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✅ EB-5 Application Checklist

A comprehensive step-by-step checklist covering every phase of your EB-5 journey, from initial research to receiving your permanent green card.

⏱️ Typical Timeline

1-3

months

Research & Planning

8-18

months

I-526E Processing

12-24

months

I-485 to Conditional GC

years

Conditional Residency

18-36

months

I-829 Processing

⚠️ Processing times vary based on USCIS workload, project type (Rural/HUA/Infrastructure), and individual circumstances

Your Progress

0 of 76 tasks completed

💡 How to Use This Checklist

Click checkboxes to track your progress (saved in your browser)
Tasks are organized by priority: High (red), Medium (yellow), Low (green)
Complete tasks in order within each phase for best results
Consult with your immigration attorney before major decisions
Timeline: Total process typically takes 3-5 years from start to permanent green card

🏥

Phase 1: Find USCIS-Approved Civil Surgeon

🏥

Find a USCIS-Approved Civil Surgeon

TOP PRIORITY

⚠️ Critical for Concurrent Filing: Many EB-5 applicants file I-526E and I-485 concurrently. You'll need to complete a medical examination (Form I-693) with a USCIS-approved civil surgeon BEFORE filing your I-485. Start this process early!

📍 Important: Only doctors designated by USCIS can perform immigration medical examinations. Use the official USCIS tool to find approved civil surgeons near you.

Find a Civil Surgeon Near You

💡 Tip: Schedule your medical exam 2-3 weeks before filing I-485 to ensure results are ready

💡 Cost: Medical exam fees typically range from $200-$500 (not covered by USCIS fees)

💡 Validity: Form I-693 is valid for 2 years from the date the civil surgeon signs it

Use USCIS tool to find approved civil surgeons near you (https://www.uscis.gov/tools/find-a-civil-surgeon)HIGH

Collect immunization records from previous doctors/schoolsHIGH

Schedule appointment with USCIS-approved Civil SurgeonHIGH

Complete medical examination (Form I-693) - Critical for concurrent I-526E/I-485 filingHIGH

🔍

Phase 2: Research & Planning

Research EB-5 program requirements and benefitsHIGH

Understand investment amounts ($800K rural/HUA or $1.05M standard)HIGH

Research regional centers and projectsHIGH

Calculate total costs (investment + fees + legal)MEDIUM

Assess source of funds availabilityHIGH

Research immigration attorneys specializing in EB-5HIGH

Join EB-5 investor communities and forumsLOW

🏢

Phase 3: Select Regional Center & Attorney

Interview multiple immigration attorneysHIGH

Select and retain immigration attorneyHIGH

Review regional center options with attorneyHIGH

Conduct due diligence on selected regional centerHIGH

Review project business plan and economic reportHIGH

Sign subscription agreement with regional centerHIGH

Transfer investment funds to escrowHIGH

⏳

Phase 6: Wait for I-526E Approval

Monitor case status on USCIS websiteMEDIUM

Respond to any RFEs (Requests for Evidence) promptlyHIGH

Keep attorney informed of address changesMEDIUM

Maintain valid passportHIGH

Receive I-526E approval notice (I-797)HIGH

🛂

Phase 7: File I-485 (if in US) or Consular Processing

Complete Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)HIGH

Complete Form I-765 (Employment Authorization)HIGH

Complete Form I-131 (Advance Parole)HIGH

Obtain police clearance certificatesHIGH

Gather updated passport photosMEDIUM

Pay I-485, I-765, and I-131 filing feesHIGH

Submit I-485 package to USCISHIGH

Receive receipt notices for all formsHIGH

👤

Phase 8: Biometrics & Interview

Receive biometrics appointment noticeHIGH

Attend biometrics appointmentHIGH

Receive EAD/AP combo card (typically 4-8 months)HIGH

Receive interview notice (if required)MEDIUM

Prepare for interview with attorneyMEDIUM

Attend USCIS interview (if scheduled)HIGH

🎫

Phase 9: Receive Conditional Green Card

Receive conditional green card approvalHIGH

Receive physical green card in mailHIGH

Verify green card information is correctHIGH

Understand conditional residency requirementsMEDIUM

Maintain investment for required periodHIGH

Track job creation requirementsHIGH

📝

Phase 10: File I-829 (Remove Conditions)

File I-829 within 90 days before 2-year anniversaryHIGH

Gather evidence of sustained investmentHIGH

Document job creation (10 jobs per investor)HIGH

Compile business financial recordsHIGH

Pay I-829 filing fee ($9,525 as of 2024)HIGH

Submit I-829 petition to USCISHIGH

Receive I-797 receipt noticeHIGH

Respond to any RFEsHIGH

🏆

Phase 11: Permanent Green Card

Receive I-829 approval noticeHIGH

Receive permanent (10-year) green cardHIGH

Verify permanent green card informationHIGH

Understand permanent resident obligationsMEDIUM

Consider applying for citizenship after 5 yearsLOW

📚 Related Resources

📁

Document Organization

Visual directory structure for organizing all your documents

💰

EB-5 Fees & Source of Funds

Calculate costs and document your investment

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EB-5 Application Checklist

✅ EB-5 Application Checklist

⏱️ Typical Timeline

Your Progress

💡 How to Use This Checklist

Phase 1: Find USCIS-Approved Civil Surgeon

Find a USCIS-Approved Civil Surgeon

Phase 2: Research & Planning

Phase 3: Select Regional Center & Attorney

Phase 4: Gather Source of Funds Documentation

Phase 5: Prepare I-526E Petition

Phase 6: Wait for I-526E Approval

Phase 7: File I-485 (if in US) or Consular Processing

Phase 8: Biometrics & Interview

Phase 9: Receive Conditional Green Card

Phase 10: File I-829 (Remove Conditions)

Phase 11: Permanent Green Card

📚 Related Resources

Document Organization

EB-5 Fees & Source of Funds