For an EB-5 investor, waiting for word on an I-526E petition can be a nerve-wracking experience. Investors who have an online account with USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services), however, can ease their anxiety a bit by tracking their case online and receiving helpful notifications.
While forms such as the I-526E (Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor) and I-829 (Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status) are still submitted via mail, setting up an online USCIS account provides valuable tools for tracking and managing these cases.
Key Benefits of an Online USCIS Account for EB-5 Petitioners
1. Real-Time Case Tracking
Petitioners can monitor the progress of their EB-5 applications directly from their USCIS dashboard. This includes tracking the status of forms like I-526E and I-829 using receipt numbers.
2. Instant Notifications
Users receive automatic email or text message updates whenever there is an action or change related to their case, such as a status update, a request for evidence (RFE), or a final decision.
3. Faster Response to USCIS Requests
Although the initial petitions must be filed by mail, certain follow-up actions, such as responding to RFEs, can be managed through the online portal, helping to reduce response times and prevent delays.
4. Centralized Case History
The online portal stores all notices and correspondence related to each case, creating a comprehensive case history that is easy to reference at any time.
5. Secure Document Management
While most EB-5 forms are not available for electronic filing, the system still allows for secure document submission when USCIS enables that function (e.g., for RFEs or Notices of Intent to Deny).
6. Attorney and Representative Access
USCIS provides a separate account type for attorneys and accredited representatives, allowing them to manage multiple EB-5 petitions and investors from a single dashboard.
How to Set Up an Online USCIS Account
Creating an account is straightforward and takes only a few minutes. Here is how:
- Visit the USCIS Website
Go to https://myaccount.uscis.gov. - Click “Sign Up”
Begin by entering your email address. - Choose Account Type
- Select “Applicant/Petitioner/Requestor” if you are the EB-5 investor.
- Select “Attorney or Representative” if you are a legal representative or regional center managing multiple cases.
- Email Verification
A confirmation email will be sent. Click the link to verify your address. - Create Password and Security Setup
Choose a secure password and set up answers to security questions. - Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Choose whether to receive authentication codes by text, email, or an authenticator app. - Add Your Case
Once inside your account dashboard, enter the receipt number found on your USCIS notice to start tracking your EB-5 case.
Setting up an account takes just a few minutes, but can save weeks of uncertainty and delay. For anyone navigating the EB-5 immigration process, it is a smart, proactive step toward a smoother experience.
