A policy memorandum update from USCIS is putting investors on notice that documents should be fully completed when submitted
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JULY 20, 2018 [FROM THE ARCHIVE]
Investors on notice with latest USCIS policy memorandum
Immigration agencies across Mainland China spent the week reminding investors of the importance in using professional organizations and legal counsel when submitting materials to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) after the government agency issued an updated policy memorandum granting it more discretion to deny petitioners.
Under the latest memorandum, adjudicators now have the ability to deny any application, petition or request without the need to first issue a "request for evidence" (RFE) or "notice of intent to deny" (NOID), which gives USCIS broader powers when reviewing investor applications.
According to USCIS, "The policy is intended to discourage frivolous or substantially incomplete filings used as 'placeholder' filings and encourage applicants, petitioners, and requestors to be diligent in collecting and submitting required evidence. It is not intended to penalize filers for innocent mistakes or misunderstandings of evidentiary requirements."
Several agencies emphasized to investors the need for complete documents and forms, particularly at the I-526 submission stage, as retrogression for Mainland China investors means a delayed response from USCIS when adjudicating applications.
To read the full policy memorandum, click here.
USCIS I-526 processing times continue to speed up
Immigration agencies across China spent last week updating investors on the latest processing times for EB-5 applicants after United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published its most recent data. According to the data, USCIS is currently processing I-526 applications as of May 31, 2016, with an estimated wait time of 20 - 25 months. I-829 applications are being processed as of April 21, 2015, with a wait time of 30 - 39 months.
Oxnard senior living facility continues construction
A senior living facility in Oxnard, Calif., that was partially financed with EB-5 funding is working toward its November 2018 construction completion goal, according to the latest investor report from Shanghai-based immigration agency KBL Group. The project calls for the renovation of existing real estate and transformation into a senior citizen facility whose operations will include private and semi-private residential housing. The project was offered via Irvine, Calif.-based regional center Global Premier America Regional Center.
WorldWay sees dozens of I-526 approvals
Nearly two-dozen investors from Mainland China received I-526 approval from three EB-5 projects, according to Hong Kong-based immigration agency WorldWay. Investor approvals include the Empire Outlets in New York City, as well as a Four Seasons Hotel and an apartment complex by Columbia University.
Hudson Residences I-526 investor approval
On the heels of an I-924 approval, a Mainland China investor in a pair of New York City condominiums recently received I-526 approval, according to Shanghai-based immigration agency Visas Group. The two towers that make up the Hudson Residences project were offered via New York-based regional center group Related Companies.