EB-5 Approval Rates Reach Record Highs in 2025

The latest numbers from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) bring good news for EB-5 investors. In the first half of fiscal year 2025, approval rates for I-526E petitions reached record highs; a clear sign that the EB-5 program is delivering strong results for those who chose the right projects.

If you’re thinking about getting a U.S. Green Card through EB-5, these numbers aren’t just statistics. They reflect real success stories and a much smoother investment process under today’s rules.

What’s Behind the Surge in EB-5 Petition Success

Recent data shows that I-526E petition approvals hit over 94% in the first half of 2025. In fact, Q1 saw approval rates above 95%, and that strong performance continued in Q2. This is a huge leap from older approval rates. For example, pre-RIA petitions were being approved at around 72%.

What changed? The new rules introduced by the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act (RIA) have made a big difference. Projects are better structured, compliance is tighter, and the introduction of new reserved visa categories made a significant difference.

Here are a few reasons why today’s EB-5 investors are doing so well:

• Better Projects: The RIA raised the bar for compliance, and strong oversight has filtered out many of the weaker or riskier projects.

• Smarter Choices: Investors now have more tools and guidance to choose projects that align with their goals and risk tolerance.

• Faster Paths: Rural EB-5 projects get priority processing, so investors in those projects often see faster results.

These trends show that when investors take the right steps, their odds of success are higher than ever.

Why a Trusted Advisor Still Matters

Even though the EB-5 landscape has improved, navigating the process can still be complicated, especially when it comes to gathering financial documents, understanding source-of-funds rules, or choosing between projects.

That’s why working with a trusted EB-5 advisor who understands the specific rules in your home country is so valuable.

International EB-5 investment advisors understand local banking systems, documentation norms, and the questions investors typically face. They can help you make smart, well-informed choices, and avoid common mistakes that can slow down your petition or hurt your chances of success.

At Arcasia Advisors, we combine our experience as EB-5 investment advisors with our background in U.S. immigration law to give our clients hands-on support where it matters most.

The Power of Picking the Right Project

If there’s one EB-5 rule that always holds true, it’s this: the right project makes all the difference. Investors who choose well-structured projects, backed by experienced teams, are seeing the highest approval rates. These projects are designed with EB-5 rules in mind and have clear plans for job creation, funding, and compliance.

• What should you look for? Ideally, a strong EB-5 project will:

• Be located in a rural TEA for faster processing and access to reserved visas

• Create more jobs than required

• Use a secure capital structure with protections for investors

• Be managed by a team with a clear track record of success

We always recommend that investors do their due diligence, and lean on experienced advisors when evaluating their options.

Why This Is the Right Time to Invest

Thanks to the RIA and increased investor protections, the EB-5 program is now more reliable than ever. But that’s not the only reason this is a great moment to get started.

• Reserved Visas Are Still Available: Rural projects, in particular, remain current for all countries, meaning no delays based on visa availability.

• High Demand, No Backlog Yet: Even though I-526E filings hit record numbers in Q2, there’s still no visa retrogression reflected on the State Department’s monthly Visa Bulletin.

There’s a lot of momentum in the market, and acting sooner rather than later could make all the difference.

Start Your EB-5 Process With the Right Support

For international investors, the EB-5 program continues to offer a powerful path to U.S. permanent residency. And with today’s record-breaking approval rates, there’s never been a better time to explore your options.

The high approval rates show that the RIA’s reforms are working as intended. Investors are benefiting from clearer rules, better transparency, and a higher standard of project compliance. These are the kind of long-term improvements that boost global confidence in the EB-5 program.

We expect that demand will only grow from here, especially as more investors learn about the benefits of rural projects and take advantage of the current window of opportunity.

At Arcasia Advisors, we help investors find the best EB-5 projects and prepare strong, complete applications. From start to finish, we offer the personalized support you need to succeed.

If you’re ready to start your EB-5 journey, or just want to learn more, reach out to us today. We’ll be happy to help you explore the best next step.