EB5 Investors Magazine: Based on your experiences,
were there any aspects throughout the EB-5
application that were particularly difficult?
David: Being from Northern Ireland, we had to apply for
EB-5 with British passports, so we had to make several trips
down to London. It was those unexpected costs that you do
not think of that really add up – things like doctors visits for
paperwork and visits to the embassy. Finally, for our Consulate
interview we had to fly all six of us down to London.
EB5 Investors Magazine: When did you obtain your
permanent green card? Were your investment funds
repaid? Are you satisfied with your life in America?
David: Altogether, the application process took about two
years. We started the process in 2008, and were able to move in
2010, when we received permanent residency. Yes, we received an
email from Patrick Hogan in April or May of this year saying that
the project was ready to liquidate, and that we would need to
complete the paperwork to receive our investment. It took a few
months for all investors to get the paperwork in and processed,
but we received the final check around August 2015. We ended
up receiving a little bit less than we had invested because of
administrative fees, but that was to be expected and we had been
informed of that from the beginning.
EB5 Investors Magazine: What was the most
challenging part of moving to the United States
and getting situated once you arrived?
David: The move itself was fairly smooth. We coordinated beforehand with the teachers at our childrens’
school, and were in touch with them about six weeks
before we got here. We bought a house, we are just South
of Daytona Beach, and I started looking for a job. That
was something that we needed to do once we had the
ability to work here, which was a factor in our decision,
because we could not have moved here without work or a
source of income, and for planning for retirement. I first
got a job at Disney and worked there for about five years,
and just this year I moved to another job. My wife and I
both work to support our family, and I also manage our
rental properties here in Florida. Our home in Northern
Ireland is now a rental.
EB5 Investors Magazine: Are you thinking of
applying for citizenship? Why?
David: Yes, we will likely start that process next year.
The green card has to be renewed every 10 years, and
we think it would be easier for our kids if they have
citizenship.
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