[HOT] Current CSC processing times of EB-5 related petitions/applications

As of January 28, 2012, according to the latest CSC Processing Report, I-526s are taking 8 months, and I-829 is taking 6 months to be adjudicated. That's just too long. I-526 adjudication time has to get down under 3 months to be fair to RC operators and EB-5 investors.

Individual EB-5 related applications that are reviewed and adjudicated by California Service Center are: I-526, I-485 and I-829 applications, as well as RC related I-924 applications. The below estimates of the "current" processing times is the best estimates for the above individual types of applications. It should be noted that although CSC publishes monthly processing times reports, the processing times for EB-5 cases are not divided into regular or Regional Center cases.

Even though CSC has hired and/or trained new EB-5 staff, because of the increase in the number of EB-5 related petitions, the processing times have increased rather than reduced! Do not listen to regional centers who promise you "quick" approvals. Experienced regional center operators or EB-5 attorneys know that when it comes to the adjudication times, it's anything goes. Sad but true.

As of February 5, 2012, the following is our best available information:

I-526s: Anywhere between 8 ~10 months. If an RFE is issued on some issues, whether by mistake or not, it can drag on, especially when the issue is being reviewed by the HQ. Seems like there is not enough staff.

I-829s: 6 months at least.

I-526 based I-485 adjustment of status applications: Under 3 months.

* Appears that the processing times are getting delayed rather than shortened.

Undermining the accuracy of the USCIS processing times report is that they do not distinguish between the processing times of regular, direct EB-5 cases and regional center EB-5 cases. In addition, the processing time for I-485 appears to cover all employment-based I-485 applications, and does not focus specifically on I-485 applications based on I-526 approvals. Lastly, CSC often does not appear to be adjudicating cases in chronological order, i.e. First-In, First-Out basis. Although our experiences do not jive with the processing time reports published by CSC, it is only natural that there be some variances in processing times among individual cases.