Eleven Regional Center operators provided IIUSA with anonymized case status information as of mid-2024 for a total of 1,254 I-526E cases and 61 I-956F project applications filed from June 2022 to August 2024.
This data sample represents nearly 25% of all I-526E cases filed with USCIS and close to 50% of I-526E case approvals during that period, providing a robust basis for evaluating processing times.
Below is the summary which focuses on the key findings and their implications for investors and stakeholders.
Key Findings from IIUSA Report
- I-526E Processing Times:
– Rural Projects: On average, petitions tied to rural projects were approved within 10 months, with a normal range of 6 to 15 months.
– High-Unemployment Projects: These petitions took longer, averaging 14 months, with a range of 11 to 16 months.
- I-956F Processing Times:
– Rural Projects: The average processing time was 8 months, with a range of 4 to 15 months.
– High-Unemployment Projects: Processing took about 13 months, ranging from 7 to 18 months.
These findings indicate that rural project petitions are being processed more quickly, likely due to the prioritization of rural areas as mandated by the RIA. Investors and regional centers focusing on rural projects could benefit from faster processing, making these projects particularly appealing.
Trends and Observations
- USCIS Prioritization of Rural Petitions
Although more I-526E petitions were filed for high-unemployment projects, a higher percentage of approvals came from rural projects. This suggests that USCIS is prioritizing rural petitions, a trend consistent with the goals of the RIA to boost investment in underserved area.
- I-956F Approvals Impact I-526E Timelines
The report also reveals that I-526E petitions filed after the associated I-956F approval tend to experience shorter processing times. However, the data sample is limited, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions. Nonetheless, the average time between I-956F approval and I-526E adjudication is approximately 4 months.
- Recent Processing Delays
Between May and August 2024, the report shows a noticeable increase in processing times for both rural and high-unemployment I-526E petitions. This could indicate that future processing times may grow longer as the volume of petitions increases.
- Implications for EB-5 Investors
For investors, the data offers a clear advantage for rural projects. With average processing times significantly shorter than for high-unemployment areas, choosing rural investments could expedite the immigration process. However, investors must balance this with the overall viability and potential returns of a given project.
The report also highlights the growing delay between I-956F approvals and subsequent I-526E adjudications. Investors need to remain vigilant, working closely with their regional centers and legal teams to monitor the status of both their I-956F and I-526E applications.
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