EB-5 Process & Timeline
Your EB-5 Journey with LCR as Your Trusted Partner
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa offers a path to a US Green Card by investing in an approved project that creates American jobs. The process begins with a minimum investment of $800,000 and the filing of an I-526E petition, which leads to the first (or conditional) Green Card within 12–24 months. Two years after the first or conditional Green Card is issued, applicants may file for their permanent Green Card. Our team at LCR Capital Partners guides investors through each step, ensuring a smooth and compliant process.Â
What Could Your Personal EB-5 Process Look Like?
What Could Your Personal EB-5 Process Look Like?
Your EB-5 Journey
LCR’s Guidance Throughtout the EB-5 & US Permanent Residency Process
Your EB-5 Process
Application stage
1 to 2 Months
Plan & Prepare
- Eligibility Assessment
- Immigration Application Structuring
- Source of Funds Checklist & Document Collection
- Select & Engage Immigration Attorney for Source of Funds Analysis
Project selection
- Project Due Diligence
- Accredited Investor Compliance CheckÂ
- Client Onboarding & Sign Subscription DocsÂ
EB-5 Application
- Wire Funds to Escrow Account & Fund Administrator Access
- Final Review & Application Submission
- Receive USCIS Confirmation of Application Submission
- LCR Deploys Funds to Project
- Receive Annual Project Updates & K1 Statements
FOR APPLICANTS ALREADY IN THE US (OPTIONAL)Â
5 to 10 Months
Applying for Adjustment of Status
- Medical Checkup (I-693)
- Concurrently with the EB-5 Application (I-526E) or any time after
- Prepare & Submit Documents (I-485 AOS, 1-765 Work Permit, I-131 Travel Permit)
Receive AOS Benefits
- Complete Biometrics at USCIS officesÂ
- Receive Work Permit ApprovalÂ
- Receive International Travel PermitÂ
EB-5 APPLICATION APPROVAL
6 to 20 Months
Consular Processing (For included family members outside US)
- Receive EB-5 Application (I-526E) ApprovalÂ
- Prepare Post Approval Documentation (NVC, Police certificates, Medical status)
- Work with Immigration Attorney to Submit Documents
- Prepare with LCR & Attend Consular interview
- Receive Immigrant Visa & Enter the US
Or Adjustment of Status (For included family members Inside US)
- Receive EB-5 Application (I-526E) ApprovalÂ
- Prepare & Submit Documentation (NVC, Police Certificates, Medical Status)Â
CONDITIONAL GREEN CARD & US RESIDENCYÂ
21 to 24 Months
Receive Your Green Card
- Green Cards Delivered Principal Applicant & Included Family MembersÂ
- Maintain Residency Status (Discuss with LCR & Immigration Attorney)Â
- File Re-Entry Permit & Submit Biometrics (Optional for family members challenged to meet US residency requirements in the near term)Â
Maintain Conditional Residency
- Obtain Legal Documents (Social Security Number, etc)
- Manage Bank Accounts & Tax FilingsÂ
- Maintain Residency by Days in the USÂ
- Maintain US Domicile (Rental or Owned Address, Driving License, etc)Â
PERMANENT RESIDENCY & THE CITIZENSHIP OPTIONÂ
8 to 40 Months
Apply for Permanent Green Card
- Receive Documents & Evidence from LCR
- Prepare & Submit Permanent Green Card Application (I-829)
Receive Permanent Green Card(s)
- Receive Approval & Submit Proof to LCRÂ
- Receive Permanent Green Card (10 Year Validity)Â
Option of Applying for US Citizenship
- Check eligibility - 5 Years from the first Green Card
- Take & pass Citizenship Test & Oath of AllegianceÂ
- Become a US citizenÂ
RETURN OF CAPITAL PROCESSÂ
3-5 Years from Deployment to Project
Return of Capital TimelineÂ
- Capital can be returned as per USCIS requirement & each project's terms
- Receive Annual Project Updates & K1 Statements (for US Taxes)
- Further understand this during your personalized EB-5 planning
Whom Is This For?
How Does It Work for You
Students
Professionals
International Families
Your EB-5 Journey in Detail
LCR’s Step-by-Step Guide to EB-5 Green Cards & US Permanent Residency
Application Stage
Plan & Prepare
1-2 Months
We provide a detailed eligibility assessment, immigration application structuring with a timeline calculator, and a Source of Funds checklist. We also guide you in selecting and engaging an immigration attorney for a Source of Funds analysis.
Select a Project
This stage includes project due diligence, an accredited investor compliance check, client onboarding, and the signing of all subscription documents.Â
Submit Your EB-5 Application
We guide you through wiring funds to an escrow account and a fund administrator. We then perform a final review with your immigration attorney and submit your application. LCR deploys the funds to the project after receiving the USCIS receipt confirming your application has been submitted.
Applicants Already in the US (Optional)
Apply for Adjustment of Status
We assist in preparing and submitting documents (I-485 AOS, I-765 Work Permit, I-131 Travel Permit) with your immigration attorney.Â
Receive AOS Benefits
After a medical checkup and biometrics at a USCIS office, you will receive your work permit and international travel permit.Â
5–10 Months
Applicants Already in the US (Optional)
Prepare for Consular Processing (for family members outside the US)
Following I-526E approval, we prepare post-approval documentation (NVC, police certificates, medical status) and work with your immigration attorney to submit the documents. We also help you prepare for and attend the consular interview to receive your immigrant visa.Â
Apply for Adjustment of Status (for family members inside the US)
Following I-526E approval, we assist in preparing and submitting the necessary documentation (NVC, police certificates, medical status).Â
Conditional Green Card & US ResidencyÂ
Receive Your Green Card
Green cards are delivered to the principal applicant and included family members. We assist in maintaining your residency status and, if needed, filing for a Re-Entry Permit.Â
2–3 years from I-526E filing
Maintain Conditional Residency
We help you obtain legal documents (e.g., Social Security Number) and maintain your residency by managing bank accounts, tax filings, and ensuring you meet the required time in the US to maintain US domicile.Â
Permanent Residency & The Citizenship Option
Apply for Permanent Green Card
Once you have held a conditional Green Card for 2 years, you can apply for your permanent Green Card by filing the I-829 petition.
Receive Permanent Green Card
Once the I-829 petition is approved, you and your family members each receive a permanent, 10-year US Green Card.
2–3 years from I-829 filing
Option of Applying for US Citizenship
After holding a Green Card (conditional and/or permanent) for 5 years, you may be eligible to apply for US citizenship. We help you check your eligibility and guide you through the naturalization steps, including the citizenship test and the Oath of Allegiance.
Post 5-7 years
Return of Capital Process
Return-of-Capital Timeline:
Your capital can be returned per USCIS requirements and the terms of each project, typically 3-5 years from deployment. We provide detailed annual project updates, high-level quarterly updates, and K-1 statements for US taxes.Â
3-5 Years From Deployment To Project
Application Stage
1-2 Months
Plan & Prepare
We provide a detailed eligibility assessment, immigration application structuring with a timeline calculator, and a Source of Funds checklist. We also guide you in selecting and engaging an immigration attorney for a Source of Funds analysis.
Select a Project
This stage includes project due diligence, an accredited investor compliance check, client onboarding, and the signing of all subscription documents.Â
Submit Your EB-5 Application
We guide you through wiring funds to an escrow account and a fund administrator. We then perform a final review with your immigration attorney and submit your application. LCR deploys the funds to the project after USCIS confirms that your application has been submitted.
Applicants Already in the US (Optional)
Apply for Adjustment of Status
We assist your immigration attorney in preparing documents (I-485 AOS, I-765 Work Permit, I-131 Travel Permit).
Receive AOS Benefits
After a medical checkup and biometrics appointment at a USCIS office, you will receive your work permit and international travel permit.Â
EB-5 Application Approval Stage
Prepare for Consular Processing (for family members outside the US)
Following I-526E approval, we assist as needed with the necessary documentation (NVC, police certificates, medical status). We also help you prepare for and attend the consular interview to receive your immigrant visa.
Apply for Adjustment of Status (for family members inside the US)
Following I-526E approval, we assist in preparing and submitting the necessary documentation (NVC, police certificates, medical status).Â
Conditional Green Card & US ResidencyÂ
2–3 years from I-526E filing (typically)
Receive Your Green Card
Green Cards are delivered to the principal applicant and included family members. We assist in maintaining your residency status and, if needed, help you file for a reentry permit.
Maintain Conditional Residency
We help you obtain legal documents (e.g., a Social Security number) and maintain your residency by managing bank accounts and tax filings and ensuring you meet the required time in the US to maintain a US domicile.Â
Permanent Residency & the Citizenship Option
Apply for Permanent Green Card
Once you have held a conditional Green Card for 2 years, you can apply for your permanent Green Card by filing the I-829 petition.
2–4 years post I-829 filing
Receive Permanent Green Card
Once the I-829 petition is approved, you and your family members each receive a permanent, 10-year US Green Card.
Post 5–7 years
Option of Applying for US Citizenship
After holding a Green Card (conditional and/or permanent) for 5 years, you may be eligible to apply for US citizenship. We help you check your eligibility and guide you through the naturalization steps, including the citizenship test and the Oath of Allegiance.
Return of Capital ProcessÂ
3-5 Years From Deployment to Project
Return-of-Capital Timeline
Your capital can be returned as per USCIS requirements and the terms of each project, typically 3-5 years from deployment. We provide detailed annual project updates, high-level quarterly updates, and K-1 statements for US taxes.
Permanent Residency & The Citizenship OptionÂ
Apply for Permanent Green Card
We provide the necessary documents and evidence to prepare and submit your permanent green card application (I-829) with your immigration attorney.
2–4 years post I-829 filing
Receive Permanent Green Card
Once the I-829 petition is approved, you and your family receive a permanent, 10-year US green card.Â
Post 5–7 years
Option of Applying for US Citizenship
After holding a permanent green card for five years, you may be eligible to apply for US citizenship. We help you check your eligibility and guide you through the naturalization steps, including the citizenship test and oath of allegiance.Â
Return of Capital ProcessÂ
Return of Capital Timeline
Your capital can be returned as per USCIS requirements and each project’s terms, typically 3-5 years from deployment. We provide annual project updates and K1 statements for US taxes.Â
FAQs
Do all benefits of a Green Card apply under a conditional Green Card?
Yes, all benefits associated with a permanent Green Card also apply to a conditional Green Card. The only difference is that the conditional Green Card is valid for two years and requires the investor to demonstrate that the investment has created the requisite jobs within that timeframe for it to become permanent. Once the conditions are removed, the investor and their family receive permanent Green Cards.
Under which circumstances may Green Card holders not be eligible for in-state tuition?
Although Green Card holders are generally eligible for in-state tuition, eligibility ultimately
depends on each specific US state’s residency requirements for public universities. These
requirements typically involve:
- Duration of residency: Most states require an individual to live in the state for a continuous period (e.g., 6 months to 1 year) prior to enrollment, demonstrating intent to make that state their permanent home.
- Proof of domicile: This often involves showing proof of intent to reside in the state permanently, such as obtaining a state driver’s license, registering to vote, paying state taxes, and establishing a physical presence.
- Financial independence: For students under a certain age, their parents’ or legal guardians’ residency status is usually considered. For older students, demonstrating financial independence from out-of-state parents may be required.
In many cases, if a student moves to the US and resides in a specific state for their final year of high school or longer, they would likely meet the residency criteria to qualify for in-state tuition at public universities within that state. However, it is crucial to research the specific requirements of the state and institution they plan to attend.
How can someone living overseas apply for an L-1 visa and then file for an adjustment of status based on the EB-5?
The L-1 visa is an intracompany transfer for an employee or executive who is proven to be needed onshore (in the US) to execute certain critical tasks for that company. The L-1 is initially issued for one year. The L-1 is a dual intent visa, meaning Adjustment of Status (AOS) is readily available, similar to an H-1B visa.Â
The L-1 visa can also be issued with L-4 visas if required. The L-4 is for dependents (spouse and children under 21) who are not in the US but want to move with the L-1 holder to the US.
Can I apply for an EB-5 visa if I have been rejected or terminated in the past by USCIS while on an L-1, E-2, B, or other visa?
Past rejection does not disqualify the applicant unless the reasons for rejection are related to immigration fraud or other major problems. It is most important that all criminal, medical, or US immigration history problems be disclosed to LCR Capital Partners and your legal counsel in advance of application.
What is the most common reason for denial of an I-526 petition?
An EB-5 investor must apply to USCIS by submitting Form I-526E (or I-526 for direct investments) along with a comprehensive package of supporting evidence. This typically includes:
- Personal Documents:Â Passports, birth and marriage certificates, police clearances, and U.S. immigration history (if applicable) for the principal applicant and all dependents.
- Investment Documents:Â Proof of the capital investment into a New Commercial Enterprise (NCE), including evidence of funds transfer, investment agreements, and project-specific documents (e.g., Regional Center approval for the project).
- Source and Path of Funds Documentation:Â Detailed evidence proving that all invested capital was lawfully obtained and traced from its origin (e.g., salaries, business profits, property sales, gifts, loans, inheritance) to the EB-5 project. This is a critical and heavily scrutinized component.
- New Commercial Enterprise (NCE) and Job Creation Documents:Â A robust business plan detailing how the NCE will create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers within two years. For Regional Center projects, this typically involves an economic analysis demonstrating job creation.
All foreign language documents must be accompanied by certified English translations. Engaging an experienced immigration attorney is highly recommended to ensure proper preparation and submission of all required documentation.