The latest February Visa Bulletin reveals that the 20% Rural Set-Aside continues to lead as a streamlined path to U.S. permanent residency.
What You Need to Know About the Chart
Based on USCIS updates, the chart to follow for February 2025 for all employment-based preference categories is the Final Action Dates chart. While we haven’t seen updates since November 2024, this doesn’t mean investors should wait or feel secure. Unlike other categories, the 20% Rural Set-Aside remains ‘Current,’ meaning applicants in this category benefit from no backlogs, immediate processing, and no priority date delays.
If you examine the chart above, you’ll notice:
- EB-2 and EB-3: China and India are experiencing significant backlogs, with India’s priority dates pushed as far back as 2012 in both categories.
- EB-4: All regions face backlogs dating to as far back as 2021.
What Happens When a Category Is Backlogged?
When a category is backlogged, applicants face:
- Delays of several years before being able to proceed with green card applications.
- Ineligibility for consular appointments or USCIS review, even if I-526 or I-829 petitions are approved.
- Uncertainty in timelines, as visa availability can shift unpredictably.
These backlogs underscore why acting now, while the Rural Set-Aside remains ‘Current,’ is so critical for investors.
Why Is the Rural Set-Aside ‘Current’?
Here’s what it means when a category is ‘Current’:
- Visa Availability: Sufficient visas are available to meet demand without delay.
- Immediate Processing: Applicants can proceed with consular interviews or USCIS reviews right away.
- No Priority Date Restriction: There’s no need to wait for your filing date to advance.
EB-5 Demand Is Rising – Don’t Wait
The EB-5 program is experiencing unprecedented demand, especially among global investors from countries like China, India, and other emerging markets. Reserved categories like the Rural Set-Aside have limited visa slots, and as historical trends show, backlogs can form quickly.
Act Now to Secure Your Green Card
At Christian Tyler Properties, we specialize in Rural Targeted Employment Area (TEA) projects that qualify for the 20% Rural Set-Aside. With a minimum investment amount of US$800,000 – compared to US$1,050,000 for non-TEA projects – our rural TEA developments offer a cost- effective and fast-tracked route to U.S. residency