The latest U.S. Department of State visa bulletin for April 2025 has sent shockwaves through the EB-5 investor community. The most striking update is the significant retrogression of the EB-5 pre-RIA (old policy) unreserved visas for mainland China and India applicants:
The EB-5 pre-RIA (Unreserved) category for mainland China has rolled back by a staggering 905 days, resetting to January 22, 2014. This also occurs to India by 792 days, resetting to November 1, 2019.
Meanwhile, the three categories under the EB-5 new RIA policy (Set Aside visas) remain current with no changes.
- *Unreserved visas: Green card quotas available for EB-5 pre-RIA applicants.
- *Set Aside visas: Green card quotas available for EB-5 RIA policy applicants.
The Sudden Tightening of Unreserved Visa Quotas
This drastic rollback has raised concerns among investors and immigration professionals alike. The official explanation from the U.S. Department of State states:
“Increased demand and number use by China and India in the EB-5 unreserved visa categories, combined with increased Rest of World demand and number use, made it necessary to retrogress the final action dates to hold number use within the maximum allowed under the FY-2025 annual limits. Please note that it may also become necessary to establish a final action date for Rest of World countries if demand and number use continues to increase.”
Why Are Unreserved Visas for China Suddenly So Limited?
To better understand the situation, Globevisa consulted leading immigration experts:
Bernard Wolfsdorf, former president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and founder of WR Immigration, suggests two key reasons:
1. A sharp increase in interview appointments at the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou, with nearly 1,000 visas being processed per month.
2. New applicants from non-China/India regions can opt to use the 68% unreserved visa category, effectively competing for the same quota as pre-RIA applicants.
Brandon Meyer, founder of Meyer Law Group and one of the top 25 immigration lawyers in the U.S., highlights:
● While shocking, this rollback only impacts pre-RIA investors and has no effect on new RIA policy applicants.
● The impact is limited mainly to 2016 applicants, as most 2014-2015 investors have already completed the green card process.
Why the EB-5 RIA Policy Is More Valuable Than Ever
Despite the unexpected changes in pre-RIA visas, the EB-5 new RIA policy continues to gain strategic advantages. Here’s why:
1. Exclusive Visa Allocation: The RIA law mandates that 32% of the annual EB-5 visa quota is reserved for new RIA applicants, ensuring that pre-RIA applicants cannot access these visas.
2. Faster Processing Times: Applicants under the RIA policy experience expedited processing, with I-526E approvals averaging 9-11 months and full green card issuance within two years.
3. Greater Flexibility: Non-China/India RIA applicants can choose their green card quota category, even utilizing the 68% unreserved quota. This effectively gives them priority access, further squeezing pre-RIA applicants.
Strategic Recommendations for EB-5 Investors
For Pre-RIA Applicants:
Stay proactive in the NVC (National Visa Center) process to avoid further delays.
Work closely with experienced immigration attorneys to monitor visa bulletin developments.
Consider applying for the RIA policy concurrently, if financially feasible, to bypass the long backlog.
For New RIA Applicants:
The RIA policy visa bulletin remains current, but a backlog may form by late 2025.
Those who have already applied have secured their priority date.
Investors who have not yet applied should act quickly to take advantage of the current processing speed and availability.
Globevisa’s Commitment to EB-5 Investors
Since the EB-5 RIA policy’s implementation, Globevisa has successfully assisted over 1,000 families in navigating the new regulations. Hundreds have already secured their green cards, and we continue to monitor policy updates to keep our clients informed.
This latest visa bulletin reinforces the importance of strategic EB-5 planning. Whether you are a pre-RIA applicant facing delays or a new investor looking for a faster route to a U.S. green card, now is the time to consult with experts and make informed decisions.
Stay tuned as Globevisa brings you the latest developments in U.S. immigration policy.
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