Does the green card come immediately after the I-526?

No. In the EB-5 program, the I-526 is just one step on the path to a green card, and the card is not issued right after it is approved. Approval of the I-526 confirms the investor’s petition, but several additional steps remain before permanent residence is granted.

After approval, the next stage depends on where you are located. Those already in the United States may seek an adjustment of status to become a permanent resident; those abroad go through consular processing, which involves gathering documents, attending an interview, and obtaining an immigrant visa to enter the country.

Only upon completing that phase do you become a conditional resident. Later, once the requirements of the conditional period are met, it becomes possible to file for removal of conditions to become a full permanent resident.

Since each case has its own specifics and the rules can change, it is worth confirming the steps applicable to your situation at the official source (USCIS) and seeking specialized guidance throughout the process.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.