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The October 2024 Visa Bulletin brings highly anticipated news for Indian EB-5 petitioners, marking a major shift in the EB-5 immigration timeline. India’s cutoff date has advanced by 13 months, moving from December 1, 2020, to January 1, 2022. This change means that Indian investors who filed their EB-5 petitions before January 2022 are now eligible to receive their visas, offering a significant leap forward for many applicants stuck in the queue.

For existing Indian petitioners, this advancement signals that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is accelerating its review of pending EB-5 petitions. Faster review times provide much-needed relief for Indian families waiting to secure permanent residency in the United States. The possibility of quicker approvals also underscores the importance of staying informed about visa bulletin updates.

Beyond benefiting existing petitioners, the October 2024 Visa Bulletin offers great news for potential EB-5 investors. The bulletin shows that the three reserved visa categories—rural, high-unemployment, and infrastructure—remain current. For Indian investors considering the EB-5 program, this means that reserved visa set-asides offer a more streamlined path to securing U.S. residency, with shorter wait times than traditional categories.

However, it is important to note that the current positive outlook for Indian EB-5 investors may not last forever. With a high volume of Indian applicants seeking migration opportunities to the U.S., the availability of EB-5 visas could become more restricted in the future. To avoid missing out on this favorable moment, Indian families considering the EB-5 program should take action now. By filing their applications sooner rather than later, families can ensure they enter the EB-5 queue while visa availability remains advantageous.

In addition to faster processing under the reserved categories, Indian families can take advantage of concurrent filing. This allows them to file their EB-5 petition while simultaneously applying for work permits and travel documents. This benefit enables families to move to the U.S. and enjoy the privileges of living and working in America while their EB-5 petitions are under review by USCIS.

For those exploring the EB-5 program or seeking more information about the new reserved visa categories, The American Legal Center is here to help. With over a decade of experience serving as the leading EB-5 advisors in the Middle East, our team of U.S. licensed lawyers can guide you through your EB-5 journey. 

We regularly host seminars in Dubai to educate the market about the EB-5 program. If you are interested in attending one of our seminars, contact our team to register your interest. Alternatively, you may book a free consultation with our experts today to learn more about how the EB-5 program can benefit your family.