Presentación simultánea del EB-5: cómo los inversores pueden ajustar su estatus mientras permanecen en los EE. UU.

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Blog header with title "EB5 Concurrent Filing: How Investor Can Adjust Status While Remaining in the U.S." with an image of the 1-485 form in the background

Para los inmigrantes estadounidenses actuales y futuros, la Ley de Reforma e Integridad EB-5 de 2022 (RIA) cambió las reglas del juego. Esta legislación ha transformado la forma en que los inversores pueden afrontar el proceso de obtener potencialmente una tarjeta verde estadounidense, principalmente mediante la presentación simultánea de la solicitud de ajuste de estatus en el marco de la EB-5. La presentación simultánea significa que los inversores ahora pueden presentar sus formularios I-526E (petición de inmigración EB-5) e I-485 (solicitud de ajuste de estatus) al mismo tiempo. Esto hace que el programa EB-5 sea más accesible que nunca para quienes ya se encuentran en los EE. UU. En este artículo, explicaremos el significado de la presentación simultánea, cómo funciona el proceso y los posibles beneficios de los que pueden disfrutar los inversores.

Presentación simultánea del EB-5: qué significa para los inversores

Entonces, ¿qué hace Media de presentación simultánea de EB-5? ¿Y cómo podría afectarlo a usted como inversor? La respuesta breve es que antes de la legislación que se aprobó en marzo de 2022, los inversores del EB-5 tenían que esperar a que Formulario I-526 (anterior a la RIA) se aprobará antes de la presentación Formulario I-485 para ajustar su estatus al de residente permanente legal. A menudo, esto resultaba en largos tiempos de espera, especialmente para las personas que ya residían en los Estados Unidos con visas de no inmigrante válidas, como H-1B, E2 o F-1. Ahora, la posibilidad de presentar simultáneamente los formularios I-526E (PostriA) e I-485 ha cambiado radicalmente este proceso.

Mediante la presentación simultánea, los posibles inversores pueden evitar este período de espera y obtener su tarjeta verde condicional más rápido. Para calificar para la presentación simultánea, los inversores deben cumplir un par de requisitos clave:

· Ya deben estar físicamente presentes en los EE. UU. con un estado de visa de no inmigrante válido.

· Un número de visa debe estar disponible de inmediato para su categoría, el cual puede confirmarse consultando el Boletín de Visas del Departamento de Estado de los Estados Unidos.

Este enfoque puede ahorrar tiempo y también permitir a los inversores solicitar documentos de autorización de empleo (EAD) y Libertad condicional anticipada (autorización de viaje) mientras sus solicitudes estén pendientes. Como resultado, los inversores pueden seguir trabajando, estudiando o administrando negocios en los EE. UU. sin interrupciones, por lo que la presentación simultánea de solicitudes es un avance fundamental para el programa EB-5. Entonces, ¿cómo funciona el proceso?

 

El proceso de presentación simultánea

La presentación simultánea del EB-5 permite a los inversores un enfoque diferente en su viaje de inmigración. Comprender los pasos es crucial para garantizar un proceso eficiente cuando se cumplan los requisitos.

Paso 1: Presente su formulario I-526

El proceso de presentación simultánea comienza con la presentación de un formulario I-526E. Este formulario demuestra el compromiso del inversor con un proyecto EB-5 que reúna los requisitos y el cumplimiento de las normas del programa. Los documentos clave incluyen la prueba del monto de la inversión, la evidencia de la fuente legal de fondos y los detalles sobre el potencial de creación de empleo del proyecto.

También querrá tener en cuenta los cargos que conlleva la presentación de un formulario I-526E. En 2025, la tasa de presentación es de unos 12.160 dólares.

Paso 2: Solicite el formulario I-485 actual simultáneamente

Al enviar su I-526E, también querrá presentar su formulario I-485 al mismo tiempo. La presentación simultánea significa que puede enviar su solicitud para ajustar su estado al mismo tiempo que su formulario I-526E. La documentación requerida incluye comprobantes de la entrada legal, pruebas de la validez de la condición de no inmigrante y materiales de respaldo para la elegibilidad, como los resultados de los exámenes médicos. Un posible formulario justificativo que tal vez quieras considerar es el I-693, el informe del examen médico de inmigración y el registro de vacunación.

En 2025, el formulario I-485 tiene una tarifa de presentación de 1440 dólares y una tarifa biométrica de 85 dólares.

Paso 3: Solicitar el EAD y la libertad condicional anticipada

Cuando presenta simultáneamente sus formularios I-485 e I-526E, puede presentar al mismo tiempo formularios de permiso para trabajar y permiso para viajar, denominados documento de autorización de empleo (EAD) o libertad condicional anticipada. Estos formularios, si se aprueban, permiten al inversor trabajar y viajar con entrada y salida ilimitada de los EE. UU. mientras su solicitud de tarjeta verde esté pendiente, lo que básicamente le otorga los mismos beneficios que una tarjeta verde. Por lo general, los inversores no tienen que esperar demasiado para obtenerla, ya que la aprobación suele concederse dentro de los tres meses siguientes a la presentación de la solicitud.

 

Los beneficios de la presentación simultánea del EB-5

Al permitir a los inversores presentar simultáneamente los principales formularios de inmigración, la presentación simultánea ha significado mucho para los inversores EB-5. Desde la autorización de trabajo y viaje hasta un proceso simplificado, la presentación simultánea presenta varios beneficios:

  1. Puede permanecer en los EE. UU. mientras espera la aprobación: Antes de 2022, los inversores EB-5 tenían que mantener un estatus de visa de no inmigrante válido o corrían el riesgo de salir de los EE. UU. durante el largo proceso de la tarjeta verde. La presentación simultánea elimina este desafío al permitir a los inversores permanecer legalmente en el país mientras se revisa su solicitud de ajuste de estatus.
  2. La posibilidad de presentación simultánea reduce los tiempos de espera: La presentación simultánea significa que los inversores pueden iniciar el proceso de ajuste de inmediato, en lugar de esperar la aprobación de su formulario I-526E. Para las personas de países sin tramitación de visados atrasados, esto puede significar una ruta más rápida para obtener la residencia permanente.
  3. Un camino simplificado hacia la residencia permanente: Los inversores pueden disfrutar de una mayor tranquilidad durante el proceso, ya que pueden mantener sus vidas y carreras en los EE. UU. sin interrupciones.

 

En Peachtree Group, nuestro equipo lleva décadas ayudando a inversores como usted a obtener sus tarjetas verdes a través de la inversión EB-5. Conéctese con nuestro equipo para obtenga más información sobre sus opciones de inversión en EB-5, presentación simultánea y acceso a abogados de inmigración con experiencia en la representación de inversores que solicitan la presentación simultánea.

 

Preguntas frecuentes

¿Qué significa la presentación simultánea?

La presentación simultánea permite a los posibles inversores EB-5 presentar simultáneamente sus formularios I-526E e I-485. Esto puede limitar los tiempos de espera y permite a los inversores seguir trabajando en los EE. UU. mientras esperan obtener su estatus.

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Converting Your H-1B Visa to an EB-5 Visa: Your Path to Permanent Residency

Looking for an alternative to an H-1B visa? This short guide walks you through the process of transitioning from an H-1B to an EB-5 visa, helping you understand your options to make an informed decision about your immigration journey.

If you're working in the United States on an H-1B visa and seeking permanent residency, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program offers a promising path forward. This comprehensive guide walks you through the process of transitioning from an H-1B to an EB-5 visa, helping you understand your options to make an informed decision about your immigration journey.

 

H-1B vs. EB-5: Understanding the Key Differences

 

The H-1B visa is a temporary, employer-sponsored visa that ties you to a specific company. You need to win a lottery to get one, and you'll face regular renewal requirements. Plus, your stay in the U.S. is always dependent on your employment status.

 

The EB-5 visa, on the other hand, offers a direct path to permanent residency. No employer sponsorship needed! With an EB-5 visa, you can:

  • Live and work anywhere in the United States
  • Include your spouse and unmarried children under age 21 in your application
  • Avoid the stress of visa renewals and employer dependencies

 

Can You Convert from H-1B to EB-5?

 

Yes, while it's not exactly a "conversion," you can apply for an EB-5 visa while maintaining your H-1B status. Here are the key requirements for an EB-5 visa:

  • Make an $800,000 investment in a qualifying Regional Center project
  • Create jobs for U.S. workers through your investment
  • Demonstrate a legitimate source of investment funds

 

Acceptable funding sources for H-1B holders include:

  • Accumulated earnings verified by wage statements and tax returns
  • Personal savings and investments
  • Retirement plan funds
  • Secured loans or documented gifts

The Timeline and Process for EB-5 Approval

The transition from H-1B to EB-5 status typically requires between 4 to 18 months, depending on USCIS processing times. Your immigration journey begins with selecting and investing in a qualified EB-5 project. Once you've made your investment, you'll submit your petition to USCIS. During this waiting period, maintaining your current H-1B status provides important immigration security.

 

Understanding Concurrent Filing Benefits and Risks

 

The concurrent filing option presents an interesting opportunity for H-1B holders pursuing EB-5 visas. This process allows you to receive an Employment Authorization Document and advance parole privileges (travel authorization) immediately after filing your EB-5 petition. These benefits enable work authorization independent of your H-1B employer and facilitate international travel. However, immigration attorneys often advise maintainingH-1B status throughout the EB-5 process, as switching to concurrent filing status may prevent you from returning to H-1B status if needed.

 

Making an Informed Decision

 

The journey from H-1B to permanent residency through the EB-5 program represents a significant opportunity for foreign workers in the United States. While the $800,000 investment requirement is substantial, the benefits of permanent residency and workplace freedom make it an attractive option form any H-1B professionals. Consulting with qualified immigration attorneys helps ensure you understand all aspects of the process and make the visa choice aligned with your long-term immigration goals.

 

Taking the Next Step

 

Converting from an H-1B to an EB-5 visa offers a clear path to permanent residency in the United States. By understanding the requirements, timeline, and potential challenges, you can make informed decisions about your immigration future. Remember that professional legal guidance proves invaluable throughout this complex but rewarding process.

Peachtree Group has more than 40 years’ experience in EB-5 investing. Have questions about EB-5, visit our website or fill out our contact form.

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Understanding EB-5 Visa Annual Limits: Navigating Country Caps and USCIS Regulations

Conventional wisdom states that the EB5 visa country cap is calculated within each preference category, but that thinking is not correct, and we explain why.

For international investors dreaming of permanent U.S. residency, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program offers a promising pathway—but navigating its complex landscape, which includes EB-5 visa annual limits, requires more than just capital.

Imagine investing substantial funds in a U.S. project, only to discover that your country's immigration quota could dramatically impact your timeline for obtaining a green card. Each year, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) implements intricate EB-5 annual limits and country-specific caps that can significantly affect your immigration journey.

These regulations aren't just bureaucratic footnotes; they're critical strategic considerations that can mean the difference between immediate progress and years of unexpected waiting. Read on to learn what you need to know about navigating these restrictions.

The Evolution of EB-5 Country Limits: A Paradigm Shift

Conventional wisdom states that the EB5 visa country cap is calculated within each preference category, not across all preference categories.  

Conventional EB-5 wisdom on country caps is wrong.

A US Federal Register announcement dated March 28, 2023, dramatically transformed how EB-5 visa annual limits are calculated. This update represents a significant change in understanding EB-5 country limits, offering new perspectives for investors navigating the complex immigration landscape.

Key Changes in EB-5 Visa Allocation

Since April 2023, the latest news on EB-5 visa calculations reveals a comprehensive approach to annual limits:

  • Visas are now calculated across ALL preference categories
  • Family-based and employment-based visas are considered together
  • A new method for tracking country-specific visa usage has been implemented

This approach means immigrants from a particular country are not subject to EB-5 country limits until applications across ALL preference categories reach 7% of the total available visas.

Understanding the EB-5 Annual Limit and 7% Rule

The USCIS annual limits are governed by a nuanced 7% country cap mechanism designed to prevent any single country from dominating immigration allocations. Here are the three basic things you need to know to understand how the limits are governed:

  1. Total Visa Pool: Annual allocation of visas across various categories
  2. Proportional Allocation: No country can receive more than 7% of total visas
  3. Backlog Mechanism: Priority date-based restrictions when 7% threshold is reached

Current Landscape of EB-5 Country Limits

Four countries have reached the critical 7% cap across family-based and employment-based visas, they are China, India, Mexico and the Philippines.

For China and India, this means significant waiting periods and strategic investment planning. Mexico and the Philippines experience minimal practical impact due to lower EB-5 application volumes.

Strategic Implications for EB-5 Investors

Investors from countries outside of China and India enjoy significant advantages in navigating EB-5 annual limits. These investors face fewer restrictions, with greater flexibility in project selection and potentially faster processing times under current USCIS regulations.

Conversely, investors from China and India encounter more complex EB-5 country limits. These nations experience heightened scrutiny and longer waiting periods, requiring more sophisticated immigration and investment strategies to navigate the annual visa constraints.

Further, the EB-5 country limits are treated separately for the unreserved EB-5 category and each of the reserved categories (rural, high unemployment, and infrastructure). To understand current backlogs for the reserved categories, and any recent changes, pay close attention to the monthly visa bulletin put out by the Department of State.

Investment Strategies to Manage EB-5 Annual Limits

Understanding the EB-5 annual limit is crucial for successful immigration planning. Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs, both rural and high unemployment areas) offer a strategic approach to managing visa allocations, providing:

  • Reduced minimum investment ($800,000 vs. $1,050,000)
  • Potential acceleration through high-unemployment or rural project designations

Proactive planning becomes essential in managing USCIS annual limits. Investors should consult EB-5 immigration experts to help develop comprehensive long-term strategies and understand intricate priority date implications.

Key Takeaway on EB-5 Annual Limits

While USCIS annual limits and country caps are critical, they should not be the sole focus of your EB-5 investment strategy. Be sure to consider project quality, job creation potential, long-term investment objectives and your own personal and family immigration goals.

Mastering EB-5 Visa Annual Limits

The EB-5 visa landscape continues to evolve, with recent USCIS updates providing new opportunities and challenges. By understanding the nuanced approach to annual limits and country caps, investors can make informed decisions that align with their immigration and investment aspirations.

Ready to navigate the complexities of EB-5 visa annual limits? Contact Peachtree Group today for a personalized consultation.

About Peachtree Group

Peachtree Group is an investment firm driving growth with a diverse portfolio of commercial real estate assets and other ventures, with a specialty in hospitality. We’ve executed hundreds of investments since inception with a focus on real estate acquisition, development, and lending. Today, we manage billions in equity, augmented by services designed to protect, support, and grow your investment.

Peachtree Group has an EB-5 visa by investment program which allows foreign nationals the opportunity to attain permanent residency in the United States. The EB-5 visa program allows you to invest in job creating projects in the U.S. creating a path to a green card for you and your family. The minimum investment is $1,050,000. However, investment in Targeted Employment Areas reduces the minimum cost to $800,000. Learn more about the EB-5 visa by investment program.

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USCIS Form I-485 for EB-5 Investors Explained

Learn how EB-5 investors can leverage the I-485 form to adjust their immigration status, the eligibility requirements for EB-5 investors, the essential documents needed, and how Form I-485 fits into the overall EB-5 process.
Header image showing a picture of a green card and the I485 application with the title "USCIS Form I-485 for EB-5 Investors Explained"

Form I-485, or the "Application to Register Permanent Residence" allows an EB-5 investor to adjust their investor's status from a non-immigrant to a conditional permanent resident (CPR). To take advantage of this, the EB-5 investor must already be in the United States lawfully on a non-immigrant visa such as a F-1 or H-1B. The form is generally filed after the I-526E Petition which is the first step in the EB-5 visa process. This blog post explains how the Form I485 fits into the overall EB-5 process, the essential documents needed, and how to avoid potential delays in the adjustment of status journey.

Concurrent Filing

The passing of the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (“RIA”) allowed EB-5 investors to file Form I-485 concurrently with Form I-526E if visas are available.  This is called concurrent filing and allows investors to remain in the US while their application is processed. In short, if you are in the U.S. you can stay in the U.S. while you wait for the adjudication of your Form I-526E Petition.

Conditional Permanent Residency

Once the I-485 is approved, the investor becomes a conditional permanent resident which is good for two years. During this time, they need to fulfil the promise they made with the I-526 form to invest in a project that creates US jobs. In order to remove the conditional and become a permanent resident, the investor must file Form I-829 or the "Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status". Once this is granted, the investor and their eligible family members receive permanent green cards.

Investor Benefits During I-485 processing:

While the I-485 is processing, EB-5 investors may also file a Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization" and Form I-131, "Application for Travel Document" to receive an employment authorization and travel permit, which allows them to work in the US and travel while their applications are pending.

I-485 Filing Requirements: Documents to be submitted with your Form I-485

Peachtree Group encourages ourEB-5 investors to consult with their immigration attorney and to read through the Form I-485 form instructions as the specific evidence required with theForm I-485 application may vary depending on the immigrant category you are filing under.

Documents required to be submitted with your Form I-485 include:

  1. Passport-style photographs
  2.  Government-Issued identity document with photograph
  3. Birth Certificate
  4.  Inspection and Admission or Inspection and Parole
    1. Passport page with admission or parole stamp;
    2. Passport page with nonimmigrant visa; and
    3. FormI-94 Arrival-Departure Record.
  5. Evidence of Maintenance of Status
  6. Original Sealed Medical Exam Results (FormI-693)

 

I-485 EB5 Filing Costs

As November 2024, the filing fee for Form I-485 is $1,440. The EB-5 investor pays additional filing fees if they are also filing Form I-765 and Form I-131. Be sure to check the USCIS website for the most up to date fee information. In addition, this site has information on what to do while you wait for your green card application.

 

Prevent unnecessary delays in the adjudication of Form I-485

By following the I 485 form instructions and submitting all the required evidence and supporting documentation at the time of the Form I-485 filing, EB-5 investors may avoid receiving a Request for Evidence (“RFE”) from USCIS.

Tips to prevent receiving an RFE include:

  • Form I-693, Report of Immigration MedicalExamination and Vaccination Record
  • Only a USCIS designated civil surgeon can perform this medical examination in the United States. The civil surgeon will document the results of the examination on Form I-693. USCIS considers a complete Form I-693 to remain valid for two years from the date the civil surgeon signs the form.  
  • Due to the limited time validity of Form I-693, EB-5 investors are not required to submit Form I-693 at the time they file their adjustment application but may select to do so in order to avoid a RFE and delay the adjudication process. USCIS cannot approve the Form I-485 without having the report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, so if the Form I-693 is not filed with the adjustment of status, USCIS will have to issue an REF to obtain the medical report.
  • File all required initial evidence and supporting documentation as described in the form instructions; and
  • Use the current edition of Form I-485

Additional Resources

For more information about the I-526E Form and the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, consider consulting the following resources: