U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently revealed its five near-term goals during an EB-5 stakeholder teleconference:
1. Reduce case processing times;
2. Increase filing options to reduce paper-based work;
3. Update policies to keep pace with the times;
4. Improve customer service to increase transparency and visibility;
5. Incorporate stakeholder concerns into policy changes more frequently.
The new EB-5 Chief, Nicholas Colucci, emphasized that as of February 14, 2014, all I-526 and I-924 case adjudications have been transferred to the Washington, D.C. service center, while other portions remain at the California service center. Furthermore, USCIS has begun using the ELIS (Electronic Immigration System) for online EB-5 application submissions. He hopes to test this system in the near future to build user confidence, which will reduce necessary paperwork and improve processing efficiency. USCIS will further digitize by introducing the "USCIS Idea Community."
Colucci also shared filing recommendations to help USCIS accelerate processing speeds:
* Do not submit duplicate copies of supporting documents;
* Include the most recent TEA letter;
* Include information regarding the Regional Center (contact information, identification number, etc.) and the name of the newly established commercial enterprise in the Cover Letter section of the I-526;
* Include whether the I-924 application is for a hypothetical, actual, or Exemplar project.
Colucci also proposed a three-point plan to improve the EB-5 program, aiming for efficiency, timeliness, stability, and predictability:
1. Build a Strong Foundation for the Program
Reduce case backlogs through personnel and program changes, expand offices, and maintain stability. USCIS is also allocating sufficient personnel and preparing detailed policy manuals and quality control policies as future guidance, which will help clarify currently ambiguous USCIS policies and regulations.
2. Improve Program Performance and Expectations
The goal is to identify and leverage efficiencies, establish targets, and reward success.
3. Enhance Customer Service and Transparency
He hopes to release EB-5 statistical data monthly, including: the time and volume of applications received, and the number of RFEs (Requests for Evidence) issued. Providing more information on the USCIS website and more timely responses to inquiries will help EB-5 investors and professionals gain real-time insight into USCIS processing times and application volumes.
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