What is Filing Season in EB-5?

The EB-5 program is an investment option that allows foreign investors to obtain permanent residency (green card) in the United States through investment in approved projects and job creation. Within this context, the term “Filing Season” may cause some confusion, as it is more commonly associated with other types of immigration programs, but it can also appear in discussions about filing petitions such as the I‑526.

In the case of EB-5, when mentioning “Filing Season” we are basically referring to the time period during which investors can submit the initial petition – the I‑526 – so that the investment is evaluated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This period is relevant for several reasons:
• First, it marks the “start of the race” for the investor to secure their place in line, since the petition filing date can affect case priority in processing, especially if there are limitations on available visas.
• Second, although the EB-5 program does not use a lottery system or fixed “windows” like the Diversity Visa, keeping an eye on the acceptance period for petitions and updates to the program regulations is essential so investors do not miss deadlines and keep their documentation in order.

It is important to highlight that, since this is a program with complex rules that may change, strictly following immigration laws and monitoring official USCIS announcements is fundamental. Investors should seek information through reliable sources and consult specialized advisors – without, however, receiving unfounded promises of guaranteed results – to avoid traps and scams that unfortunately circulate in the market.

Staying informed and updated about petition submission periods and the specifics of the EB-5 process is an important step for investors to make conscious and safe decisions, always respecting legal procedures and consulting professionals who can guide them on the best paths, without ever offering unrealistic guarantees regarding the success of the petition.

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.