My name is Bhaskara, and I’m excited to share my experience as an EB-5 investor with others who may be considering this route as well. I invested in EB5AN’s ONE Tampa urban project.
Living and working in the United States with the freedom of a permanent resident has long been my dream—and an EB-5 investment was the only way for me to get there quickly.
Still, getting your U.S. Green Card—and your money back—requires a lot of planning and careful research. In this post, I break down my journey through the EB-5 process step by step.
I believe this content will be useful for anyone who would like to get started on a fast path to a U.S. Green Card.
My Background and Why I Made an EB-5 Investment
Finding an Experienced Immigration Attorney
Why I Invested in EB5AN’s ONE Tampa EB-5 Project
Watch Bhaskara’s Interview (Full)
Watch Bhaaskara’s Interview (Highlights)
My Background and Why I Made an EB-5 Investment
I have been living in the United States for the last ten years, though my connection with the country started much earlier. I first worked in the U.S. in 2000 and then again in 2005 before returning to India. In 2015, I moved back to the U.S., and I have been here ever since. For over 25 years, I’ve worked in the tech industry, dedicating myself to my career. However, after so many years, I wanted to make a change.
I decided to pursue the EB-5 visa to obtain permanent residency in the U.S. This was my main goal. I wanted the freedom to live here permanently without the constraints of a work visa. Under my current work visa, I could not take a break from work without leaving the country. After 25 years of tireless work, I needed the flexibility to take time off and travel without having to worry about losing my ability to live in the U.S. That was a major factor in my decision to pursue EB-5.
Currently, I am on an EB-2 visa, with a priority date in August 2017. Given how long the backlog is, it’s unlikely I would receive my Green Card in my lifetime if I stayed on this path.
I did not want to wait indefinitely or remain tied to working without the freedom to take a break. That’s why I chose the EB-5 program. It allows me to achieve my goal of obtaining permanent residency faster, giving me the freedom to stay in the U.S., maintain my home, and travel when I want.
At first, I didn’t consider any other visa options apart from the EB-2 I was already in line for. The decision to switch to EB-5 came after I realized the wait for a Green Card would be indefinite through EB-2. In April 2024, I started looking seriously into EB-5 as a way to secure my future in the U.S. One of the first steps I took was finding an experienced attorney to help with my application. That process began soon after I decided EB-5 was the best route for me.
The ability to adjust my status while already living in the U.S. was crucial. Through EB-5, I could apply for a work and travel permit, which was another key motivation for me. With these permits, I could plan for a future where I’m not tied to constant work and can enjoy the freedom I’ve worked so hard for.
Finding an Experienced Immigration Attorney
When I started exploring EB-5, I focused on finding the right project. I came across EB5AN and several other regional centers. I spoke to many of them and explored a lot of projects.
During this process, I was introduced to my attorney, Anahita George.
She had a strong petition approval rate, and her meticulous work caught my attention. I spoke to her, liked her approach, and decided to hire her. She’s been my attorney ever since, and it’s been a good experience. She did an excellent job with my application and all the required documentation.
Anahita always prioritizes my interests. She’s thorough and detailed in her work, especially when explaining the risks involved in various projects and regional centers. Her ability to break down complex issues was something I really valued. Once I decided to work with her, the documentation process began. For me, it was fairly straightforward since most of my funds came from the U.S., through employment income and RSUs. It probably took me about a week to gather all the necessary documentation.
Anahita spent about two to three weeks reviewing everything. She asked for some additional documents, but the entire process went smoothly. Her experience in the EB-5 space was another key reason I chose her. She’s been in this field for quite some time and has a wealth of information. She was familiar with most of the regional centers I had already explored, and her expertise made the process much easier for me.
Why I Invested in EB5AN’s ONE Tampa EB-5 Project
I explored many options and spoke to at least four or five regional centers before deciding. I looked at both rural and urban projects. Some rural projects had unclear finances and seemed more risky. Urban projects, on the other hand, usually had clearer financials and capital structures. It was easier for me to assess if consumers would buy at the rates the builder planned to sell. With rural projects, it was harder to evaluate the risks, so I ultimately chose an urban project.
When I reviewed EB5AN projects, I appreciated how transparent and clear the information was. I could visit the website anytime and access all the details I needed, including the capital structure and financials. This made it easier to research and understand the risks and benefits of each project.
Nothing was hidden, which I found very helpful. In comparison, other regional centers often lacked transparency.
Information wasn’t readily available, and I had to go back and forth to get basic details. Sometimes, the project status or approvals were unclear, and I noticed hidden risks in many of those projects. That lack of clarity made me uncomfortable.
Job creation was a primary factor for me because it is critical for the approval of an EB-5 application. A project that is already under construction and has a large job cushion is lower risk. For construction projects, which are labor-intensive, the likelihood of meeting job creation goals is high. That’s why I picked ONE Tampa. It was already underway, with everything in place, and I was confident it would generate the necessary jobs.
The developer also played a big role in my decision. Kolter is well-known in the industry, especially in Florida. I reviewed their past projects and saw their expertise in the market. They have a strong presence and experience with similar developments. This made ONE Tampa feel like a safe choice. Kolter’s reputation and track record were key factors for me.
Ultimately, the combination of clear financials, transparent information, strong job creation potential, and a reputable developer made ONE Tampa stand out. It felt like a solid investment compared to the other options I explored.
When I began considering EB-5, I spoke with many regional centers to find the right fit.
One thing stood out about EB5AN: they didn’t oversell.
They presented facts clearly and understood my situation. They suggested a few projects but didn’t push anything or follow up aggressively. That transparency and clarity gave me confidence. I appreciated how they laid out the capital structure and the safety cushions in the projects, letting me assess everything like it was my own investment. This approach made the decision straightforward for me.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, I’d tell anyone considering EB-5 to start with finding an immigration attorney. It’s critical. I waited to find my attorney, and that made the process slower. Get your attorney in place first; it’ll save time.
When picking a project, transparency is key. Make sure you get all the information—project finances, the builders, and who the other investors are. Treat it as if you’re making a regular real estate investment. Understand the risks and ask all the questions you need to feel confident.
I’d absolutely recommend my attorney, Anahita, and EB5AN to others. EB5AN was transparent and serious about their work. They’ve been in this space for a while and have a solid track record with previous projects. Their experience and professionalism made all the difference.
If you’re thinking about EB-5, I’d strongly suggest considering them. They provided everything I needed to make an informed decision, and I’m glad I chose them.
