H-1B to EB-5: Concurrent Filing Timeline

A visual process map showing the key phases and milestones when transitioning from H-1B to permanent residency through EB-5 investment.

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Months 1-3

Source of Funds Gathering

Document and trace the lawful source of your investment funds. This is the most critical preparation phase.

•Gather employment records, salary slips, and tax returns
•Document any gifts from family with proper gift letters
•Trace funds through bank statements (typically 5+ years)
•Work with immigration attorney on documentation strategy

Month 4

I-526E + I-485 Concurrent Filing

File both petitions simultaneously to maximize processing efficiency and unlock interim benefits.

•Complete EB-5 project subscription documents
•Transfer investment funds to escrow
•File I-526E (EB-5 immigrant petition)
•Concurrently file I-485 (adjustment of status) if eligible

Months 7-9

Work Permit (EAD) Arrival

Receive your Employment Authorization Document, freeing you from H-1B employer dependency.

•EAD typically arrives 7-9 months after I-485 filing
•Advance Parole document may arrive simultaneously
•You can now work for ANY employer
•Continue H-1B employment or transition freely

Month 24+

Green Card Approval

Receive conditional permanent residency after I-526E approval and visa availability.

•I-526E approval confirms investment meets requirements
•I-485 approval grants 2-year conditional green card
•File I-829 to remove conditions after 2 years
•Receive permanent (10-year) green card

Source of Funds Gathering

Months 1-3

Document and trace the lawful source of your investment funds. This is the most critical preparation phase.

•Gather employment records, salary slips, and tax returns
•Document any gifts from family with proper gift letters
•Trace funds through bank statements (typically 5+ years)
•Work with immigration attorney on documentation strategy

I-526E + I-485 Concurrent Filing

Month 4

File both petitions simultaneously to maximize processing efficiency and unlock interim benefits.

•Complete EB-5 project subscription documents
•Transfer investment funds to escrow
•File I-526E (EB-5 immigrant petition)
•Concurrently file I-485 (adjustment of status) if eligible

Work Permit (EAD) Arrival

Months 7-9

Receive your Employment Authorization Document, freeing you from H-1B employer dependency.

•EAD typically arrives 7-9 months after I-485 filing
•Advance Parole document may arrive simultaneously
•You can now work for ANY employer
•Continue H-1B employment or transition freely

Green Card Approval

Month 24+

Receive conditional permanent residency after I-526E approval and visa availability.

•I-526E approval confirms investment meets requirements
•I-485 approval grants 2-year conditional green card
•File I-829 to remove conditions after 2 years
•Receive permanent (10-year) green card

Key Timeline Insights

7-9

Months to EAD (work freedom)

24+

Months to conditional green card

100%

Employer flexibility with EAD

More H-1B to EB-5 Resources

Main Hub

EB-5 Resources Center

Complete resource library for H-1B professionals.

Article

5 Reasons to Switch H-1B to EB-5

Key benefits of transitioning to investment immigration.

Tool

Source of Funds Calculator

Plan and document your investment funding.

Ready to Transition from H-1B to Green Card?

Get personalized guidance on your concurrent filing strategy and timeline.

Schedule Consultation Read: EB-5 Lifeline for H-1B Workers

H-1B to EB-5: Concurrent Filing Timeline

Source of Funds Gathering

I-526E + I-485 Concurrent Filing

Work Permit (EAD) Arrival

Green Card Approval

Source of Funds Gathering

I-526E + I-485 Concurrent Filing

Work Permit (EAD) Arrival

Green Card Approval

Key Timeline Insights

More H-1B to EB-5 Resources

EB-5 Resources Center

5 Reasons to Switch H-1B to EB-5

Source of Funds Calculator

Ready to Transition from H-1B to Green Card?

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