As delays in the employment-based EB-2 and EB-3 visa categories cause unprecedented waiting times for Indian applicants, the EB-5 visa program gains prominence as a strategic alternative for obtaining US citizenship. Despite the substantial investment requirement of $800,000, the EB-5 program is witnessing increased interest due to the Reform and Integrity Act (RIA), offering significant benefits and efficiency in securing permanent residency in the United States.
Understanding EB-2 and EB-3 Visa Delays
Backlogs in the EB-2 and EB-3 categories, designated for professionals with advanced degrees and skilled workers, have become a major concern, leading to wait times ranging from 20 to 128 years for Indian applicants. The visa retrogression, particularly severe for Indian nationals, has prompted a reevaluation of alternative immigration options, bringing the EB-5 program into focus.
Significant Benefits Under the RIA
The Reform and Integrity Act (RIA) introduces crucial benefits for EB-5 applicants, creating renewed interest among Indian investors. The unique advantages include:
Certain Path to Residency: Unlike the uncertainty faced by EB-2/EB-3 applicants due to indefinite wait times, the EB-5 program typically provides a more certain path, taking around 3-4 years to achieve permanent residency.
Concurrent Filing Advantage: Under the RIA, EB-5 investors can simultaneously file their I-526E petition and apply for adjustment of status to permanent resident (I-485), enabling them to work and travel while awaiting green card processing.
Faster Processing Options: Priority processing is available for EB-5 investors in rural projects, ensuring a faster 1–2-year processing time. Expedited processing is an even quicker option for investors in national interest projects, contributing to economic growth in less populated regions.
Immediate Visa Availability: The RIA guarantees immediately available visas for EB-5 investors, offering relief from the prolonged wait times faced by Indian EB-2 or EB-3 applicants.
Strategic Shift Towards EB-5 Program
Despite the high investment requirement, the EB-5 program is gaining traction among Indian applicants who have been residing in the US on EB-2/EB-3 visas. Frustrated by lengthy delays, these investors are exploring the EB-5 program as a reliable and efficient pathway to secure the future for themselves and their families in the United States. The program’s straightforward requirements, absence of age, language, or skills criteria, and the freedom to live, work, and study anywhere in the US make it an appealing option, especially for those seeking an alternative to the challenges posed by EB-2/3 visa backlogs.
Source: Money control
