Is there a deadline to start the investment after the I-526?

The EB-5 program offers an immigration pathway based on investment that requires not only a capital injection but also a commitment to job creation in the United States. For this reason, understanding the appropriate timing to begin and complete the investment is fundamental to meeting the program’s criteria and maintaining compliance with immigration regulations.

In practical terms, there is no rigid deadline established by USCIS to start or complete the investment after the I-526 approval. This is because, in most cases, the capital to be invested must already be committed or in the process of transfer to the qualified project even when the I-526 is submitted. In other words, the investor needs to demonstrate that the funds are ‘at risk’ and that the path to the enterprise has been initiated, according to the program’s guidelines, before or during the I-526 submission.

After approval, what matters is that the investment is implemented within a reasonable period to fulfill all requirements, especially job creation. Despite the absence of a fixed deadline, it is crucial to pay attention to the specific conditions of each project and the necessary documentation to prove that the program’s requirements have been duly met.

It is worth emphasizing the importance of strictly following immigration laws and, whenever in doubt, seeking guidance from specialized professionals or companies. This procedure helps to avoid mistakes and scams, as well as prevent the influence of marketing campaigns that often promise miraculous or guaranteed results. Staying well-informed and having specialized advisory are essential practices to safely navigate the complex EB-5 pathway.

Thus, even though there is no strict deadline established to start the investment after the I-526 approval, diligence in conducting each step of the process is key to meet the program’s requirements and comply with all United States immigration regulations.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.