美国绿卡有多难？EB-5投资人历时14年，I-829被拒后进入遣返程序，最终在移民法庭获批 How Hard Is a U.S. Green Card? An EB-5 Investor's 14-Year Journey: I-829 Denied, Placed in Removal Proceedings, and Finally Approved in Immigration Court

新未名律所 ｜ EB-5投资移民案例解读：申请绿卡要有耐心，更要坚持并选择正确的道路 ｜ New Weiming Law Group | EB-5 Case Analysis: Patience, Persistence, and Choosing the Right Path

一句话核心总结（TL;DR）：EB-5投资移民从来不是简单的"花钱买绿卡"；而对于符合条件的人士，EB-1A、NIW国家利益豁免、PERM和亲属移民通常不需要承担同等规模的项目投资风险。一位投资人2012年递交EB-5申请，2013年取得两年条件绿卡，2015年递交I-829，等待约六年后于2021年收到RFE并被拒；其后寻求行政救济未果，2025年收到NTA进入遣返程序。最终，投资人依据INA § 216A(c)(3)(D)请求移民法官对I-829拒绝决定进行重新审查，在政府律师调整立场后，移民法官批准了I-829。前后历时整整14年。本案说明：I-829被拒不一定是终点，遇到挫折切勿草率放弃或贸然离境；同时，选择适合自己的移民路径，节省的可能不只是金钱，更是十几年的人生时间。

TL;DR (English): EB-5 has never been a simple matter of "buying a green card"; for qualified applicants, EB-1A, NIW, PERM, and family-based immigration generally do not carry the same scale of project investment risk. An investor filed an EB-5 petition in 2012, obtained a two-year conditional green card in 2013, and filed an I-829 in 2015. After about six years, USCIS issued an RFE in 2021 and then denied the petition; administrative efforts failed, and in 2025 the investor received a Notice to Appear (NTA) and was placed in removal proceedings. Ultimately, the investor sought review of the I-829 denial before an immigration judge under INA § 216A(c)(3)(D); after government counsel changed its position, the judge approved the I-829. The process took a full 14 years. Lessons: an I-829 denial is not necessarily the end; never give up or depart the U.S. hastily after a setback; and choosing the right immigration path can save not only money but more than a decade of life.

有人以为办美国绿卡只要有钱就行：投资几十万美元申请EB-5，拿到条件绿卡，再申请永久绿卡，似乎顺理成章。然而现实可能远比想象复杂。新未名律所立足美国首都华盛顿地区，长期为大华府DMV地区、马里兰(Maryland)、弗吉尼亚(Virginia)及全美的华人、留学生、博士后及高科技/科研人员办理EB-1A、NIW国家利益豁免、EB-2/3 PERM、I-140/I-485、RFE/NOID回复及各类移民救济事务。本文解读的EB-5案例并非本所代理，信息来源于公众号"美国EB5一点通"的公开分享。该公众号普及EB-5投资移民知识，内容详实专业，态度理性诚恳，值得推荐。这一案例对所有准备办理美国绿卡的中国申请人都有重要启示。

Some believe that money is all it takes to get a U.S. green card: invest several hundred thousand dollars in EB-5, receive a conditional green card, then remove the conditions. Reality can be far more complicated. New Weiming Law Group is based in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area and represents Chinese nationals, international students, postdocs, and STEM professionals in the DMV region, Maryland, Virginia, and nationwide in EB-1A, NIW, EB-2/3 PERM, I-140/I-485, RFE/NOID responses, and immigration relief. The EB-5 case discussed here was not handled by our firm; it was publicly shared by the WeChat account "美国EB5一点通" (EB-5 Explained), whose detailed, professional, and balanced EB-5 content we recommend. The case offers important lessons for every Chinese green card applicant.

1. 2012年开始申请，2026年才有结果：这张EB-5绿卡为什么这么难？
Filed in 2012, Resolved by 2026: Why Was This EB-5 Green Card So Difficult?

本案涉及美国一个曾经很有名的EB-5项目，吸引了大量外国投资人。该项目后来爆发重大欺诈丑闻，开发商涉嫌挪用投资款，项目资金及投资人的移民申请均受到严重影响。投资人不仅要担心资金能否收回，还要面对更严峻的问题：钱投出去了，如果I-829不能获批，绿卡怎么办？2015年递交I-829后，投资人很可能以为永久绿卡近在眼前，没想到六年后才等来RFE，随后被拒；行政救济又拖了数年仍未解决，最终还进入遣返程序。即使投资人本人没有参与项目欺诈，也可能因项目资金使用、就业创造等问题，陷入多年复杂的移民诉讼。

The case involved a once well-known EB-5 project that attracted many foreign investors. The project later became embroiled in a major fraud scandal, with the developer allegedly misappropriating investor funds, severely affecting both the project and investors' immigration cases. Investors had to worry not only about recovering their money but about a graver question: if the I-829 is not approved, what happens to the green card? After filing the I-829 in 2015, the investor likely believed permanent residence was near, yet waited six years for an RFE followed by a denial; administrative efforts dragged on for years, and removal proceedings followed. Even investors uninvolved in project fraud can become entangled in years of complex litigation over fund use and job creation.

2. I-829被拒并进入遣返程序，还有机会获批吗？
After an I-829 Denial and Removal Proceedings, Is Approval Still Possible?

有可能。USCIS拒绝I-829，并不必然意味着投资人已彻底失去争取永久绿卡的机会。根据INA § 216A(c)(3)(D)，条件永久居民身份因I-829被拒而终止的EB-5投资人，可以在遣返程序中请求移民法官对拒绝决定进行重新审查（de novo review）。这是一条重要的法定救济途径。需要注意，I-829拒绝本身通常不能向行政上诉办公室（AAO）上诉，但可视情况通过I-290B提出重开或复议动议；而移民法庭的重新审查是独立的程序。这类困境也并非孤立案例：美国知名移民律所Klasko Immigration Law Partners于2026年2月发文，介绍了该所在移民法庭争取三宗I-829批准的案例。其中一案，政府因无法安排相关USCIS证人出庭，在听证前撤回对I-829的反对意见；另一案则通过证人证言和其他证据，成功反驳政府对资金使用及项目情况的质疑。但救济能否成功取决于具体证据、投资事实、就业创造、程序状况和适用法律，并非所有被拒申请都能获批。

Possibly. An I-829 denial does not necessarily mean the investor has lost all chance at permanent residence. Under INA § 216A(c)(3)(D), an EB-5 investor whose conditional resident status is terminated following an I-829 denial may request de novo review of that determination by an immigration judge in removal proceedings, an important statutory remedy. Note that an I-829 denial generally cannot be appealed to the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO), though a motion to reopen or reconsider may be filed on Form I-290B where appropriate; immigration court review is a separate proceeding. Such cases are not isolated: in February 2026, Klasko Immigration Law Partners published an article describing three I-829 approvals it won in immigration court. In one, the government withdrew its opposition before the hearing because it could not produce the relevant USCIS witness; in another, witness testimony and other evidence rebutted the government's challenges about fund use and the project. Success depends on the specific evidence, investment facts, job creation, procedural posture, and applicable law; not every denied petition will be approved.

3. 没有几十万美元投资，还有哪些绿卡路径？
Without a Large Investment, What Other Green Card Paths Are Available?

这位投资人有经济实力承担EB-5投资门槛和多年诉讼费用，绿卡之路尚且如此曲折，更何况普通家庭？很多人没有几十万美元可以投入EB-5项目，也不需要投入这么多钱。与传统EB-5动辄数十万美元甚至更高的资本投入相比，EB-1、NIW、PERM和亲属移民通常不需要承担同等规模的项目投资资金风险。当然，这些类别各有申请条件、排期、费用和风险，并不意味着人人都能申请、一定容易或一定迅速获批。

If an investor with the means to meet the EB-5 threshold and fund years of litigation faced such a difficult road, what about ordinary families? Many people do not have several hundred thousand dollars for an EB-5 project, nor do they need to. Compared with traditional EB-5 investments of several hundred thousand dollars or more, EB-1, NIW, PERM, and family-based immigration generally do not carry the same scale of project investment risk. Each category has its own requirements, backlogs, costs, and risks; none guarantees eligibility, ease, or speed.

职业移民申请人从I-140获批到递交I-485，往往需要等待优先日在签证公告中排到，这期间维持合法身份同样重要：H-1B和L-1承认双重意图（Dual Intent）；F-1、J-1不具双重意图，出入境和续签需评估风险；受两年回国服务要求约束的J-1学者需先取得J-1豁免；O-1也可作为部分专业人士的过渡选择。有人觉得NIW花一两年太久，EB-1准备材料太麻烦，PERM需要雇主配合，婚姻绿卡材料繁琐。但与本案投资人从2012年走到2026年相比，很多符合条件的申请人实际拥有成本更可控的路径。有机会申请，就应认真评估；符合条件，就不要轻易错过。

Employment-based applicants often wait for their priority date to become current in the Visa Bulletin between I-140 approval and I-485 filing, and maintaining lawful status matters: H-1B and L-1 recognize dual intent; F-1 and J-1 do not, so travel and visa renewals carry risk; J-1 scholars subject to the two-year home residency requirement need a J-1 waiver; and O-1 can be an interim option for some professionals. Some feel one to two years for NIW is too long, EB-1 evidence too burdensome, PERM too dependent on the employer, or marriage cases too paperwork-heavy. But compared with this investor's 2012–2026 journey, many qualified applicants have far more cost-controlled paths. If you have the opportunity, evaluate it seriously; if you qualify, don't let it slip away.

4. 移民申请遇到挫折，可能有哪些救济途径？
What Remedies May Be Available After an Immigration Setback?

14年间，本案投资人经历了条件绿卡、I-829长期等待、项目欺诈、补件、拒绝、行政救济失败、NTA和移民法庭程序，任何一个阶段都可能让人沮丧，但他没有因第一次拒绝就放弃，最终依靠法律程序和证据争取到I-829批准。美国移民法律体系在某些情形下提供不止一种救济方式，根据个案情况，可能需要评估：

Over 14 years, the investor went through conditional residence, a long I-829 wait, project fraud, an RFE, a denial, failed administrative relief, an NTA, and immigration court, any stage of which could have been discouraging. Yet the investor did not give up after the first denial and ultimately won I-829 approval through legal process and evidence. U.S. immigration law sometimes offers more than one avenue of relief; depending on the case, options to evaluate may include:

• 对USCIS决定提出重开（Motion to Reopen）或复议（Motion to Reconsider）动议
  Motions to reopen or reconsider a USCIS decision
• 在移民法庭依法请求重新审查
  Requesting review in immigration court where the law permits
• 符合条件时申请其他移民救济
  Other forms of immigration relief if eligible
• 在程序允许的情况下，以适当方式维持或争取合法身份
  Maintaining or pursuing lawful status where procedures allow
• 根据新的事实和法律依据，评估其他可行的移民申请途径
  Evaluating other viable filings based on new facts and law

不同程序的适用条件、法定期限、申请资格与风险均不相同。新未名律所已帮助众多绿卡申请人回复I-485 RFE、NOID后取得绿卡批准，也有在Motion to Reopen重新开案后获批的案例，包括曾有组织成员身份或其他复杂背景的申请人，以及在I-601豁免后获批的申请人。总体而言，这些案件花费的时间、精力、费用和曲折，比本文的EB-5案例都节省得多。

Each procedure has different requirements, deadlines, eligibility, and risks. New Weiming Law Group has helped many green card applicants obtain approval after responding to I-485 RFEs and NOIDs, as well as after reopening cases by motion, including applicants with past organizational membership or other complex backgrounds and applicants approved after I-601 waivers. Overall, these cases required far less time, effort, cost, and hardship than the EB-5 case described here.

5. 收到拒绝通知或NTA后，为什么不能贸然离境？
Why Shouldn't You Leave the U.S. Hastily After a Denial or an NTA?

美国移民申请遇到障碍后，不要因恐慌而草率放弃，也不要在不了解身份及出入境后果的情况下贸然离境。一些申请人本来可能还有法定救济机会，但若未经评估就离开美国，可能受到离境令、非法居留、再次入境限制或程序性障碍的影响。收到NTA后，也不能简单认为只要人在美国就可以无限次申请，或自动获得合法身份及工作许可。正在办理I-485、处于遣返程序或已收到拒绝通知的申请人，能否继续在美停留、工作或申请其他救济，必须结合具体身份和案件状况由律师认真分析。在依法允许的情况下，申请人不必因案件不确定就立即放弃事业、家庭规划和正常生活：该工作时工作，该学习时学习，该陪伴家人时陪伴家人，同时积极推进案件。人生不能因为一份RFE、一份NOID或一份拒绝通知就完全停摆。

After an immigration setback, do not give up in panic or depart the U.S. without understanding the status and travel consequences. Some applicants may still have statutory remedies, but leaving without evaluation can trigger consequences tied to removal orders, unlawful presence, reentry bars, or procedural obstacles. An NTA also does not mean one can file indefinitely or automatically obtain status and work authorization simply by remaining in the U.S. For applicants with pending I-485s, in removal proceedings, or holding a denial, whether they can stay, work, or seek other relief must be carefully analyzed by counsel. Where the law allows, uncertainty need not halt your career, family plans, or daily life: work, study, and care for your family while actively pursuing the case. Life should not stop because of a single RFE, NOID, or denial.

6. 选对移民路径，为什么可能节省十几年的人生时间？
Why Can Choosing the Right Path Save More Than a Decade of Your Life?

移民资格并不是单纯由资金多少决定的。与投入大量资本的传统EB-5相比，EB-1A和NIW最大的特点之一，是允许符合条件的人士以自身专业成就和职业贡献作为申请的重要基础。科研人员、工程师、教授、医生、企业管理人员、技术专家等，都可根据具体背景评估是否符合标准。许多人拥有扎实的教育背景、多年行业经验和科研成果，却低估了自己申请职业移民的可能性，以为必须投资几十万美元。真正有价值的法律服务，不是一味推荐最昂贵的方式，而是根据申请人实际条件，帮助识别适当、合法、经济合理的路径。业绩资料显示，新未名律所已协助成千上万的中国申请人取得美国绿卡相关批准，其中包括数千位EB-1和NIW申请人。需要说明，EB-1或NIW的批准并不等于I-485最终批准，具体成功率、办理时间和费用应依据个案和官方信息判断。

Immigration eligibility is not determined simply by how much money you have. Unlike capital-intensive EB-5, EB-1A and NIW allow qualified individuals to rely on their professional achievements and contributions. Researchers, engineers, professors, physicians, executives, and technical experts may all evaluate whether they meet the standards. Many have strong education, years of experience, and research records, yet underestimate their eligibility, believing a large investment is required. Truly valuable legal service does not push the most expensive option but identifies an appropriate, lawful, and cost-effective path based on the applicant's actual qualifications. According to firm records, New Weiming Law Group has helped thousands upon thousands of Chinese applicants obtain green card-related approvals, including thousands of EB-1 and NIW applicants. An EB-1 or NIW approval is not a final I-485 approval, and success rates, timelines, and costs must be assessed case by case and from official information.

7. 这段14年绿卡历程给不同阶段的申请人哪些启示？
What Does This 14-Year Journey Teach Applicants at Different Stages?

本案值得讲述，不是因为每位申请人都会经历如此漫长复杂的程序，而是因为它反映了一个现实：即使投入大量资金、曾经拿到条件绿卡、本人没有参与开发商的不当行为，仍可能面临申请被拒和身份受挑战的风险。但移民法也可能提供独立审查、重新审查和其他救济程序；能否及时抓住程序机会、找到核心法律争议和关键证据，往往对结果产生重要影响。

This case is worth telling not because every applicant will face such a long process, but because it reflects a reality: even with substantial investment, a conditional green card, and no involvement in the developer's misconduct, an applicant can still face denial and challenges to status. Yet immigration law may also provide independent review, de novo review, and other remedies; seizing procedural opportunities and identifying the core legal issues and key evidence often shape the outcome.

8. 新未名律所可以提供哪些帮助？
How Can New Weiming Law Group Help?

美国绿卡值得认真争取，但不应让申请人盲目付出不必要的金钱、时间和人生代价。选择适合自己的途径、认真准备材料、依法推进程序、遇到问题及时寻求专业帮助，才是更理性的移民规划。新未名律所可为以下人士提供个案评估：

A U.S. green card is worth pursuing seriously, but not at the cost of unnecessary money, time, and years of life. Choosing the right path, preparing thoroughly, following lawful procedures, and seeking help promptly is the more rational approach. New Weiming Law Group offers case-specific evaluations for:

• 科研人员、工程师、教授、医生及其他专业人士，评估EB-1A、NIW或EB-2/3 PERM路径
  Researchers, engineers, professors, physicians, and other professionals evaluating EB-1A, NIW, or EB-2/3 PERM
• 婚姻及亲属移民申请
  Marriage and family-based petitions
• I-140获批后的优先日、排期及I-485规划，以及H-1B、O-1、F-1、J-1身份维持和J-1豁免
  Priority date, backlog, and I-485 planning after I-140 approval, plus H-1B, O-1, F-1, and J-1 status maintenance and J-1 waivers
• 收到I-485 RFE、NOID，需要专业回复
  Responding to I-485 RFEs and NOIDs
• 申请被拒后评估Motion to Reopen、Motion to Reconsider、I-601豁免或其他救济
  Evaluating motions to reopen or reconsider, I-601 waivers, or other relief after a denial

2012年至2026年，这位EB-5投资人为了永久绿卡走过了整整14年。对于许多具备EB-1、NIW、PERM或亲属移民条件的人而言，没有必要误以为取得绿卡必须冒几十万美元投资失利的风险。作为靠谱华人移民律师团队，新未名律所将继续为申请人提供EB-1A、NIW国家利益豁免、EB-2/3 PERM、I-140/I-485、RFE/NOID回复及各类移民救济的专业服务。欢迎联系我们获取免费评估（Free Evaluation）。新未名律所在美国首都华盛顿地区、大华府DMV地区、马里兰(Maryland)和弗吉尼亚(Virginia)为华人、留学生、博士后及高科技/科研人员提供全方位移民法律服务。

From 2012 to 2026, this EB-5 investor spent 14 years pursuing permanent residence. Many people qualified for EB-1, NIW, PERM, or family-based immigration need not believe a green card requires risking several hundred thousand dollars. As experienced, reliable immigration attorneys, New Weiming Law Group will continue to provide professional services in EB-1A, NIW, EB-2/3 PERM, I-140/I-485, RFE/NOID responses, and immigration relief. Contact us for a Free Evaluation. New Weiming Law Group serves the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, the DMV region, Maryland, and Virginia, providing comprehensive immigration legal services for Chinese nationals, international students, postdocs, and STEM professionals.