How long does INS take to process my visa petition?

Processing times vary from as little as a few weeks to as much as six months. We can't predict or promise a particular processing time. You should plan for the entire process to take approximately one year.

What are the processing procedures?

A general outline of the application process follows. Your solicitor will be able to give you a more complete description.

Step 1) File form I-526 Petition for Alien Entrepreneur with the California Service Centre. This petition requests INS to certify the applicant and the investment as eligible for EB5 visa status.

Step 2) Upon approval of the I-526 petition, (a) if you are in the United States you may apply for Adjustment of Status to Permanent Residence by sending form I-485 and supporting documents to the INS regional processing centre nearest your US residence. (b) If you are abroad you must wait for notification from the Embassy in your home country to prepare documents for the visa interview.

The purpose of the Adjustment of Status or consular visa interview is to make sure you are not subject to a grounds of exclusion, e.g. a criminal past, infectious diseases, etc.

Step 3) Upon approval you receive a form evidencing the approval and as well as a travel document. You will also receive the temporary green card in the mail. If you are abroad you must enter the US within six months of the date of the Embassy approval.

Step 4) After two years, you may file for removal of conditions or your permanent green card using Form I-829. This procedure permits INS to verify that you have maintained your approved investment for the required two-year period.

How do I apply?

For further information please contact:
Mathew Collins,
Ambler Collins, Eden House, 59 Fulham High Street, London, SW6 3JJ
Telephone: 020 7371 0213
Email: mathew@amblercollins.com

>Back to EB-5