The EB-5 U.S. immigrant investor program continues to serve as a “golden gateway” for Vietnamese investors seeking a U.S. green card. In recent years, the number of EB-5 applications from Vietnam has steadily increased, highlighting the program’s strong appeal.

However, not all applications are processed at the same speed. Since the The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act (RIA 2022), took effect, the program has been split into two separate visa processing tracks, each with different timelines. Therefore, understanding your application track and choosing the right filing strategy is key to shortening the journey to a U.S. green card.

Based on the latest data through Q3 2025 from USCIS and the U.S. Department of State, OMG Visa analyzes the three phases that determine EB-5 processing speed and provides two of the most effective strategies for Vietnamese investors today.

EB-5 2025: Which Visa Group Is Moving Fastest?

Since RIA 2022, EB-5 has been divided into two main groups: Reserved and Unreserved.

Conclusion: The Reserved EB-5, especially Rural (low-population areas) and and HUA (high-unemployment areas),is currently Current worldwide,forming a “fast track” that significantly shortens visa waiting times for investors in 2025–2026.

Three Stages That Determine EB-5 Processing Speed

Here’s the key factor that determines how fast you can reach your Green Card goal.

Phase 1: Investment Petition Review (I-526E/I-526)

When reviewing EB-5 applications, USCIS focuses on two main factors:

• Project eligibility (I-956F approval)
• Legal source of investor funds

Q3 2025 Data – Positive Signals for Investors:

Approval rates for I-526E have risen sharply, indicating that USCIS is prioritizing Regional Center applications after the implementation of RIA 2022.

Processing speed no longer strictly follows FIFO (first-in, first-out), but is also affected by:

• Application quality, especially proof of legal source of funds
• Strength and approval status of the investment project (I-956F)
• Backlog volume at each processing center
• Mandamus lawsuits, which are helping accelerate petition processing

Phase 2: Visa Waiting Time (Visa Bulletin)

EB-5 visa processing only begins after I-526E approval, and progress depends on the Priority Date and the status in the Visa Bulletin:

• Current (typically Reserved): applications are processed immediately
• Cut-off (typically Unreserved): applications must wait their turn due to quota limits

Choosing a Reserved project (Rural or HUA) allows investors to skip thousands of applications waiting in the Unreserved queue, significantly shortening the wait time.

Phase 3: Interview / Adjustment of Status

If in the U.S.:
Investors can file I-526E and I-485 concurrently to quickly receive:

• EAD Employment Authorization Document
• Advance Parole – Travel authorization

These documents are usually issued within a few months after filing.

If outside the U.S.:
Once I-526E is approved, the case is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) for scheduling a consular interview before the immigrant visa is issued.

Final Processing Speed Depends On:

• Strong, clean petition (Phase 1)
• Current project status (Phase 2)
• Close monitoring of the Visa Bulletin (Phase 3)

Two Key Strategies to Accelerate EB-5

“Choose the Right Track” – Prioritize Reserved projects (Rural/HUA)

“Clean Petition” – Master Phase 1 with proper documentation

EB-5 Document Checklist

To speed up EB-5 processing and reduce the risk of RFE (Request for Evidence), investors should ensure:

• Transparent funds:clear source, transfer path, and timing of investment
• Complete tax records:including domestic and international filings if applicable
• Translation & consular legalization:done from the start to avoid errors

Goal: Avoid RFE, as each request can delay processing by 4–8 months.

Action Plan for Vietnamese Investors

To proactively manage EB-5 processing, investors should monitor:

1. Visa Bulletin (U.S. Department of State): check if EB-5 Reserved remains Current
2. I-485 Pending Inventory (USCIS): track backlog by Priority Date to estimate processing pace

Tip:
Maintain a personal tracking table with Priority Date – Visa Bulletin status – I-485 backlog by month to stay in control of your application timeline.

Conclusion: “Stay in the Right Lane” to Reach the Finish Line Faster

After RIA 2022, EB-5 is no longer a single-speed race. Investors who choose the right track and submit a well-prepared petition will reach the green card faster.

Currently, Reserved EB-5 projects (Rural, HUA, Infrastructure) are Current worldwide, creating a rare “golden window” for Vietnamese investors.

Select projects with strong I-956F approval, transparent funds, and file early with fully standardized documentation. This approach can reduce waiting time from several years to just a few months for a U.S. green card.