Approximately 10,000 visas are allocated each year for EB-5 investors, their spouses and unmarried children under 21. Each country has an annual limit of 7% or approximately 700 visas. The annual limit is reset on October 1st.

Most countries do not exceed their annual visa cap, and any unused visas may be applied to those countries with excess demand. However, when the total demand for the EB-5 visa is more than the annual limit of 10,000 visas, then retrogression, or visa backlog, occurs. Retrogression applies at the I-485 adjustment of status or DS-260 consular processing stage and extends the wait time to receive the immigrant visa (and conditional green card).

As of September 2021, only investors from China are facing visa retrogression and experiencing extended wait times to receive the green card. See status on the current Visa Bulletin.