EB-5 Processing Time Comparison Tool: Side by Side Category Analysis

EB5Status

EB-5 Processing Time Comparison

Compare USCIS processing times across all EB-5 petition categories, adjustment of status, and ancillary forms. Select the categories relevant to your case and see how they stack up.

Official Data|USCIS Processing Times Tool

Select Categories to Compare

I-526E Petition

Adjustment of Status

Other Forms

Processing Time Comparison

Source: USCIS Processing Times, February 18, 2026

Rural TEA(I-526E)

11 to 17 months

11 to 17 mo

High Unemployment Area(I-526E)

24 to 36 months

24 to 36 mo

Unreserved(I-526E)

36 to 52 months

36 to 52 mo

Faster (under 16 months)Moderate (16 to 33 months)Slower (34+ months)

Key insight: Rural TEA processing begins at 11 months, approximately 3.3x faster than Unreserved at 36 months.

Category	Form	Min (months)	Max (months)	Range Spread
Rural TEA	I-526E	11	17	6 mo
High Unemployment Area	I-526E	24	36	12 mo
Unreserved	I-526E	36	52	16 mo

Want to see how processing times have changed over time?

Pro subscribers get access to full quarterly history back to FY2015.

See full history

Key Findings

Rural TEA is 3x Faster

Rural set-aside petitions process in 11 to 17 months, roughly three times faster than unreserved petitions at 36 to 52 months. This speed advantage is the primary driver of rural category demand.

I-829 Has the Widest Range

Conditions removal (I-829) has a 37.5 month spread from 30 to 67.5 months. This reflects the complexity of verifying job creation and the large legacy backlog still under adjudication.

EAD is the Quickest Form

The I-765 Employment Authorization Document processes in 9 to 11 months. This means EB-5 applicants who concurrently file can typically receive work authorization within a year of filing.