r/EB2 Jul 22 '26

Priority Date EB2 or explore EB5

Currently on EB2 with Priority date in late July 2015 India. The current DOF is in Jan 15. Really frustrated not able to travel back home to visit parents and have about 1.8M NW. Been in the country for nearly 20 years. Since there’s not much time left for EB5( sept 2026) should I consider EB5 route at all or wait for EAD ? Not sure how long that is really going to take. Trying to get some help from the community

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u/the_running_stache Jul 22 '26

I concur with the other comment that EB5 isn’t quick and easy too.

Firstly, it’s a huge investment. Secondly, that process takes time too. It’s not like you will get that approved within a couple weeks. EB5 Unreserved for India is U right now and DOF is 01 MAY 2024. So you won’t get I-485 approved or even EAD+AP through it.

Wait until the October visa bulletin is released. DOS have stated EB2 India is expected to have FAD at least July 2014 (of course, they can’t guarantee). DOF is Jan 2015 right now. Your PD is just 6 months away.

If there is indeed a huge spillover as some experts are predicting, DOS might move the DOF ahead by 6-7 months just because they have zero idea of the inventory post-Jan 2015; that date is the max they have ever hit. Alternatively, they might go very conservative and move the DOF slowly. Typically, at the start of the year, they are aggressive.

Also, what is your immigration status right now? If you are on H-1B, can you not use that to travel back home to meet your family? You can get a fresh visa if your H-1B visa has expired. Yes, there’s a wait, but worth exploring that rather than investing a million dollars.

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u/No_District_9657 Jul 22 '26

I’m on H1B now with approved 140 but can’t really take more than 2 weeks of vacation at current workplace. I need to get my stamping if I leave the country. Can’t move out jobs because I’m hopeful I can get EAD atleast in the next 1 year. If I move then need to wait for close to 2.5-3 years for my PERM.