EB-5 Priority Dates Advance for China and India in Latest Visa Bulletin
The December Visa Bulletin from the U.S. Department of State brings some great news for EB-5 investors, especially those from China and India. This is the first real movement we’ve seen in priority dates since August 2025, and it’s an encouraging update for families exploring the US EB5 visa from Dubai.
Key Updates for the EB-5 Unreserved Category
For Indian investors, the Final Action Date has moved ahead by five months to July 1, 2021, while the Filing Date stays at April 1, 2022. Chinese applicants also received positive movement, with the Final Action Date jumping more than seven months to July 15, 2016, and the Filing Date shifting slightly to July 22, 2016.
Other Countries and Set-Aside Categories Still Current
All other nationalities continue to remain current in the Unreserved category, meaning there are no delays. The EB-5 set-aside categories, Rural, High Unemployment, and Infrastructure, also remain current, despite earlier predictions of possible backlogs. So far, no slowdowns have appeared.
Visa Outlook for New Applicants Filing Before Grandfathering Ends
If you are thinking of applying now, especially before the June 2026 grandfathering deadline, the timing is very much in your favor. Set-aside visa categories still offer immediate visa availability, allowing applicants to move forward right away. This has been especially helpful for families considering the program outside, as filing before the deadline secures your spot and protects you from any future changes in the program.
Why These Advancements Matter
The forward movement of priority dates reflects improved visa number management by USCIS. For investors, particularly those from high-demand markets like China and India, these advancements translate to faster adjudication, reduced waiting times, and greater predictability when planning their EB-5 immigration strategy.
At The American Legal Center, we continue to support investors in Dubai and across the region in navigating the EB-5 process with clarity, transparency, and trusted guidance.
