Concurrent Filing Explained: How EB-5 Investors Are Gaining Work Permits Faster in 2025

At EB-5 USA, we’ve seen firsthand how concurrent filing has reshaped the landscape for EB-5 investors — especially for H-1B visa holders navigating an increasingly uncertain immigration environment. In 2025, this little-known provision is turning heads across the industry, offering investors unprecedented flexibility, speed, and security. If you’re considering EB-5, here’s what you need to know — and why timing has never been more critical.

What Is Concurrent Filing — and Why Does It Matter?

Since the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act (RIA) of 2022, USCIS now allows concurrent filing for investors already residing in the U.S. This means that eligible applicants can file Form I-526E (the EB-5 petition) and Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) at the same time — if a visa number is available.

For H-1B and F-1 holders especially, this dual filing path is a game changer. Why? Because it unlocks immediate benefits that previously required waiting years to access. With concurrent filing, investors can also submit Forms I-765 (for a work permit) and I-131 (for a travel permit), allowing them to live, work, and travel freely while their green card is being processed.

Put simply: you no longer need to wait years for your I-526E to be approved before stabilizing your life in the U.S.

Speed: The New Advantage in 2025

In today’s market, time matters. And concurrent filing delivers.

According to recent reports from EB-5 immigration law firms and USCIS filings, most EB-5 investors who file concurrently receive their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and Advance Parole (AP) within 8 to 12 weeks. That’s roughly 2 to 3 months — compared to the traditional multi-year wait for green card-related benefits.

Additionally, USCIS has begun issuing 5-year EAD/AP combo cards, granting long-term permission to live and work in the U.S. while your application is pending. This provides a level of freedom and assurance that H-1B status simply doesn’t offer.

Why This Is Big for H-1B Holders in the Backlog

For thousands of Indian and Chinese nationals on H-1B visas, the traditional EB-2 and EB-3 pathways have become nearly impossible to navigate. Current projections show green card wait times that stretch into decades — even centuries — due to outdated per-country caps.

This backlog has forced many to face a harsh truth: even after years of contributing to the U.S. economy, there’s no guaranteed pathway forward. That’s why more H-1B holders are exploring EB-5. And with concurrent filing, they can finally regain control over their immigration process.

Here’s what concurrent filing does for H-1B holders:

• Frees you from employer sponsorship dependencies

• Provides a 5-year work and travel permit

• Gives you and your family peace of mind, even in layoff-prone industries

And the best part? You can begin this process immediately, while still maintaining your H-1B status.

Surge in EB-5 Filings Driven by Concurrent Filing

Data released in 2025 shows a sharp uptick in EB-5 I-526E filings — particularly in rural and HUA (High Unemployment Area) categories where visas are still current. Rural petitions have exceeded 4,400 filings to date, more than double the annual 2,000 visa allocation — a clear signal that demand is surging.

This spike isn’t coincidental. It reflects a growing realization among global investors: concurrent filing is creating a limited-time window of opportunity.

At EB-5 USA, we’ve seen a rise in clients requesting fast-tracked project evaluations so they can file before the Rural and HUA categories face retrogression. It’s no longer just about “investing for immigration” — it’s about acting while timing still works in your favor.

How EB-5 USA Helps You File Concurrently

Our job isn’t just to source EB-5 projects. It’s to position investors for long-term success. That’s why we work with USCIS-compliant regional centers, top-tier immigration counsel, and third-party economists to ensure your petition checks every box.

From source-of-funds review to documentation coordination, we walk with you step by step — including making sure your I-485 and work/travel applications are filed correctly and on time.

We also provide guidance on maintaining or transitioning from H-1B status while your EB-5 petition is in motion — a critical strategy to avoid unnecessary risks or delays.

Quote from Our Managing Director

“We’ve helped dozens of H-1B professionals file concurrently in the past year — and the results speak for themselves. They’re getting EADs in hand, families are moving forward, and they’re finally in control of their future. This is the power of EB-5 when used strategically.”

— Delo Baker, Managing Director, EB-5 USA

Final Takeaway: Act Now, Stay Ahead

If you're an H-1B visa holder or someone stuck in a decades-long green card queue, concurrent filing with EB-5 isn’t just a perk — it's your fast lane.

As set-aside categories begin to fill and USCIS timelines shift, those who file today will be tomorrow’s success stories. Don’t wait for backlogs. Don’t wait for layoffs. Take control while you still can.

Contact us to review your eligibility and begin the process today.

📩 contact@ebfiveusa.com 🌐 www.ebfiveusa.com

Because your Green Card shouldn't take a lifetime