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Learn what an RFE means for your EB-5 petition and how to respond effectively.
If you've recently submitted your EB-5 petition and received a Request for Evidence (RFE), you're not alone. In fact, according to immigration experts, it would be unusual for a petition to be approved without receiving a single RFE. Let's break down what this means for your EB-5 journey and how to handle it effectively.
Put simply, an RFE is just a question. When USCIS reviews your petition, they may need additional information or clarification about certain aspects of your submission. This request for initial evidence, or RFE, is their way of asking those questions and gathering the information they need to decide on your case.
RFEs are issued for various types of immigration petitions, including:
Receiving an RFE can actually be positive news for two key reasons:
While the substance of the RFE will ultimately determine whether it presents any serious concerns, the mere fact that you've received one indicates your case is being processed. This forward movement is generally good news for petitioners.
RFEs can vary widely in their substance and complexity. Some common scenarios include:
When you receive an RFE, you have exactly 87 calendar days from the date of issuance to submit your response. This is a strict deadline, and it's crucial to ensure your response is received by USCIS before the 87th day.
There is no prescribed timeline for USCIS to review and adjudicate your RFE response. Processing times can vary significantly. Some petitions are approved within a week of submitting the RFE response, while others may take considerably longer, especially for complex cases.
The timeline often depends on the nature of the questions asked. For instance, if the RFE simply requests proof of a biometrics appointment, the review might be quick. However, if it involves complex questions about the source of funds or foreign earnings, the review process may take longer.
Unlike initial petition filings, USCIS does not issue a receipt notice for RFE responses. To confirm receipt:
After submitting your RFE response, several outcomes are possible:
If you receive a NOID, you'll have a shorter timeframe to respond and provide evidence that addresses USCIS's concerns. Failure to respond by the deadline will result in petition denial.
While receiving an RFE might feel daunting, remember that it's a normal part of the EB-5 process. The key is to respond thoroughly and promptly while understanding that this step means your petition is actively being reviewed. Working with experienced immigration professionals can help ensure you provide USCIS with exactly what they need to move your case forward successfully.
Given the complexity of immigration law and investment requirements, it's wise to work with qualified immigration attorneys and investment advisors who can guide you through the process and ensure you meet all program requirements. They can help you understand the nuances of your specific situation and maximize your chances of success.
The EB-5 team at Peachtree Group has more than 40 years of industry experience in EB-5. Have questions about EB-5, visit our website or contact us for more information.
Peachtree Group (“Peachtree”) has received I-956F approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the federal agency that oversees the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, for the development of Madison Bradenton, a 240-unit multifamily community in Bradenton, Fla.
The approval marks another major step forward for Peachtree’s EB-5 program, which drives economic growth and job creation through foreign investment in U.S. projects.
“Madison Bradenton reflects the strong demand for high-quality multifamily housing in growing markets,” said Adam Greene, executive vice president of EB-5 at Peachtree. “This project underscores our ability to pair EB-5 financing with secured lending, delivering attractive opportunities for investors while meeting critical housing needs.”
This marks Peachtree’s fourth I-956F approved development. Previous projects include Home2 Suites by Hilton in Boone, N.C., Spring Hill Suites by Marriott in Bryce Canyon, Utah and TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Palmdale, Calif.
Peachtree launched its EB-5 program in 2023 and remains committed to delivering high-quality, job-creating projects nationwide.
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Peachtree originated $47 million in floating-rate construction financing with a four-year term for the development. The project will include five four-story, elevator-serviced apartment buildings and one two-story carriage-style building, along with a clubhouse and several garage structures.
The 10.7-acre site at 303 301 Boulevard West sits in Manatee County, one of Florida’s fastest-growing areas. The location offers access to major employers, top healthcare centers and leisure destinations, including Siesta Key Beach, ranked among the nation’s best.
The community will feature 120 one-bedroom, 100 two-bedroom and 20 three-bedroom residences, averaging 1,027 square feet. Units will include stainless steel appliances, walk-in closets, granite countertops, kitchen backsplashes, ceiling fans, full-size washer-dryers and private patios or balconies.
Bradenton and the North Port–Sarasota–Bradenton metropolitan area continue to benefit from strong population growth, economic expansion and an appealing coastal lifestyle. With 81 percent of area jobs accessible within a 30-minute drive and leading employers in healthcare, government and retail, the market outlook remains highly favorable.
The EB-5 visa program allows foreign investors to obtain a green card in exchange for making a qualifying investment in a U.S. project that creates or preserves at least 10 full-time jobs. The minimum investment is $800,000.
In a recent episode of the Peachtree Point of View podcast, Greg Friedman, CEO of Peachtree Group, sits down with Adam Greene, who heads the company's EB-5 program. Their conversation reveals how this unique financing mechanism can stimulate economic growth and job-creation while producing competitive advantages for commercial real estate investments.
For Peachtree Group investors, understanding EB-5 provides insight into how the firm enhances investment returns. The program works by connecting foreign nationals seeking U.S. green cards with development projects that need capital. These foreign investors contribute a minimum of $800,000 to qualifying projects that create U.S. jobs, and in exchange, they and their families receive a pathway to permanent residency.
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The EB-5 capital typically comes at a lower cost than traditional financing sources, as foreign investors are primarily motivated by immigration benefits rather than financial returns. This allows Peachtree to replace more expensive layers of the capital stack with this efficient capital, potentially improving overall project economics.
Adam Greene, with 14 years of specialized experience in EB-5 and nearly three decades in construction financing, explains Peachtree's innovative approach: Unlike competitors who use a "best efforts" fundraising model, Peachtree fully underwrites and commits to projects upfront, then uses EB-5 capital as a take-out strategy. This eliminates execution risk while still delivering the financial advantages of EB-5 funding.
The podcast highlights a recent $25 million Home2 Suites hotel in Boone, North Carolina as an example. Located in a rural area qualifying for the $800,000 EB-5 investment threshold, the project successfully incorporated EB-5 capital to enhance its financial structure.
The conversation also touches on the proposed "Gold Card" visa program under the Trump administration, which differs significantly from EB-5 as it involves a $5 million donation to the U.S. Treasury rather than an investment in job-creating projects.
Listen to the full episode of Peachtree Point of View to gain deeper insights into how Peachtree leverages EB-5 financing to optimize returns on commercial real estate investments. Follow Peachtree Point of View on your favorite podcast platform for more strategic conversations on investment opportunities and financing innovations.
ATLANTA (April 2025) – Peachtree Group (“Peachtree”) has successfully secured U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) approval for four regional centers:
These approvals allow Peachtree to independently structure and sponsor EB-5 projects within the designated territories, streamlining the investment process and enhancing efficiency in bringing deals to market.
The approved regional centers cover the continental U.S., giving Peachtree a national footprint to expand its EB-5 program. With these approvals, the firm plans to scale its EB-5 efforts, increase deal volume, and seamlessly integrate EB-5 capital into its broader investment strategy.
Peachtree launched its EB-5 program in 2023 with the appointment of Adam Greene as executive vice president. Since then, the program has received three I-956F approvals for hotel developments, including:
The Regional Center approvals, granted by USCIS, represent a critical milestone in facilitating EB-5 investment opportunities. Previously, Peachtree relied on third-party regional centers, which added complexity and extended processing times. Now, with its own approved regional centers, the firm can directly manage and file EB-5 investments, significantly reducing timelines and enhancing control over its platform.
“These approvals mark a major milestone for Peachtree, solidifying our ability to independently execute EB-5 transactions and accelerate our investment initiatives,” Greene said. “With this expanded capacity, we can efficiently sponsor and structure projects, further driving economic development and job creation across the country.”
Peachtree has built a strong reputation in commercial real estate investment, and the newly established regional centers align with its long-term vision of diversifying and optimizing its capital sources.
"Implementing an EB-5 program is an excellent way to access low-cost capital, diversify our funding sources and invest in job-creating projects across the country," said Greg Friedman, Peachtree's CEO and managing principal.
The EB-5 visa program allows foreign investors to obtain a green card in exchange for making a significant investment in a new commercial enterprise that creates jobs in the U.S. Under the program, foreign nationals who invest a minimum of $800,000 in a U.S.-based project that creates or preserves at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers are eligible to apply for permanent residency in the U.S.
"Looking ahead, we are committed to expanding our EB-5 footprint by increasing the number of qualifying projects and deepening our engagement with EB-5 investors. With a proven investment track record, national reach and execution expertise, Peachtree is well-positioned to leverage these approvals and solidify its leadership in the EB-5 investment sector," Greene added.
