What Is the Visa Bulletin and Why Does It Matter to EB-5 Investors?
The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication by the U.S. Department of State. It determines when a green card applicant can proceed to the final stage of their application based on their priority date and country of birth.
For EB-5 investors, the Visa Bulletin controls when you (and your family) can:
- Submit your I-485 Adjustment of Status (if in the U.S.)
- Have your immigrant visa issued by a U.S. consulate (if abroad)
EB-5 Visa Categories Explained
Under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022, the EB-5 category was divided into:
| Category | Reserved For | Allocation |
|---|
| Unreserved | General investors | 68% |
| Rural (Set-Aside) | Rural area projects | 20% |
| High-Unemployment (Set-Aside) | TEA zones (Urban or rural) | 10% |
| Infrastructure (Set-Aside) | Public/private infrastructure | 2% |
Each category follows its own Visa Bulletin status.
Visa Bulletin for June 2025 – EB-5 Final Action Dates
Summary (Final Action Dates – Chart A)
| EB-5 Category | China | India | Other Countries |
|---|
| Unreserved (C5, T5, I5, R5, NU, RU) | 22JAN2014 | 01MAY2019 | Current |
| Rural Set-Aside (20%) | Current | Current | Current |
| High-Unemployment Set-Aside (10%) | Current | Current | Current |
| Infrastructure Set-Aside (2%) | Current | Current | Current |
- “Current” (C) = No backlog; visas are available immediately.
- Date shown = Backlog; only applicants with earlier priority dates may proceed.
How to Find and Interpret Your EB-5 Priority Date
Your priority date is the date your I-526 or I-526E petition was filed with USCIS. You can find it on your I-797 receipt notice.
Compare this date with the “Final Action Date” in the current Visa Bulletin. If your priority date is before or equal to the listed date, you are eligible to proceed.
Key Observations in 2025
- China-born investors in unreserved projects continue to face long wait times — more than 11 years of backlog.
- All reserved categories (Rural, High-Unemployment, Infrastructure) are Current for all countries, including China and India.
- Concurrent filing (I-526E + I-485) is only available to investors in the U.S. whose category is Current.
Backlog vs. No Backlog: What Should EB-5 Investors Choose?
| Factor | Backlogged (Unreserved) | No Backlog (Reserved) |
|---|
| Green Card Wait Time | 5–15+ years (varies) | ~2 years (typical) |
| Eligibility for I-485 | Limited by cutoff | Available if Current |
| CSPA Child Age-Out Risk | High | Low |
| Best for China/India nationals | No | Yes |
| Stability | Lower | Higher |
Strategic Tip: Choose a reserved project, especially a Rural project, to avoid delays and maximize your investment outcome.
Recommendations for EB-5 Investors
If you already invested in an unreserved project and are stuck in backlog:
- File a mandamus action if your case is unreasonably delayed.
- Consider re-investing in a reserved project if eligible.
If you are planning a new EB-5 investment in 2025:
- Prioritize reserved projects, especially rural area offerings.
- Use a lawyer to vet the regional center and perform due diligence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: I filed my I-526 in 2017 and was born in China. Can I get a green card in 2025?
Only if your priority date is before Jan 22, 2014, based on the June 2025 bulletin for unreserved EB-5. Otherwise, you must wait.
Q2: If I invest in a rural EB-5 project now, will I be subject to a backlog?
No, as of June 2025, all reserved categories including rural are Current — no backlog.
Contact Wang Law LLC
We provide comprehensive support for EB-5 investors from initial investment structuring to green card filing. With years of experience and bilingual service (English & Chinese), we help investors make smart, compliant decisions.