Form I-829 Processing Time: What Investors Can Expect

To successfully file Form I-829 and remove conditions on permanent residency obtained through entrepreneurship, applicants must meet specific investment and job creation benchmarks, actively manage the enterprise, and comply with all legal admissibility requirements.

Investment Criteria

The investor must have made or be actively making a capital investment in a new commercial enterprise within the United States. This investment must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum Investment Amount: The capital investment must adhere to the required minimum threshold, which can vary depending on the targeted employment area.
• At-Risk Investment: The capital must be at risk to generate a return, meaning the investor can gain or lose the invested capital.

Job Creation Requirements

An essential condition for the I-829 petition includes job creation:

• Full-time Jobs: The investor must create or, as shown in plans, will create at least ten full-time jobs for U.S. citizens or permanent residents, excluding the investor and their immediate family members.
• Job Preservation: In some instances where the enterprise is a troubled business, the investor must maintain the number of existing employees at no less than the pre-investment level for at least two years.

Entrepreneurial Involvement

Applicants must demonstrate their involvement in the business through management or policy formation roles. It is not enough to be a passive investor; active participation is mandatory.

Legal Admissibility

Finally, investors must be legally admissible to the United States under immigration law. This requires the absence of any criminal history, prior immigration violations, or other factors that could render the investor inadmissible.

The filing process for Form I-829 involves several steps that immigrant investors must complete accurately to remove conditions on their permanent residency. Strict adherence to guidelines is crucial for a favorable outcome.

Form I-829 Submission

An immigrant investor must submit Form I-829 within 90 days before the second anniversary of obtaining conditional resident status. Submission past this window may result in the denial of the petition.

Supporting Documentation

With Form I-829, applicants must include detailed documentation demonstrating the investment has met all the requirements of the EB-5 program. This typically includes, but is not limited to:

• Evidence of the investment in a new commercial enterprise.
• Proof of job creation.
• Documentation that the investment has been sustained throughout conditional residency.

Filing Deadlines

Applicants must file Form I-829 within 90 days before their conditional permanent residency expires. Failure to do so can result in the loss of status and potential removal proceedings.

Biometric Services Appointment

Applicants ages 14 to 79 are required to attend a biometric services appointment. The current fee for this service is $85 per person. USCIS will collect fingerprints, a photograph, and a signature at this appointment.

The adjudication process of Form I-829 involves a meticulous review by USCIS, potential interviews, the issuance of Requests for Evidence (RFE), and ultimately the notification of the decision.

USCIS Review

Once an investor files Form I-829, USCIS begins the review process, which involves checking the petition for completeness and ensuring the eligibility criteria, as per the applicable immigration laws, are met. This includes assessing whether the investment has been sustained and the required jobs have been created.

Interview

USCIS may require an interview as part of the adjudication process. The investor and their dependents may have to appear at a USCIS office to provide further evidence and answer questions about their I-829 petition.

Request for Evidence

If USCIS needs more information, they issue a Request for Evidence (RFE). The petitioner must respond to the RFE by the deadline, providing the requested additional documentation to prove their eligibility for removing conditions on permanent residence.

Decision Notification

The final decision on an I-829 petition is written to the investor. If approved, the conditions on their permanent resident status are removed; if denied, they will receive a notice explaining the reasons and the subsequent steps, which may include the right to appeal.

After the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) decides on Form I-829, investors need to understand the following procedures, which hinge on whether the petition to remove conditions on permanent residency is approved or denied.

Conditional Permanent Resident Status Removal

If USCIS approves the I-829 petition, the conditional status of the petitioner is removed, and they are granted full permanent residency. Successful petitioners receive Form I-797, Notice of Action, which confirms the removal of conditions. It’s important for investors to immediately verify that their personal information on the form is correct. Investors should also update their Social Security records to reflect the change in status.

Appeal Options

In cases where the I-829 petition is denied, petitioners are provided with the reasons for denial; they also receive a Notice to Appear in Immigration Court. Petitioners have 30 days from the decision date to file an appeal with the USCIS Administrative Appeals Office (AAO). The denial notice will contain instructions on how to appeal. It is critical for petitioners to adhere to the precise procedures and deadlines, as failing to do so may result in losing the chance to appeal and potential removal proceedings.

When conditional permanent residents file Form I-829 through entrepreneurship, they must understand how their travel and status renewal are affected during the application process.

Travel During Application Process

Conditional residents who have filed Form I-829 are still permitted to travel outside the United States. However, possessing a valid travel document is crucial, which usually means having a valid I-829 receipt notice. This receipt notice indicates that their application is in process and helps them re-enter the U.S. easily. As a safeguard, they should ensure their Green Card is valid.

Status Renewal

Upon proper filing of Form I-829, the conditional permanent resident’s status is typically extended. Specifically, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) extends the Green Card validity by confirming that the individual has filed to remove their permanent resident status conditions. USCIS has recently extended this period to 48 months beyond the card’s original expiration date. During this time, conditional permanent residents remain authorized to work and travel, reflecting the continued legitimacy of their status in the United States.

Form I-829 is integral for conditional permanent residents who achieved their status through investment to include their qualifying family members when seeking to remove the conditions on their residency.

Dependent Status

Qualifying family members of the main investor, specifically their spouse and unmarried children under 21 at the time of investment, can be included on Form I-829. These family members hold conditional permanent resident status derived from the principal applicant’s EB-5 investment. When the main applicant petitions to remove conditions with Form I-829, they must also include evidence proving the continued conditional status of their dependents.

Changes in Family Circumstances

Circumstances such as divorce, remarriage, or children reaching age 21 can affect the derivative status of family members. When filing Form I-829, it is imperative to address these changes and provide the necessary documentation. For example:

• Divorce: Include evidence of the divorce and details about its impact on status.
• Remarriage: Provide documentation of the remarriage and impact on the conditional resident status of the spouse.
• Children Turning 21: Include information on children who reached the age of majority, their current status, and whether they still qualify under the principal applicant’s petition.

When petitioning to remove conditions on permanent resident status with Form I-829, investors could face several problems—these range from the viability of the investment to adherence to legal requirements.

Investment At Risk

The petitioner’s investment might be at risk if the enterprise is not performing as expected. Possible scenarios include:

• A decrease in the enterprise’s value.
• Failure to create the required number of jobs.

Business Failure

Business failure is a considerable hurdle in the I-829 petition process. Factors contributing to a business failing can adversely affect the petition, such as:

• Insolvency: If the business becomes insolvent or bankrupt.
• Operational Issues: Mismanagement leads to operational failures that influence the petition’s outcome.

Fraud and Misrepresentation

Misrepresentation, whether intentional or unintentional, can lead to serious consequences, including:

• Denial of the I-829 petition: Misstated facts or fraudulent information can result in the petition’s denial.
• Legal Consequences: Legal actions could be taken against the investor, including fines or criminal charges.

Form I-829 is a crucial legal document for conditional permanent residents who obtained their status through investment. Its successful processing is vital for maintaining lawful permanent residency in the United States.

Immigration Attorney Role

An immigration attorney plays a pivotal role in the Form I-829 petitioning process. They ensure the petition is backed by robust documentation and that all USCIS requirements are met. They provide guidance on legal strategy, proper form filing, and timing, maximizing the chances of petition approval.

Regulatory Compliance

Meeting regulatory compliance demands strict adherence to USCIS stipulations. Petitioners must file Form I-829 within the 90 days before the second anniversary of obtaining conditional residence. The form should include:

• Evidence of the investment in a new commercial enterprise (NCE),
• Proof of the enterprise’s ongoing operation,
• Documentation of job creation,
• Any records of a criminal history acquired post conditional residency status.

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in the denial of the petition to remove conditions on permanent residency.

Several targeted resources and assistance channels are available for individuals seeking to navigate Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Residence. These resources are designed to offer guidance and support throughout the process.

USCIS Contact Information

To obtain direct assistance or clarify specific details regarding Form I-829, contacting the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is advisable. Here is how one can get in touch:

• USCIS National Customer Service Center: 1-800-375-5283
• USCIS Online Inquiry Form: uscis.gov/contactcenter
• Local USCIS Offices: Appointments can be scheduled via the USCIS Contact Center.

Having your receipt number and personal details on hand is important when reaching out.

Immigrant Investor Programs

Information about Immigrant Investor Programs associated with Form I-829, such as the EB-5 Regional Center Program, can be accessed through:

• USCIS EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program Page: uscis.gov/eb-5
• Regional Center Listings: A comprehensive list is available on the USCIS site.

Understanding the relationship between your investment and Regional Centers can be critical for completing the I-829 petition.

Information Seminars and Webinars

USCIS often hosts seminars and webinars aimed at educating and assisting investors. The topics covered often include:

• Instructions and guidance on filing Form I-829.
• Best practices for submitting evidence and supporting documentation.

Attending these sessions can provide valuable insights and updates about procedural changes. Check the USCIS website for schedules and registration details.