Visa Backlog

Rumors are flying that the 10,000 EB-5 visas will be exhausted in 2014, resulting in a longer wait to immigrate.

Charlie Oppenheim is the Department of State official in charge of the allocation of visa numbers. Here is what he said:

• If it becomes necessary in 2014, he will wait as long as possible before halting the allocation of EB-5 visas. If it appears that the demand for visas will reach the annual limit of 10,000, a cutoff date will be created. This means that cases filed before the cutoff date may proceed to get an EB-5 immigration visa or adjustment of status interview.
• Any backlog will only apply to China.
• If retrogression of the EB-5 quota becomes necessary, it will probably begin in summer 2014.
• The government’s fiscal year for 2015 begins in October 2014. At that time, 10,000 new visas become available, and if there has been a cutoff or closure, the EB-5 quota will again become current. At that time the demand for visas for fiscal year 2015 will be assessed.