4 Latest Updates on the U.S. EB-5 Program

As demand for U.S. immigration continues to rise, EB-5 remains one of the most reliable and sustainable pathways to obtaining a U.S. Green Card. With recent policy improvements and faster processing times, EB-5 provides investors and their families with permanent residency,along with access to world-class education, healthcare, and quality of life.

Below are the latest key updates to the EB-5 Program that investors should be aware of.

1. Strong Growth in EB-5 Application Approvals

The 2024 fiscal year marks a significant recovery for EB-5, with impressive growth in both Form I-829 and Form I-526E approvals:

• Form I-829 the petition to remove conditions on permanent residence after two years of investment – reached 6,090 approvals,tripling compared to the previous year. Notably, the approval rate hit 95%reflecting the transparency and effectiveness of the program.
• Form I-526E – the petition for conditional Green Cards for new investors – recorded 4,906 approvals,the highest level since the COVID-19 pandemic.
  

With streamlined processes, additional staffing, and upgraded technology, the number of I-526E approvals is expected to continue rising in 2025, helping investors shorten waiting times considerably.

2. Vietnam Among the Largest EB-5 Markets

Vietnam remains one of the top countries worldwide for EB-5 visa issuance. In 2024, Vietnamese investors received 1,467 visas,accounting for 12% of the global total.This highlights the strong demand for U.S. immigration and reinforces the growing influence of Vietnamese investors within the EB-5 Program.

3. Expedited Processing for Rural EB-5 Projects

A notable policy update in EB-5 is the priority processing granted to investments in Rural Targeted Employment Areas (Rural TEAs). Processing times for these cases have been reduced to under 12 months,compared to the previous average of 3–3.5 years.

This policy not only stimulates development in underserved regions but also enables investors to settle in the U.S. much sooner, meeting urgent needs related to education, employment, or family reunification.

4. Impact of Donald Trump’s “Golden Visa” Program

Some opinions suggest that EB-5 might face challenges from proposed alternatives such as Donald Trump’s “Golden Visa.” However, EB-5 remains stable and secure thanks to its strong legal foundation.

The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act (RIA 2022),passed by the U.S. Congress, officially reauthorized the program through 30/09/2027The Act also introduced critical investor protections:

• All EB-5 petitions filed before 30/09/2026 will continue to be processed even if the program expires.
• Approved petitions remain valid, allowing investors to complete the immigration process and receive Green Cards.

These safeguards ensure that EB-5 continues to be a safe and transparent path for global investors.

If you are interested in the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program and would like detailed advice on costs, requirements, and the application process,contact OMG Visatoday. Our team of experts is ready to provide 1-on-1 consultation to help you design the right investment and immigration plan for your family.