When choosing the EB-5 investor program as the chosen method of immigration, many families question about the timing. However the best time to apply for an EB-5 Visa can vary from family to family. Creating a personal timeline for this process can assist with this decision but that too can be tricky without the proper guidance or knowledge of the EB-5 process. In fact, most foreign immigration applicants choose to hire a consultant to assist them in navigating the process in accordance with the applicant’s needs and goals.

The EB-5 Visa is an investment type visa that requires the foreigner to invest $1,000,000 or in some cases $500,000 USD into an approved EB-5 program known as a Regional Center. The investment must result in the creation of at least 10 full-time (permanent) jobs for U.S. workers. The result is the issuance of a “conditional” green card. Generally the immigrant investor will apply for a removal of these conditions in about 21-24 months from the date the initial application was approved, by this time the EB-5 project will need to prove that the required 10 full time jobs have been created so that the applicant can qualify for the removal of conditions. Once the removal of conditions has been granted, the applicant, the applicant’s spouse and their unmarried children under the age of 21 are granted permanent residence in the United States.

It is also important to consider the processing time for the immigration application, the USCIS must approve the petition in order for the applicant to move forward in the process. Depending on the amount of applications the USCIS has received, determines the amount of time it will take for the application to be approved.

Of course, there are other time factors to consider that experienced EB-5 consultants are aware of and can assist the applicant in mapping out in relation to time restraints pertaining to the applicant. Considerations need to be made with regard to Consular processing, or consideration of the applicant’s current U.S. immigration status (if the applicant already has an existing visa). With over 130 different approved Regional Centers to choose from in the United States, choosing which of these approved EB-5 projects to invest into can be very time consuming. It is not a decision to be taken lightly either, a careful examination of the Center and its history is necessary when making the final decision. After all, the success of the project will determine if the EB-5 visa is issued or not.

The overall timeline for the EB-5 visa from start to finish can vary depending on the country from which the applicant comes from or the person’s current immigration status in the United States. By calculating all of the time factors, especially with the help of an EB-5 consultant, will help to give a better idea of how long the entire process will take and when would be the best time for the applicant to begin the process.