I’m Duygu, an EB-5 investor originally from Turkey. Thanks to the EB-5 program, I already enjoy numerous immigration benefits, which allow me to enjoy life in the United States. I hope my experience will help potential EB-5 investors navigate the process and get closer to fulfilling their American dream.
Watch Duygu’s Full Interview
Why I Made an EB-5 Investment
Choosing an EB-5 Immigration Attorney
Choosing an EB-5 Project
My Advice for Other EB-5 Investors
Why I Made an EB-5 Investment
My journey from Turkey to the United States has been an adventure fueled by ambition and a lifelong dream. Hailing from the beautiful landscapes of Turkey, with its delectable cuisine and warm-hearted people, I always harbored a fascination for life in the U.S. This dream persisted, despite my educational pursuits in international management and extensive travels around Europe.
My first encounters with the U.S. were as a tourist. These experiences only intensified my desire to explore the possibility of living and working here. With professional experience in Turkey, particularly in the construction sector influenced by my father’s role as a contractor, I still yearned for the American dream. This aspiration led me to apply for a student visa in 2015.
Upon securing my student visa, I embarked on a year of optional practical training (OPT) in the U.S., which opened doors to invaluable experiences. I had the opportunity to work in Silicon Valley with a tech company and later with a resale company dealing in natural stones. Drawing on my background in construction, I seized the chance to establish my own company in the U.S. in 2016. This venture marked the beginning of my long-term presence in the country.
As years passed, the idea of permanence in the U.S. grew on me. The economic and living conditions here seemed far more appealing compared to the current situation in Turkey.
Initially, I secured an E-2 investor visa in 2017, allowing me a five-year stay, which I thankfully renewed in 2022. However, the repetitive process of renewing visas and the documentation involved made me reconsider my options. It was then that I discovered the EB-5 visa program.
The EB-5 investment route appealed to me as it offered a more stable and long-term solution for residency in the United States. After a thorough investigation into various projects and options, I decided to invest in the Twin Lakes EB-5 project. This decision was not just a strategic move for residency, but a commitment to my dream of building a life in the U.S.
The EB-5 investment process was a significant step, enabling me to transition from an E-2 visa to a more permanent solution. This change meant that I could focus on growing my business without the looming uncertainty of visa renewals. Moreover, the EB-5 program provided an avenue to contribute economically to the U.S. while securing my future here.
From a tourist to a student, and then an entrepreneur, each phase of my journey in the U.S. has been instrumental in shaping my current status as an EB-5 investor. The EB-5 investment has not just been a financial venture; it represents my commitment to a country that has always been on my mind, a place I now call home.
Choosing an EB-5 Immigration Attorney
Finding the right immigration attorney was a pivotal aspect of my journey through the EB-5 visa process. Previously, I had obtained an E-2 visa, which required me to interact with legal professionals. However, this time, I was determined to find an attorney who was not only skilled but also easily accessible and responsive.
My initial experience with my E-2 visa attorney, though successful in obtaining the visa, was fraught with communication challenges. He was often unavailable, repeatedly asked the same questions, and seemed to pay little attention to the documents I provided. This experience taught me the importance of having an attorney who is not only knowledgeable but also attentive and easily reachable.
In my search for the right EB-5 attorney, I encountered various professionals. But Anahita George stood out from the first interaction. Her responsiveness, evident through our communications on WhatsApp, and her team’s efficiency and helpfulness, made me confident in my choice. Anahita always seemed to be just a message away, promptly addressing my queries and offering clear guidance.
The process of assembling and organizing the required documentation for the EB-5 application was a task that I was relatively prepared for, thanks to my previous experience with the E-2 visa. I had maintained meticulous records, storing everything in Dropbox and Google Drive, which made accessing and sharing documents straightforward. However, the actual preparation and translation of these documents into a format suitable for the EB-5 application were challenging, primarily due to the differences in banking and government systems.
Anahita and her team excelled in this area. They worked diligently, ensuring that our submission, comprising 27 pages, was ready by mid-September, just a month after we started working together. Anahita’s dedication was so profound that she often communicated with me late into the night, updating me on the progress and next steps.
Reflecting on this process, I have several pieces of advice for prospective EB-5 investors. Firstly, it is crucial to find an attorney who is accessible and responsive. Communicating with various attorneys, meeting them if possible, and gauging their approachability are essential steps. A good attorney should not be pushy or forceful but should provide space and time for decision-making. The attorney-client relationship in the EB-5 process is intense and requires a high level of mutual trust and comfort. Hence, it is vital to choose someone with whom you can have open, frequent, and reassuring communication.
Choosing an EB-5 Project
Embarking on the EB-5 investment journey in May 2023, I was acutely aware of the magnitude of the decision I was about to make. The EB-5 program, offering a pathway to U.S. residency through investment, required a thorough research process on my part.
For weeks, even months, I immersed myself in extensive online research, exploring various regional centers approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This period was marked by countless tabs open on my laptop and phone, as I delved into the many available options.
The challenge, however, lay in the scarcity of detailed information about these centers. Most listings offered little beyond basic details like names, locations, and the nature of their projects. This lack of transparency compelled me to dig deeper, leveraging my marketing background to distinguish between organic and paid search results.
My search led me to explore diverse projects, ranging from those in Auckland and the San Francisco Bay Area to renewable energy initiatives like solar and wind energy. Yet, many of these options lacked substantial documentation or opportunities for direct communication, rendering them less appealing to me.
Simultaneously, I considered franchising opportunities, like opening a Subway, but my existing business commitments limited my time. Even contemplating leveraging my own business for the EB-5 investment seemed too risky for the visa approval process.
Real estate projects, particularly hotel ventures, presented another avenue, but they did not entirely resonate with my investment philosophy. Eventually, the pandemic’s impact on various sectors shifted my focus toward single-family houses. Believing in their potential during COVID times, I decided to invest in this sector.
My journey led me to EB5AN and Kolter. What set EB5AN apart was the openness and hard work evident in their approach. Meeting Sam Silverman and learning about EB5AN’s decade-long successful collaboration with Kolter on over 15 projects instilled a sense of trust. The positive feedback from other investors about your partnership further solidified my decision.
In evaluating projects, I had to consider various factors like rural versus non-rural projects and the pre-existence of job creation. Despite not facing the backlog issues prevalent for investors from countries like India or China, I opted for a rural project, specifically the Twin Lakes project, to expedite the process. The fact that jobs were already created and the project had received prior approvals provided a sense of security, confirming that I wasn’t the only one taking this path. Conversations with realtors, other investors, and the sales office, along with Anahita’s invaluable assistance, reinforced my decision.
Moreover, holding an E-2 visa allowed me to simultaneously apply for a change of status, which brings many quick immigration benefits—basically, it can allow you to live and work freely in the United States as you wait for your EB-5 petition to be approved. Hearing about a recent investor receiving his work permit visa within two months also encouraged me.
My Advice for Other EB-5 Investors
Embarking on the EB-5 investment journey, I’ve learned valuable lessons that I’d like to share with potential investors. The process, although daunting, is a significant opportunity, but it demands thorough research and vigilance. My primary advice is to be relentless in seeking information. Don’t rely solely on online sources or second-hand information. It’s imperative to delve deeper, ask probing questions, and not take everything at face value.
A crucial step is to directly contact all involved parties, including visiting project sites if possible. This hands-on approach provides a clearer picture of the trustworthiness of the project and the people behind it. An EB-5 investment isn’t a decision made overnight; it represents a substantial commitment, often spanning five to six years. Hence, feeling comfortable and confident about your decision is crucial.
Feeling comfortable is not just about peace of mind; it’s about having confidence in the project, the legal team, and the regional center involved. When I applied for my EB-5, I ensured that I had done my due diligence. This involved selecting a project I trusted and felt confident about. This level of comfort and trust in my choices meant that I rarely worried about the outcome.
In summary, my advice is to be thorough in your research, seek direct interactions, and choose a project that instills confidence and comfort. This approach not only mitigates risks but also helps in maintaining peace of mind throughout the investment period.
