Why are petition processing times too long?

The extended processing times for EB-5 visa applications, which are currently estimated to range from 3 to 4 years, can be attributed to several key factors. Firstly, a backlog of unprocessed applications from the past four years has accumulated, placing new petitioners in line behind these pending cases. The addition of ‘priority’ and ‘expedited’ processing exacerbates the waiting period for new applicants.

Moreover, the efficiency of USCIS's petition processing system has been hindered by a combination of factors. Understaffing within USCIS, potentially resulting from budget constraints, contributes to delays in processing times. Additionally, the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the temporary shutdown of the EB-5 regional center program in 2021 have further affected the processing timeline.

It is important to acknowledge that funding limitations faced by USCIS are partly a consequence of the previous administration's efforts to restrict immigration by reducing financial resources allocated to immigration programs.