EB-5 Works for Indian H-1B Visa Holders: Nagaraju’s Experience with EB-5

My name is Nagaraju Dota. I come from India and moved to the United States in 2016 on a H-1B visa. I started my US journey with hopes of building a future for my family. I initially was in the EB-2 category, but the long waiting times pushed me to search for another option.

I’m very glad I discovered the EB-5 visa, a direct path to a U.S. Green Card—unlike any other immigration route I had explored previously. After much research, I invested in EB5AN’s Rocky River rural EB-5 project.

Navigating the EB-5 process requires a lot of work. But if you want to build a long-term career in this country, without the constraints of a temporary work visa, EB-5 may be your best option.

I believe my experiences with the EB-5 application process will help other H-1B workers with similar goals. As I’ll describe below, choosing the right attorney and regional center sponsor is crucial to a successful EB-5 investment.

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Exploring My U.S. Visa Options

During COVID, I started to look at all available options. I took a close look at different ways to move forward with my immigration process. Being from India, I had to face many hurdles, especially with the high backlog in the EB-2 and EB-3 categories. I looked at the different routes with a clear focus. I did not jump into the first option I found. I spent time comparing the details of each route. Out of all the options available, I found the EB-5 program to be the one that fit best with my needs and those of my family. It was clear from my research that EB-5 offered a more direct path. I made the decision based solely on the merits of the program. The details, the process, and the project options all pointed to EB-5 being the right choice for us.

Finding the Right Immigration Attorney

Once I decided on the EB-5 route, I had to find an immigration attorney who could help me through the process. This part of my journey took some time. I spent at least two to three months doing research on what EB-5 really meant, how to qualify, and what documents I would need. I had to learn the ins and outs of the process, which included understanding the source of funds and the other requirements. In my search, I talked with three to four different attorneys before I made a final decision. I looked for an attorney who could relate to our unique challenges. I wanted someone who understood the Indian culture and the struggles that come with the H-1B process. I ended up hiring Anahita George because she was from India as well, though she now lives in the US and is a citizen. She understood my situation and could explain the process in simple terms. She answered all my questions and helped me see the path clearly. Her advice was honest and straightforward. Once I received her clear guidance, I trusted her completely and moved forward with her help.

Gathering and Organizing Source-of-Funds Documents

After hiring Anahita, the next big step was to gather and organize all the required documents to prove my funds were sourced legally. This part of the journey was not easy at all. Being in India, I faced many delays when trying to collect all the necessary certificates and documents. I had to handle a lot of paperwork, which included medical certificates, proof of funds, and many other important papers. At times, I had to pause and wait for documents to arrive from India. The process was slow because getting the required papers fast was difficult. Every document took its own time, and I had to be patient through these delays. However, once I got all the documents in place, the rest of the process moved very quickly. My attorney, Anahita, worked efficiently once everything was ready. I realized that the hardest part was simply getting all the paperwork together. Once I had what I needed, the actual filing and processing went through within a few weeks. The hard work paid off, and the system started to run smoothly once all the documents were available.

Discovering EB5AN and the Kolter Group

While I was working on my documents, I also started to research which regional center to work with. I looked at many centers and the projects they were handling. I examined investor profiles and the history of the centers. I needed a center that had clear documentation and a strong record of handling investments. I found that EB5AN met all these criteria. Their track record and the details they provided gave me confidence in their work. Once I was comfortable with EB5AN, I looked deeper into the projects they were involved in. I discovered that the Kolter Group was executing projects for EB5AN. I studied the different projects that the Kolter Group had worked on. One project that stood out to me was the Twin Lakes project. It was clear that the team behind Twin Lakes had done a good job, and the process was phased. This phased approach made me feel more secure because I could see the progress step by step.

I then compared Twin Lakes with another project called Rocky River. The two projects were very similar. Rocky River used the same template as Twin Lakes, which made my decision easier. I wanted a project that offered steady progress, rather than one where the entire investment was put in at once with no updates. Rocky River was a project that would build single-family homes for retirement. For me, this was very attractive. I wanted a project that would give my family a stable future, and the phased progress meant I could track the development over time. I decided that the rural area for the Rocky River project was more in line with what I was looking for. I had a clear set of criteria, and the rural project met those needs perfectly. The fact that the project was structured in phases also played a big role in my decision. It allowed me to see the work being done gradually and ensured that the investment was managed step by step.

Understanding the Rocky River Project and Rural Investment

The Rocky River project was an important part of my decision-making process. I looked at the details and compared it with other projects in both urban and rural areas. I wanted to invest in a project that matched my specific criteria. The Rocky River project is in a rural area, and I saw this as an advantage. Many of the other projects I looked at were either in urban settings or involved larger developments like hotels and resorts. For me, a rural project was more suited to my needs. I wanted a project that built single-family homes, not a large-scale hotel or resort. The nature of the project fit the vision I had for my family’s future. The phased approach of the project was another important factor. With a phased investment, I could see how each stage was progressing. Every phase had clear goals: first, a number of homes would be developed and then sold. This gradual approach made the investment feel more secure because I was not putting all my money in at once and then waiting with no progress report. Instead, I could see the project move forward in clear steps. This steady pace helped me feel comfortable with the decision I made. The clarity of the project details and the ability to follow the development stage by stage reassured me that I was making the right investment choice.

Working with the EB5AN Team

After deciding on the Rocky River project and finalizing my documents, the process of transferring funds and completing the paperwork went very smoothly. I worked closely with the EB5AN team, and they made sure that every step was clear and fast. The coordination was excellent. Once I decided to invest, all the documentation for both EB5AN and the Rocky River project was completed within a week. I did not face any delays. The EB5AN team worked hard and provided all the necessary papers without me having to chase after them. They helped me understand every detail, from the financial statements to how the escrow worked. I did not have to worry about missing any information or waiting too long. Everything was handled quickly and in an organized manner. Their fast response and clear communication made the whole process feel seamless. I felt confident that my investment was in good hands. The coordination between the team and my attorney helped move things forward without any hiccups. I truly appreciated how the team managed all aspects of the process, leaving me to focus on the bigger picture of my future in the United States.

My Advice to Other H-1B Indian Investors

For anyone like me who is an H-1B investor from India, I have some advice from my own experience. First, be prepared. The EB-5 process is not as simple as it might seem. There is a lot of homework involved, from understanding the source of funds to gathering a large number of documents. I spent many months researching and making sure I had all the information before I made any decisions. Every document matters. When you are asked for detailed certificates or proofs, make sure you can provide them quickly. It helps if your immigration attorney is available to answer your questions and guide you through the process.

Second, choose an attorney who understands your background. For me, having an attorney from India was very important. I needed someone who knew the struggles and the cultural aspects of being from India. I talked to several attorneys before I found one who met my needs. I chose Anahita George because she could relate to my situation. She answered every question and helped me navigate through the paperwork. The right attorney can make the difference between a slow, stressful process and one that moves quickly and smoothly.

Next, do thorough research on the regional center and the projects they offer. I looked at several regional centers and examined investor profiles and the available documentation. I needed a center that provided clear, detailed information and had a good track record. EB5AN stood out because they shared documentation quickly and in a way that was easy to understand. Their responsiveness helped me make my decision faster. Once I felt confident in the regional center, I looked at the projects. I compared different types of projects, such as urban and rural ones, and decided that a rural project fit my needs best. I wanted a project that built single-family homes for retirement, and the phased approach of the Rocky River project made it even more attractive.

I also recommend paying close attention to the details of the project. In my case, I compared two similar projects – Twin Lakes and Rocky River. Both projects had a similar template. The fact that Rocky River was a new project following the same model as Twin Lakes gave me confidence. I saw that the project would be executed in phases, with regular updates on the progress. This approach made the investment feel less risky because I could see each step as it was completed. A phased process is helpful if you want to track progress and not have all your funds tied up at once. It provides a sense of control and transparency that is important when making such a big decision.

Lastly, communication is key. Make sure that you have a team that is willing to work with you closely. I had many questions during my journey, and every time I asked, I received clear and fast responses. This constant dialogue helped me understand all aspects of the process, especially when I had to deal with complex financial documents. I would advise any investor to look for a team that offers consistent support and is proactive in providing the information you need. For me, working with the EB5AN team made all the difference. Their quick turnaround and clear documentation allowed me to move forward without any delays.

I stand by my decision to choose EB5AN and work with the Kolter Group. The approach they use, especially with projects like Rocky River, fits well with what I was looking for. The steady, phased investment made me feel that I was taking careful steps toward a stable future. Every stage of the project gives a clear picture of progress, and I have confidence in the way things are handled. I hope that others can learn from my experience. It is crucial to be informed, prepared, and to choose a team that understands the complexities of the process. With these steps, the path to achieving your immigration goals becomes much clearer.

I share my story to help others who are facing similar challenges. There is a lot of work involved, and every step requires attention. But with the right planning and support, the journey can be smooth. The EB-5 investment route has given me hope and a clear direction for the future. I encourage other H-1B investors from India to do their research, choose their partners wisely, and work step by step through the process. With patience and proper guidance, you can reach your goals and build a secure future for your family.