Reviewed by Jane Katkova, Founder & Licensed CICC ConsultantKey points
- Rural I-526E petitions average about 9.6 months, with 77% decided within a year.
- The overall I-526E average is about 35 months across all categories.
- High-unemployment petitions run 17–52 months and unreserved petitions 30–61 months.
- The I-829 to remove conditions takes about 20 months after two years of residence.
I-526E decision times by category
EB-5 timing in 2026 depends on the category in which the petition is filed:
- Rural set-aside: about 9.6 months on average, with 77% decided within a year. Rural petitions receive priority processing.
- High-unemployment set-aside: 17–52 months.
- Unreserved: 30–61 months.
- Overall I-526E average: about 35 months.
The set-aside categories are current for all countries, including China and India. Category-by-category figures are in our guide to EB-5 processing times.
Stages after the I-526E decision
Approval of the I-526E is followed by consular processing or, for applicants in the US, adjustment of status on Form I-485, which leads to a conditional green card. After two years you file the I-829 to remove conditions, which takes about 20 months to decide. Citizenship is possible five years after the conditional card was issued.
Concurrent filing for applicants already in the US
An applicant in the US in valid status, for example on H-1B or F-1, can file the I-485 with the I-526E and receive a work permit and advance parole while USCIS decides.
The investment is US$800,000 in a targeted employment area or infrastructure project, or US$1,050,000 elsewhere, and it must create 10 full-time US jobs. The capital must be at risk. Regional-centre authorisation runs to 30 September 2027; petitions filed on or before 30 September 2026 are grandfathered. Requirements and risks are on our EB-5 visa page. To assess which category suits your timeline, book a consultation with our team.
People also ask
Can Canadian citizens get a US green card through the EB-5 visa?
Yes, and Canada has no EB-5 backlog. A Canadian inside the US in valid status can file I-485 with the I-526E; one in Canada processes through the consulate in Montreal. The trade-off is tax: a green card makes you a US tax resident on worldwide income, and leaving Canada triggers departure tax.
How long does it take to get Portuguese citizenship through residence?
Ten years of legal residence, counted from your first residence card, under the Nationality Law in force since 19 May 2026. EU and CPLP nationals qualify after seven years. You also need A2 Portuguese and a clean record. Applications lodged before 19 May 2026 follow the old five-year rule.
Can you still get a Portugal golden visa by buying property?
No. Real estate and real-estate funds were removed from the Portugal golden visa on 7 October 2023. The routes in 2026 are a €500,000 CMVM-registered fund, €500,000 in research, a €250,000 cultural donation (€200,000 in low-density areas) and company or job-creation routes. You may buy a home, but it will not count.
How much does the Greece golden visa cost in 2026?
From €250,000 for an approved commercial-to-residential conversion or listed-building restoration, €400,000 for a standard home in most of Greece, and €800,000 in Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini and islands with more than 3,100 residents. Add about 3.09% transfer tax, 3–4% notary and legal fees, and about €2,000 state fee per adult.
Can you rent out a Greece golden visa property on Airbnb?
No. Long-term lets are allowed, but short-term rental on Airbnb-style platforms is banned for Greece golden visa property. The fine is €50,000 and the residence permit can be revoked. Plan your yield on annual tenancies, not tourist lets, and expect a Greek property tax bill (ENFIA) plus tax on any Greek rental income.