USCIS-APPROVED REGIONAL CENTER · TURKEY
EB-5 Program in Turkey: Your Path to a U.S. Green Card
The EB-5 program offers a distinctive pathway for Turkish citizens seeking permanent residency in the United States. Designed to stimulate the American economy through foreign capital contributions, this program allows eligible participants to obtain a Green Card and build a secure future in the U.S.
- TEA Capital Threshold $800,000 USD Standard (non-TEA): $1,050,000 USD
- Visa Availability Current No country backlog for applicants from Turkey
- Family Coverage Direct Green Card Spouse and unmarried children under 21
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EB-5 Visa Requirements for Turkish Citizens
Turkish citizens must satisfy specific statutory criteria set by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), centered on making a qualifying capital contribution into a U.S. commercial enterprise (typically via a regional center):
| Capital Contribution Type | Minimum Threshold |
|---|---|
| Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs) | $800,000 USD |
| Infrastructure Projects | $800,000 USD |
Legal Nuances and Local Consular Agreements
- Consular Jurisdiction: While statutory standards are universal, local interpretations and consular processing are handled at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara or the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul.
- Legal Alignment: Working with experienced immigration counsel ensures full compliance with both U.S. immigration laws and local Turkish legal standards, streamlining the consular interview and approval process.
Specific Documentation Required in Turkey
Applicants must compile an exhaustive evidentiary dossier to establish eligibility and prove the lawful origin of their allocated capital:
| Document Type | Source & Evidentiary Purpose |
|---|---|
| Bank Statements | Official financial records showing liquidity and transparent fund movement. |
| Tax Filings | Certified tax records proving lawful wealth accumulation. |
| Property Deeds | Real estate records verifying asset ownership and liquidation proceeds. |
| Business Registrations | Official documentation from the Turkish commercial registry. |
EB-5 Processing Times and Visa Availability from Turkey
Planning an immigration timeline requires understanding the multi-stage review process and prevailing quota availability.
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Form I-526E Adjudication Timeline
Form I-526E (Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Program Participant) is the initial filing submitted to USCIS:
- Review Variations: Adjudication timelines fluctuate based on agency caseloads, policy changes, and overall application complexity.
- Meticulous Preparation: Flawless preparation of source-of-funds evidence avoids administrative delays and Requests for Evidence (RFEs), ensuring a smoother path to approval.
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Current Visa Status and Backlogs for Turkish Citizens
Visa availability remains highly favorable for Turkish applicants.
Source of Funds and Capital Transfers from Turkey
The source of funds record is the backbone of the Turkish petition. It brings together evidence of the lawful acquisition of the capital, filings with the Turkish Tax Authority, and remittances carried out under Central Bank of Turkey regulations.
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Justifying Local Wealth for USCIS Compliance
Turkish participants must provide comprehensive documentation detailing the legal acquisition of their allocated capital:
- Permissible Sources: Verified corporate ownership earnings, real estate sales, inheritance, or legitimate salary accumulation.
- Audit Trail: Establishing an unbroken, transparent trail of all transactions reinforces the integrity of the immigrant petition.
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Tax Filings and Certifications with the Turkish Tax Authority
Official records from the Turkish Tax Authority (Gelir İdaresi Başkanlığı) serve as indispensable proof:
- Comprehensive Filings: Historical personal and business tax returns validate declared income and wealth accumulation.
- Compliance Verification: Official tax certifications provide USCIS with undeniable evidence of fiscal legitimacy under Turkish law.
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Regulations by the Central Bank of Turkey for Outward Remittances to the U.S.
Moving allocated capital to the United States requires adherence to national financial regulations:
- Regulatory Oversight: Remittances operate under rules governed by the Central Bank of Turkey (Türkiye Cumhuriyet Merkez Bankası).
- Foreign Exchange Limits: Participants must comply with reporting rules and foreign currency transaction regulations.
Profile of a Typical Turkish EB-5 Participant
Typical participants are high-net-worth individuals, business leaders, and established professionals seeking international stability and expanded family opportunities.
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Primary Motivations for Family Relocation
- Educational Advantages: Providing children under 21 with access to world-class U.S. universities and diverse academic programs.
- Career Prospects: Unlocking unrestricted career opportunities within a resilient economic landscape.
- Long-Term Security: Securing permanent residency and the lasting benefits of a U.S. Green Card.
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The Local Economic Context Driving Participation
The domestic economic environment in Turkey plays a defining role in driving program participation.
Where your capital goes
Every Open EB5 project sits in a USCIS-approved Targeted Employment Area, structured for compliance and job-creation strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum capital requirement for applicants from Turkey?
$800,000 USD for projects in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or qualifying infrastructure project, and $1,050,000 USD for standard non-TEA projects.
What documents are required for applicants from Turkey?
Applicants must compile an exhaustive evidentiary dossier to establish eligibility and prove the lawful origin of their allocated capital: Bank Statements; Tax Filings; Property Deeds; Business Registrations.
Is there a visa waiting list for citizens of Turkey?
Visa availability remains highly favorable for Turkish applicants: "Current".
Does the EB-5 Green Card cover my family?
Yes. A single qualifying capital contribution covers the principal applicant, their spouse, and all unmarried children under 21 years of age.
Talk to an EB-5 specialist about Turkey
Book a complimentary 30-minute discovery call. We assess your eligibility, review your source-of-funds structure, and walk you through qualifying TEA projects with independent U.S. immigration counsel.