In the third quarter of 2018, only 617 EB-5 immigration petitions were filed with USCIS – the lowest for new applications in five years. Only a year ago, in the same quarter, 4,402 new EB-5 immigration petitions were filed.
Sources cite the drop stemming from dissatisfaction from Chinese investors regarding the long wait times for visas. The current wait time for Chinese EB-5 applicants is 15 years. Compared to applicants from other countries such as Brazil (1.5 years) and India (5.7 years). Chinese investors, disgruntled with the delays, have sought to renegotiate their returns on their $500,000 investments. Some have even turned to suing the regional investment centers that handle their investments.
