iToday USCIS released performance data on I-526 and I-829 petitions. The data provides an overview across several segments for case status (received/approved/denied/pending) for FY 2008 through FY 2015. Data for FY 2015 is broken down by quarter.
The chart below summarizes USCIS statistics on I-526 filings:
Comparing this data to similar information in 2013 is illustrative of the surge in I-526 filings. In 2013, USCIS received 6,346 filings compared with 10,923 in 2014. The USCIS data for 2015 is reflective of the increased processing times for pending I-526 petitions. With the widely anticipated upcoming changes to the EB-5 program combined with anxious investors eager to file prior to a possible increase in the minimum investment, we expect 2015 Q.4 data to show an amplified number of I-526 filings. Likewise, based on the USCIS performance data and absent any legislative changes, investors from mainland China will likely continue to wait 1.5 to 2 years due to retrogression.
The chart below summarizes USCIS statistics on I-829 filings:
Comparing the I-829 data to similar information in 2013 is also indicative of an increase in I-829 filings. In 2013, USCIS received 1,217 filings compared with 2,516 in 2014. The USCIS data for 2015 further evidences the long delays in processing times for pending I-829 petitions.
