current
Timor-Leste South-Eastern Asia 155 09-01-2023 Current
Estonia Northern Europe 156 09-01-2023 Current
Mauritius Eastern Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 157 09-01-2023 Current
Cyprus Eastern Europe, The Middle East 158 09-01-2023 Current
Eswatini Southern Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 159 09-01-2023 Current
Djibouti Eastern Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 160 09-01-2023 Current
Reunion Eastern Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 161 09-01-2023 Current
Fiji Melanesia 162 09-01-2023 Current
Comoros Eastern Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 163 09-01-2023 Current
Guyana South America, Latin America 164 09-01-2023 Current
Bhutan Southern Asia, South Central Asia 165 09-01-2023 Current
Solomon Islands Melanesia 166 09-01-2023 Current
Macau Eastern Asia 167 09-01-2023 Current
Luxembourg Western Europe 168 09-01-2023 Current
Montenegro Southern Europe 169 09-01-2023 Current
Suriname South America, Latin America 170 09-01-2023 Current
Cape Verde Western Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 171 09-01-2023 Current
Western Sahara Northern Africa 172 09-01-2023 Current
Malta Southern Europe 173 09-01-2023 Current
Maldives Southern Asia, South Central Asia 174 09-01-2023 Current
Brunei South-Eastern Asia 175 09-01-2023 Current
Bahamas Caribbean 176 09-01-2023 Current
Belize Central America, Latin America 177 09-01-2023 Current
Guadeloupe Caribbean, Latin America 178 09-01-2023 Current
Iceland Northern Europe 179 09-01-2023 Current
Martinique Caribbean, Latin America 180 09-01-2023 Current
Mayotte Eastern Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 181 09-01-2023 Current
Vanuatu Melanesia 182 09-01-2023 Current
French Guiana South America, Latin America 183 09-01-2023 Current
French Polynesia Polynesia 184 09-01-2023 Current
New Caledonia Melanesia 185 09-01-2023 Current
Barbados Caribbean 186 09-01-2023 Current
Sao Tome and Principe Middle Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 187 09-01-2023 Current
Samoa Polynesia 188 09-01-2023 Current
Curacao Caribbean 189 09-01-2023 Current
Saint Lucia Caribbean 190 09-01-2023 Current
Guam Micronesia 191 09-01-2023 Current
Kiribati Micronesia 192 09-01-2023 Current
Grenada Caribbean 193 09-01-2023 Current
Micronesia Micronesia 194 09-01-2023 Current
Jersey Northern Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa 195 09-01-2023 Current
Tonga Polynesia 196 09-01-2023 Current
Seychelles Eastern Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa 197 09-01-2023 Current
Aruba Caribbean 198 09-01-2023 Current
Antigua and Barbuda Caribbean 201 09-01-2023 Current
Isle of Man Northern Europe 202 09-01-2023 Current
Andorra Southern Europe 203 09-01-2023 Current
Dominica Caribbean 204 09-01-2023 Current
Cayman Islands Caribbean 205 09-01-2023 Current
Bermuda Northern America 206 09-01-2023 Current
Guernsey Northern Europe 207 09-01-2023 Current
Greenland Northern America 208 09-01-2023 Current
Faroe Islands Northern Europe 209 09-01-2023 Current
Northern Mariana Islands Micronesia 210 09-01-2023 Current
Saint Kitts and Nevis Caribbean 211 09-01-2023 Current
Turks and Caicos Islands Caribbean 212 09-01-2023 Current
Sint Maarten Caribbean 213 09-01-2023 Current
American Samoa Polynesia 214 09-01-2023 Current
Marshall Islands Micronesia 215 09-01-2023 Current
Liechtenstein Western Europe 216 09-01-2023 Current
Monaco Western Europe 217 09-01-2023 Current
San Marino Southern Europe 218 09-01-2023 Current
Gibraltar Southern Europe 219 09-01-2023 Current
Saint Martin Caribbean, Latin America 220 09-01-2023 Current
British Virgin Islands Caribbean 221 09-01-2023 Current
Palau Micronesia 222 09-01-2023 Current
Cook Islands Polynesia 223 09-01-2023 Current
Anguilla Caribbean 224 09-01-2023 Current
Nauru Micronesia 225 09-01-2023 Current
Wallis and Futuna Polynesia 226 09-01-2023 Current
Tuvalu Polynesia 227 09-01-2023 Current
Saint Barthelemy Caribbean, Latin America 228 09-01-2023 Current
Saint Pierre and Miquelon Northern America 229 09-01-2023 Current
Montserrat Caribbean 230 09-01-2023 Current
Falkland Islands South America, Latin America 231 09-01-2023 Current
Niue Polynesia 232 09-01-2023 Current
Tokelau Polynesia 233 09-01-2023 Current
Vatican City Southern Europe 234 09-01-2023 Current

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1CY46tuLSM1BJVg-_QGI88Lf_lDeuYCOtKz0yNOQH0Q0/edit?usp=sharing

Source: https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/green-card-waiting-time-by-country

The Green Card Waitlist Explained 

"Priority Dates" and "Application Dates" and how do they Interact?

Many individuals apply for green cards yearly, leading to wait times for months or even years for most categories. To better manage applicants' expectations and facilitate smoother processing, the U.S. Department of State employs a waitlist system for Green Card Waiting Time by Country centered around two key dates: the priority date and the application date.

  • Priority date
    Signifies the applicant's position in the virtual line. The priority date is given to the applicant when the USCIS accepts their initial immigrant petition.
  • Application date
    Symbolizes the virtual waiting line itself. The application date, typically a past date and varies eb5 processing time for each country and eligibility class (like India F3), progressively advances as applications are processed. The U.S. Department of State issues a monthly visa bulletin detailing the current application dates for each category and country of origin.

The coordination of priority dates and application dates is essential. When the application date progresses enough to match or surpass an applicant's priority date, it signals that the applicant has reached the front of the virtual queue. At this point, an immigrant visa number becomes available, and the applicant can submit further documentation to USCIS, specifically to the Department of State's National Visa Center, to continue their application process.

The information below represents the application dates for each EB-5 waiting time by country and category as of November 2023. However, these dates are subject to monthly changes. Those interested are advised to regularly check the U.S. State Department Visa Bulletin page for the latest updates.

Green Card Backlogs: January 2025 Visa Bulletin Update

Understanding Green Card backlogs is essential for applicants navigating the U.S. immigration system. The latest January 2025 Visa Bulletin provides updated priority dates and visa availability across various categories and countries. This section outlines the current backlogs for family-based and employment-based Green Cards, reflecting the most recent changes.

Family-Based Green Card Backlogs

Family-based Green Cards are divided into several categories (F-1, F-2A, F-2B, F-3, F-4), each with specific priority dates based on the applicant's relationship to a U.S. citizen or Green Card holder and their country of origin.

Category Applicants General Priority Date China (Mainland) India Mexico Philippines Vietnam
F-1: Unmarried Children (21 and Older) of U.S. Citizens General 01-Sep-2017 01-Sep-2017 01-Sep-2017 01-Apr-2005 01-Apr-2015 01-Sep-2017
F-2A: Spouses and Unmarried Children (under 21) of U.S. Green Card Holders General 01-Sep-2023 01-Sep-2023 01-Sep-2023 01-Sep-2023 01-Sep-2023 01-Sep-2023
F-2B: Unmarried Children (21 or Older) of U.S. Green Card Holders General 01-Jan-2017 01-Jan-2017 01-Jan-2017 01-Aug-2004 01-Oct-2013 01-Jan-2017
F-3: Married Children of U.S. Citizens General 01-Mar-2010 01-Mar-2010 01-Mar-2010 15-Jun-2001 08-Nov-2003 01-Mar-2010
F-4: Siblings of U.S. Citizens General 01-Mar-2008 01-Mar-2008 22-Feb-2006 14-Apr-2001 01-Mar-2008 01-Mar-2008

Employment-Based Green Card Backlogs

Employment-based Green Cards are categorized into EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4, and EB-5, each with specific eligibility criteria and priority dates based on the applicant's country of origin.

EB-1: Extraordinary Ability, Outstanding Researchers and Professors, Multinational Executives and Managers

Category Priority Date
General Current
China (Mainland) 01-Aug-2022
India 01-Jul-2019
Central America Current
Mexico Current
Philippines Current

EB-2: Advanced Degree Holders and Exceptional Ability

Category Priority Date
General 01-Jan-2023
China (Mainland) 01-Jan-2020
India 05-May-2012
Central America 01-Jan-2023
Mexico 01-Jan-2023
Philippines 01-Jan-2023

EB-3: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers

Subcategory Category Priority Date
EB-3(A&B) Skilled Workers, Professionals 01-Jan-2023
EB-3(A&B) China (Mainland) 01-Sep-2020
EB-3(A&B) India 01-Aug-2012
EB-3(A&B) Central America 01-Jan-2023
EB-3(A&B) Mexico 01-Feb-2023
EB-3(A&B) Philippines 01-Jan-2023
EB-3(C) Unskilled Workers 15-Dec-2020
EB-3(C) China (Mainland) 01-Jun-2017
EB-3(C) India 01-Aug-2012
EB-3(C) Central America 15-Dec-2020
EB-3(C) Mexico 15-Dec-2020
EB-3(C) Philippines 15-May-2020

EB-4: Special Immigrants

Category Priority Date
General 01-Mar-2019
China (Mainland) 01-Mar-2019
India 01-Mar-2019
Central America 01-Mar-2019
Mexico 01-Mar-2019
Philippines 01-Mar-2019
Vietnam 01-Mar-2019

EB-5: Immigrant Investors

Category Priority Date
General Current
China (Mainland) 01-Jan-2017
India 01-Apr-2022
Central America Current
Mexico Current
Philippines Current
Vietnam Current

Key Updates from January 2025 Visa Bulletin

  • F-1 Category: Priority dates remain unchanged, with significant backlogs for China, India, and the Philippines.
  • F-2A Category: All regions, including China and India, are current as of September 2023, indicating no additional backlog.
  • F-2B, F-3, and F-4 Categories: Continued backlogs, especially for China and India, reflecting high demand.
  • EB-1 and EB-2 Categories: Priority dates for China and India show gradual improvements, but significant wait times persist for EB-1 India applicants.
  • EB-3 Category: Unskilled workers from China and India face substantial backlogs, while other regions are progressing.
  • EB-5 Category: Backlogs for China and India continue, with Vietnam now current, reflecting no wait times for Vietnamese investors.

Understanding Priority Dates

Each Green Card applicant is assigned a priority date when their initial immigrant petition is filed. This date determines their place in the visa queue. As new visa numbers become available, priority dates advance, allowing applicants to move forward in the process.

Managing Backlogs

Given the high demand across various categories and countries, applicants should:

  1. Monitor the Visa Bulletin
    Regularly check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for updates on priority dates and visa availability.
  2. Plan Strategically
    Align investment and immigration strategies based on current and projected priority dates.
  3. Consult Professionals
    Engage with immigration attorneys to navigate complex backlogs and optimize application processes.
  4. Stay Informed on Legislative Changes
    Be aware of any policy adjustments that may impact visa allocations and processing times.

EB-5 Quota Limits

According to the EB-5 Processing Time Estimates annually, 7.1% of the 140,000 immigrant visas are allocated to the EB-5 category.

Within this quota, 3,000 visas are reserved explicitly for investors in Targeted Employment Areas (TEA) and another 3,000 for those investing through regional centers. In total, there are 10,000 EB-5 visas available each year, which includes visas for the investors' family members.

Other EB-5 Program Considerations

EB5 Visa Categories and Minimum Investment

The EB-5 immigrant investor category has next subcategories and minimum investments required:

Investment Category Description Minimum Investment

C5

Direct investment

In areas not designated as Targeted Employment Areas.

$1,800,000

T5

Direct investment

In areas designated as Targeted Employment Areas.

$800,000

R5

Investment through the Regional Center

In areas not designated as Targeted Employment Areas. 

$1 million

I5

Investment through the Regional Center

In areas designated as Targeted Employment Areas.

$900,000 to $1,050,000

Table 4: EB5 Visa Minimum Investment

Related content: EB 5 investment amount and total cost of EB 5 visa.

Latest Updates on EB-5 Processing Time By Country - 2024

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program remains a popular avenue for obtaining U.S. permanent residency. In 2024, processing times have evolved due to legislative changes and enhanced operational efficiencies. This update provides the most recent insights into EB-5 visa wait times by country, legislative impacts, and resource allocation strategies.

In fiscal year 2024, over 5,500 EB-5 visas were issued, reflecting a notable increase from the previous year. Chinese and Vietnamese investors continue to dominate in visa issuances, although backlogs persist, particularly for Chinese applicants.

Legislative Impacts

The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 has significantly streamlined processing standards, improving transparency and accountability within the program. These reforms have contributed to more predictable timelines and reduced processing delays for applicants.

Sources

https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2025/visa-bulletin-for-january-2025.html

 
 
 

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