I’m Rahul, an Indian citizen who has been living in the United States for several years. I am here to share my story of becoming an EB-5 investor, a decision that has significantly impacted my life and the lives of my family members.
I’d like to share my journey with you, from the initial stages of understanding the EB-5 program to making the investment decision.
Why I Made an EB-5 Investment
Finding an Immigration Attorney
Why I Chose a Rural EB-5 Project
Working with EB5AN
Final Thoughts
Why I Made an EB-5 Investment
Born and raised in India, I moved to the U.S. to pursue my undergraduate degree in finance. After graduation, I was fortunate to secure a job for a year. However, due to the complexities of H-1B visa regulations, I decided to further my education and obtained a master’s degree. Subsequently, I joined a software systems integrator, a position I have held for the past nine years.
The decision to invest in the EB-5 program was driven by the desire for certainty and flexibility for my family and me. With India being one of the two countries with a backlog in employment-based visas, the EB-5 investment seemed like a viable option. We considered other visa options, but the thought of restarting our lives in India did not appeal to us.
The EB-5 program, especially after the recent regulatory changes that expanded the rural category, seemed to meet all our criteria.
My introduction to the EB-5 program was quite coincidental. A friend of my wife had invested in an EB-5 project and during a casual dinner, he shared his experience with us. At that time, we didn’t give it much thought. However, when the new regulations were introduced, we revisited the idea of the EB-5 investment. The conversation with my wife’s friend was the catalyst that led us to consider the EB-5 program as a legitimate path for us.
Our decision to pursue the EB-5 program was made just before the COVID-19 pandemic. The first step in our journey was to assess our financial situation and ensure we had the necessary funds. We explored various projects and even considered starting our own, such as hotel construction. However, we ultimately decided to invest in an EB-5 rural project.
Finding an Immigration Attorney
Finding an EB-5 immigration attorney was a crucial part of our journey. We started with a simple online search and contacted three different attorneys. After in-depth consultations with two of them, we were introduced to Anahita George, who we eventually hired for our project.
Anahita and her team were reliable and had a strong grasp of EB-5 regulations. Their communication skills were excellent, and they were always available to answer our questions.
The process of gathering the necessary documents and records was a massive undertaking. However, with Anahita’s guidance, we were able to complete everything and file our application within two months. Looking back, I would advise anyone considering the EB-5 program to pay close attention to the communication skills, track record, and availability of their potential attorney.
Reflecting on our experience with other attorneys, I realized that the personal attention and responsiveness we received from Anahita were critical. Two of the attorneys we consulted gave us the impression of being part of a large law firm, and we felt that we wouldn’t receive the personalized attention we needed. The third attorney seemed overwhelmed with clients and was not readily available. In contrast, Anahita was always accessible, even responding to queries over the weekend.
Why I Chose a Rural EB-5 Project
When I first started exploring the EB-5 program, I was intrigued by the concept of rural EB-5 projects. It was a new idea for me, as most large-scale projects, especially those involving significant infrastructure development, are typically located in urban settings.
However, as I delved deeper into the program, I discovered the potential of targeted employment areas, which could be urban or rural, depending on their classification.
My interest in EB-5 rural projects was piqued when I learned about EB5AN’s Twin Lakes project. I was keen on partnering with a project that was introduced to the market by a reputable, successful developer.
The idea of rural projects receiving a 20% set-aside and the possibility of bypassing the large visa backlog for India made the risk of investing in a rural project worth considering.
After conducting thorough due diligence on the Twin Lakes project, I was convinced that the risk level of the project was minimal, if not non-existent.
The project’s association with a well-known developer, Kolter, was a significant factor in my decision. Kolter’s impressive track record of completing successful projects without defaulting on any loans or funding was a big plus.
Another factor that influenced my decision was the project’s sales track record. I was regularly receiving updates on various projects from EB5AN, and I noticed that Twin Lakes was consistently making sales and bookings for their houses.
The third factor was the confidence I gained from my interactions with the professionals at EB5AN. Their extensive experience and high regard for the project convinced me that it was more than just a sales pitch.
The project’s potential for job creation was another crucial aspect. The fact that all the jobs were already created and accounted for meant that I didn’t have to worry about compliance issues when it came time to file for the conditions to be removed.
Working with EB5AN
Working with EB5AN was a positive experience. Their professionalism, communication, and willingness to assist with due diligence made me feel confident about investing through them. They never pressured me to sign on to any project and always made sure I had all the information I needed to make an informed decision.
Final Thoughts
If I were to give advice to someone considering an EB-5 investment, I would say, first and foremost, discuss it with your spouse or family, as it’s a significant decision that could impact your lifestyle. Once you’ve decided to proceed, ensure you have a clear source of funds and a competent attorney who is responsive and has a good track record.
Finally, work with a firm like EB5AN that can provide you with a list of potential investment options and assist you with due diligence. Having the support of your family, a helpful attorney, and a team like EB5AN can make the process much smoother and less stressful.
The decision to become an EB-5 investor has been a life-changing event for my family and me. The journey was not easy, but with the right guidance and support, we were able to navigate the process successfully. The EB-5 program has provided us with the certainty and flexibility we desired, and we are looking forward to our future in the United States.
