How could a pending EB-5 application impact my J1 and F1 visa applications?

An EB-5 case is an immigrant case, i.e., an I-526 is an immigrant petition expressing immigrant intent, at least for the petitioner himself or herself. Most non-immigrant visa/status holders must demonstrate that they are not intending immigrants to the United States. The fact that you are a dependent and not the petitioner in an EB-5 case, however, means that you have not filed a petition and therefore you can truthfully answer "no" to this question: "Have you ever filed an immigrant petition?" You should consult with an experienced immigration attorney to assist with filling out the actual J-1 and F-1 visa applications.

If you are under 21 and a dependent, the Department of State has indicated you do not need to disclose the immigrant visa petition on your application, although we always encourage clients to be forthright and honest in interviews, as it is best and right. An immigrant visa petition is an expression of intent, so you need to be able to show you intend to return home, especially if the EB-5 is not approved.

As a derivative applicant, since you are not the principal applicant, it should not affect your ability to apply for the J-1 and F-1.

An I-526 petition by itself may be fine for you. After an I-526 approval you still need to take the steps to apply for the green card, which you can delay if necessary.

Possibly, but you should be sure they indicate on the I-526 that you will consular process so you can use that as proof of your intent to return.

It should not be a problem.

Derivatives do not have any immigrant petition pending in their own names. Thus, when the forms ask whether you have an immigrant visa application or immigrant petition pending, your answer is truthfully no. Also, if you intend to join your parents when they go for the immigrant visa interview after I-526 is approved, then you could tell them that at the F-1 or J-1 visa interview. Any lawyer will tell you not to volunteer any information that is not being specifically asked to avoid causing unnecessary confusion or misunderstanding.

Generally, being a dependent of an EB-5 application should not affect the non-immigrant academic applications such as J-1 and F-1.

Because you are not a principal EB-5 investor who has a pending EB-5 petition, your J-1 or F-1 application should not be affected, assuming you otherwise qualify.

They can, as you can&#39t be an intending immigrant with those two visas.

It could be impactful, but not a given, since you are not the primary applicant.

Having an EB-5 petition filed/pending listing you as a derivative dependent should not affect on your ability to obtain J-1 or F-1 non-immigrant visas since you are not the principal applicant of the EB-5 immigrant petition.