{"id":108875,"date":"2024-07-26T07:43:31","date_gmt":"2024-07-26T07:43:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eb5visainvestments.com\/wordpress\/?p=108875"},"modified":"2024-07-26T07:43:31","modified_gmt":"2024-07-26T07:43:31","slug":"how-concurrent-filing-impacts-eb-5-investors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eb5visainvestments.com\/vi\/how-concurrent-filing-impacts-eb-5-investors\/","title":{"rendered":"How Concurrent Filing Impacts EB-5 Investors"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/eb5visainvestments.com\/2023\/06\/26\/a-guide-to-understanding-the-eb-5-reform-and-integrity-act-of-2022\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022<\/a> (RIA) introduced the most significant reforms to the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program since its inception in 1990. One of the most notable changes introduced by the RIA is the concurrent filing provision that allows EB-5 investors to submit Form I-526\/I-526E and Form I-485 simultaneously.<\/p>\n<p>The concurrent filing provision has streamlined the EB-5 process. Thanks to this provision, EB-5 investors in the U.S. no longer have to wait for their I-526E approval to file for adjustment of status. <\/p>\n<p>In this article, we&#8217;ll explore the benefits of concurrent filing for EB-5 investors and how prospective investors can qualify for this process.<\/p>\n<div class=\"form-guide\">\n<h6 id=\"heading1\"><a href=\"#h1\">What Is Concurrent Filing?<\/a><\/h6>\n<h6 id=\"heading2\"><a href=\"#h2\">Who Is Eligible for Concurrent Filing?<\/a><\/h6>\n<h6 id=\"heading2\"><a href=\"#h3\">How Concurrent Filing Works<\/a><\/h6>\n<ul class=\"form-guide-list\">\n<li id=\"subheading2\"><a href=\"#h4\">Filing Form I-526E<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"subheading2\"><a href=\"#h5\">Filing Form I-485<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h6 id=\"heading1\"><a href=\"#h6\">Benefits of Concurrent Filing<\/a><\/h6>\n<ul class=\"form-guide-list\">\n<li id=\"subheading2\"><a href=\"#h7\">Faster EB-5 Green Card Processing<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"subheading2\"><a href=\"#h8\">Earlier Access to Green Card Benefits<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"subheading2\"><a href=\"#h9\">Avoiding Consular Processing<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h6 id=\"heading1\"><a href=\"#h10\">EB5AN Can Assist You With Concurrent Filing<\/a><\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<h3 id=\"h1\">What Is Concurrent Filing?<\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/eb5visainvestments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image3-10.jpg\" alt=\"Two forms on a desk with the word EB-5 on the corner, visualizing how immigrant investors can change their nonimmigrant status and register permanent residence.\"><\/p>\n<p>EB-5 concurrent filing is the ability to simultaneously submit Form I-526E and Form I-485 to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Under the concurrent filing provision, EB-5 investors already in the U.S. on non-immigrant visas can now apply to adjust their status to &#8220;permanent resident&#8221; along with their EB-5 application. <\/p>\n<p>Before the RIA, EB-5 investors could only file for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/green-card\/green-card-processes-and-procedures\/adjustment-of-status\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">adjustment of status<\/a> after receiving I-526E petition approval. In the meantime, they had to keep renewing their nonimmigrant visa to remain in the U.S. while awaiting their EB-5 petition processing. When renewal was impossible, they had to switch to another visa route or leave the U.S. and apply for permanent resident status by filing <a href=\"https:\/\/eb5visainvestments.com\/2022\/10\/27\/the-ds-260-application-everything-eb-5-investors-need-to-know\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Form DS-260<\/a> at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.<\/p>\n<p>With concurrent filing, EB-5 investors can now apply to adjust status along with their EB-5 petition. Those unable to submit both petitions concurrently for whatever reason can also file Form I-485 while their I-526E petition is pending. Many EB-5 investors have benefited from accelerated Green Card processing since the RIA&#8217;s concurrent filing option came into effect. <\/p>\n<p>Crucially, however, not all EB-5 investors can benefit from concurrent filing.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"h2\">Who Is Eligible for Concurrent Filing?<\/h3>\n<p>EB-5 concurrent filing is available to foreign nationals living in the U.S. on qualifying nonimmigrant visa routes. Foreign nationals on H-1B, F-1, E-2, and L-1 visas are among the top beneficiaries of EB-5 concurrent filing. <\/p>\n<p>Importantly, you&#8217;re not eligible for EB-5 concurrent filing if your country of birth is subject to <a href=\"https:\/\/eb5visainvestments.com\/2024\/03\/02\/new-uscis-data-major-implications-for-rural-and-urban-eb-5-investor-applications\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">visa retrogression<\/a>, which occurs when demand for EB-5 visas from a country continuously exceeds the annual available quota, creating backlogs. China and India currently have the heaviest backlogs.<\/p>\n<p>These backlogs cause priority dates to move backward, and applicants from backlogged countries can only apply for adjustment of status when a visa is available. The U.S. Department of State publishes <a href=\"https:\/\/eb5visainvestments.com\/2024\/07\/02\/how-is-eb-5-visa-availability-estimated\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">visa availability<\/a> in its online <a href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/legal\/visa-law0\/visa-bulletin.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Visa Bulletin<\/a>, reflecting which countries are facing backlogs and which are not.<\/p>\n<p>Thanks to the RIA&#8217;s &#8220;set-aside&#8221; visa quota, EB-5 investors from visa-retrogressed countries can avoid the backlogs and benefit from concurrent filing by investing in projects within <a href=\"https:\/\/eb5visainvestments.com\/2022\/02\/11\/what-is-a-targeted-employment-area-and-why-should-you-invest-in-an-eb-5-project-in-a-tea\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">targeted employment area<\/a> (TEA). The RIA has also introduced a priority processing provision exclusive to <a href=\"https:\/\/eb5visainvestments.com\/2024\/06\/21\/rural-eb-5-investment-a-faster-path-to-u-s-green-cards\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rural EB-5 investments<\/a>, which can help applicants further streamline their immigration process.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"h3\">How Concurrent Filing Works<\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/eb5visainvestments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image2-11.jpg\" alt=\"A close-up of USCIS's Form I-526E for new investors who apply under the EB5 regional center program.\"><\/p>\n<p>As noted above, EB-5 concurrent filing involves submitting Form I-526E and Form I-485 to USCIS at the same time. However, each petition has specific requirements and supporting documentation you must submit along with the application.<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"h4\">Filing Form I-526E<\/h4>\n<p>Form I-526\/I-526E is the main application for the <a href=\"https:\/\/eb5visainvestments.com\/abouteb5\/#process\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program<\/a>. It is the first step in the EB-5 Green Card application process. EB-5 investors making direct investments in a new commercial enterprise (NCE) must file Form I-526, while those investing through a <a href=\"https:\/\/eb5visainvestments.com\/regional-centers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">regional center<\/a> must file <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/i-526e\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Form I-526E<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Your Form I-526E must demonstrate your eligibility for the EB-5 program and include the details of your chosen investment project. Among other info, it must contain:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Your name, date of birth, nationality, and current address.<\/li>\n<li>Details of your NCE investment in an <a href=\"https:\/\/eb5visainvestments.com\/our-eb-5-projects\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">EB-5 project<\/a> and how it will meet the job creation requirement.<\/li>\n<li>The detailed business plan of your NCE.<\/li>\n<li>Documentation proving your investment funds were lawfully <a href=\"https:\/\/eb5visainvestments.com\/2024\/03\/05\/eb-5-industry-veteran-and-immigration-attorney-ahmed-khan-shares-best-practices-for-eb-5-source-of-funds-documentation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">sourced<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Financial records, bank statements, tax returns, and property records. <\/li>\n<li>Any other required case-specific <a href=\"https:\/\/eb5visainvestments.com\/2024\/02\/29\/what-are-the-required-documents-for-an-eb-5-visa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">supporting documentation<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 id=\"h5\">Filing Form I-485<\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/i-485\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Form I-485<\/a> is the application to adjust one\u2019s immigration status to &#8220;permanent resident&#8221; in the U.S. It enables foreign nationals already living in the U.S. to <a href=\"https:\/\/eb5visainvestments.com\/2024\/05\/07\/form-i-485-where-to-file-it-and-more-for-eb-5-investors\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">apply for a Green Card<\/a> after receiving approval for a qualifying immigrant visa petition.<\/p>\n<p>As explained above, EB-5 investors no longer have to wait for I-526E approval to file for adjustment of status thanks to the concurrent filing option\u2014they can now file both petitions together.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"h6\">Benefits of Concurrent Filing<\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/eb5visainvestments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image5-8.jpg\" alt=\"A person holding a Green Card in her hand while filling out an application form on a computer.\"><\/p>\n<h4 id=\"h7\">Faster EB-5 Green Card Processing<\/h4>\n<p>Due to heavy backlogs and the wait times for Form I-526E approval, prior to the RIA, investors often had to wait for years and even decades after filing their EB-5 petition to apply for adjustment of status. This was particularly true for Indian and Chinese nationals subject to visa retrogression.<\/p>\n<p>I-485 <a href=\"https:\/\/egov.uscis.gov\/processing-times\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">processing times<\/a> can also be quite unpredictable. So, after waiting several years to receive I-526E approval, EB-5 investors also had to wait another year or two to receive their conditional permanent resident status. <\/p>\n<p>The concurrent filing option has significantly reduced wait times for conditional Green Cards by merging I-526E and I-485 processing times. Post-RIA EB-5 applicants now enjoy <a href=\"https:\/\/eb5visainvestments.com\/2024\/07\/15\/investor-in-eb5ans-twin-lakes-georgia-rural-project-receives-physical-green-card-in-only-16-months\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">faster Green Card processing<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"h8\">Earlier Access to Green Card Benefits<\/h4>\n<p>The concurrent filing option additionally allows EB-5 applicants already in the U.S. to apply for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/i-131\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">advance parole (Form I-131)<\/a> (AP) and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/i-765\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">employment authorization documentation (Form I-765)<\/a> (EAD) while submitting their Forms I-526E and I-485. The <a href=\"https:\/\/eb5visainvestments.com\/2024\/06\/05\/enjoying-work-and-travel-permits-through-eb-5-kaushal-and-ayushis-story\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">travel and work authorization applications<\/a> are usually adjudicated quickly, and EB-5 investors can typically receive both permits in less than six months.<\/p>\n<p>Upon receiving their work permits, EB-5 investors will enjoy the right to live and work anywhere in the U.S. <a href=\"https:\/\/eb5visainvestments.com\/2024\/06\/25\/how-can-you-get-a-green-card-without-employer-sponsorship\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">without employer sponsorship<\/a> while awaiting their Form I-485 approval. This means they can work, start a business, or pursue further studies without restrictions. Moreover, the AP allows them to <a href=\"https:\/\/eb5visainvestments.com\/2024\/06\/04\/advance-parole-how-eb-5-investors-can-travel-while-waiting-for-their-green-cards\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">travel in and out of the U.S. freely<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p>Essentially, concurrent filing enables an EB-5 investor to start enjoying the <a href=\"https:\/\/eb5visainvestments.com\/2023\/02\/20\/the-benefits-of-living-in-the-united-states-as-a-green-card-holder\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">benefits of a Green Card<\/a> before receiving one.<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"h9\">Avoiding Consular Processing<\/h4>\n<p>Before the RIA, single-intent visa holders from high-demand countries faced the challenge of losing their immigration status while waiting for their I-526E approval. <\/p>\n<p>Due to long wait times, their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/forbesbusinesscouncil\/2024\/05\/28\/immigrant-intent-and-the-90-day-rule-what-eb-5-investors-should-know\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">single-intent visas<\/a> often expired before they received I-526E approval, which meant they could not apply for adjustment of status. Unless they were able to switch to a dual-intent visa, they then had to leave the U.S. and go through consular processing.<\/p>\n<p>With the concurrent filing option, single-intent visa holders can avoid this process. By simultaneously filing forms I-526E, I-485, I-131, and I-765, they can remain in the U.S. on a &#8220;pending adjustment&#8221; status. With this status, they can enjoy the freedom to live, work, and study anywhere in the U.S.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"h10\">EB5AN Can Assist You With Concurrent Filing<\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/eb5visainvestments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image4-9.jpg\" alt=\"An EB5 regional centers managing partner examining an adjustment of status application with an EB5 investor, under the EB5AN logo.\"><\/p>\n<p>The RIA&#8217;s concurrent filing provision has significantly reduced waiting times, but a successful application still requires careful preparation of each petition and supporting documents. <\/p>\n<p>Because of this, EB-5 investors should seek legal and professional guidance in preparing their I-526E and I-485 petitions for a seamless EB-5 application process\u2014and this is where EB5AN comes in.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/eb5visainvestments.com\/2024\/03\/15\/eb5an-leads-the-eb-5-industry-in-investor-resources-best-practices-and-transparency\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">EB5AN<\/a> has helped 2,300+ families successfully relocate to the U.S. in 10+ years of practice. We offer our clients first-rate, low-risk EB-5 regional center projects with a 100% USCIS approval rate to date.<\/p>\n<p>For more information about EB-5 concurrent filing or help starting your EB-5 journey, <a href=\"https:\/\/go.oncehub.com\/samsilverman2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">schedule a free one-on-one consultation<\/a> with our expert team today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA) introduced the most significant reforms to the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program since its inception in 1990. One of the most notable changes introduced by the RIA is the concurrent filing provision that allows EB-5 investors to submit Form I-526\/I-526E and Form I-485 simultaneously. The concurrent filing [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":108909,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"about-us":[],"eb-5-program-page":[],"class_list":["post-108875","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/eb5visainvestments.com\/vi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/108875","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/eb5visainvestments.com\/vi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/eb5visainvestments.com\/vi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eb5visainvestments.com\/vi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eb5visainvestments.com\/vi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=108875"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/eb5visainvestments.com\/vi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/108875\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eb5visainvestments.com\/vi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/108909"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/eb5visainvestments.com\/vi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=108875"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eb5visainvestments.com\/vi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=108875"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eb5visainvestments.com\/vi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=108875"},{"taxonomy":"about-us","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eb5visainvestments.com\/vi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/about-us?post=108875"},{"taxonomy":"eb-5-program-page","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eb5visainvestments.com\/vi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/eb-5-program-page?post=108875"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}