The EB-5 process consists of 3 stages.
Stage 1 (I-526): Currently, USCIS takes 12-24 months* on average to process the I-526 petition.
Stage 2 (I-485/Consular Processing): After the I-526 petition is approved, you may apply for consular processing (if outside the US) or adjustment of status (if already in the US). Normally, this process takes approximately 6 months, but in extraordinary circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, 12 months is the average time. Once approved, you will receive your 2-year conditional green card.
Typically, you can receive your conditional green card in 2.5 years on average.
Important Notes:
If you are already in the US, you may also apply for the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and Advance Parole (AP) when you file the I-485 application to adjust status. Often, EAD/AP will be approved faster, and you may freely work and travel while you wait for your conditional green card.
If you are subject to retrogression (visa backlog), you may face substantially longer wait times for consular processing or adjustment of status. See What is retrogression?
Stage 3 (I-829): After you have completed your 2-year conditional residency period, you may file the I-829 petition for removal of conditions. The I-829 petition must be filed between months 21 and 24 of this 2-year period. Current average processing times for the I-829 petition is 36 months.
When you file the I-829 petition and have been invested for a minimum of 5 years, you may be eligible to request repayment of your EB-5 investment funds.