Structure. Strategy. Clarity.
Understand every step of your EB-5 journey with Goldwater's comprehensive process map built for founders, engineers, and family offices who value precision and peace of mind.
Strategic Selection
PE-grade due diligence meets immigration compliance. Every project vetted through our CLEAR™ framework.
Capital Safety
Institutional-grade structures designed to protect your investment while meeting USCIS requirements.
Long-term Focus
Beyond Green Cards. We optimize for sustainable outcomes and generational wealth strategies.
Where conviction begins.
Before a single form is filed, we focus on what matters most — aligning your capital, timelines, and goals. From project selection to fund flow strategy, every step is designed to protect your interests and optimize long-term outcomes.
Investment Selection
Choose from our curated portfolio of USCIS-approved projects. Each investment undergoes rigorous due diligence through our CLEAR™ framework.
✓ PE-grade financial analysis
✓ Job creation verification
✓ Regulatory compliance check
01
Timeline: 2-4 weeks
Project selection and due diligence review
Timeline: 4-8 weeks
Document preparation and compliance review
02
Source of Funds
Prepare comprehensive documentation demonstrating the lawful source of your investment capital, ensuring RBI and USCIS compliance.
✓ Bank statements and tax returns
✓ Business valuation documents
✓ CA certification and audit reports
I-526E Filing
Submit your I-526E petition to USCIS with comprehensive documentation. Our immigration partners ensure accuracy and completeness.
✓ Complete petition preparation
✓ Supporting evidence compilation
✓ USCIS submission and tracking
03
Timeline: 18-24 months
USCIS processing and approval
Filing Timeline Comparison
Understanding the time investment and key differences between filing pathways
Filing from Outside US
Consular Processing
Total Timeline: 4-5 years
Steps 1-4 (Preparation & Filing):
I-526E Processing:
Consular Processing:
Conditional Period:
Key Charactersticks
! Must wait outside US during processing
! No work authorization until Green Card
✓ Visa interview required
Filing from Outside US
Consular Processing
Total Timeline: 4-5 years
Steps 1-4 (Preparation & Filing):
I-526E Processing:
Consular Processing:
Conditional Period:
Key Charactersticks
! Must wait outside US during processing
! No work authorization until Green Card
✓ Visa interview required
Filing from Outside US
Consular Processing
Total Timeline: 4-5 years
Steps 1-4 (Preparation & Filing):
I-526E Processing:
Consular Processing:
Conditional Period:
Key Charactersticks
! Must wait outside US during processing
! No work authorization until Green Card
✓ Visa interview required
Filing from Outside US
Consular Processing
Total Timeline: 4-5 years
Steps 1-4 (Preparation & Filing):
I-526E Processing:
Consular Processing:
Conditional Period:
Key Charactersticks
! Must wait outside US during processing
! No work authorization until Green Card
✓ Visa interview required
Filing from Inside the U.S.
Concurrent Filing
Total Timeline: 2.5-3 years
Steps 1-4 (Preparation & Filing):
EAD/AP Approval:
I-526E + I-485 Processing:
Conditional Period:
Key Advantages:
✓ Stay in US during entire process
✓ Work authorization in 3-6 months
✓ Travel authorization included
Filing from Inside the U.S.
Concurrent Filing
Total Timeline: 2.5-3 years
Steps 1-4 (Preparation & Filing):
EAD/AP Approval:
I-526E + I-485 Processing:
Conditional Period:
Key Advantages:
✓ Stay in US during entire process
✓ Work authorization in 3-6 months
✓ Travel authorization included
Filing from Inside the U.S.
Concurrent Filing
Total Timeline: 2.5-3 years
Steps 1-4 (Preparation & Filing):
EAD/AP Approval:
I-526E + I-485 Processing:
Conditional Period:
Key Advantages:
✓ Stay in US during entire process
✓ Work authorization in 3-6 months
✓ Travel authorization included
Filing from Inside the U.S.
Concurrent Filing
Total Timeline: 2.5-3 years
Steps 1-4 (Preparation & Filing):
EAD/AP Approval:
I-526E + I-485 Processing:
Conditional Period:
Key Advantages:
✓ Stay in US during entire process
✓ Work authorization in 3-6 months
✓ Travel authorization included
Capital Return Timeline
Investment recovery expectations
Most EB-5 projects target a capital return timeline of 3-5 years
Subject to exit terms and I-829 approval
Frequently Asked Questions
Clarity for Indian Founders, Families, and Professionals Exploring U.S. Residency via Capital
1. Investment Structure & Capital Requirements
What is the minimum EB-5 investment amount?
- $800,000 USD for projects in Targeted Employment Areas (TEA) rural or high-unemployment zones - $1,050,000 USD for all other projects
What qualifies as a TEA or Rural project?
- Rural: Outside metropolitan areas, population <20,000 - High Unemployment: Areas with ≥1.5x national unemployment rate - These projects benefit from lower investment thresholds, priority processing, and visa set-asides
What’s the difference between Direct and Regional Center EB-5?
- Direct: You actively manage the business and create 10+ direct jobs - Regional Center: Passive investment; job creation can be indirect or induced Goldwater works exclusively with vetted Regional Center projects for risk-managed, passive residency pathways.
What does “at-risk” investment mean?
USCIS requires EB-5 capital to be subject to potential gain or loss. While capital cannot be guaranteed, Goldwater ensures projects are structured with controlled risk, clear exit strategies, and immigration alignment.
Is ROI guaranteed?
No. EB-5 is a residency-first pathway. Typical returns range from 0.25%–2% annually in debt models. Higher ROI often means higher immigration risk.
When do I get my capital back?
Most EB-5 projects target a capital return timeline of 5–7 years, subject to exit terms and I-829 approval.
What is the minimum EB-5 investment amount?
- $800,000 USD for projects in Targeted Employment Areas (TEA) rural or high-unemployment zones - $1,050,000 USD for all other projects
What qualifies as a TEA or Rural project?
- Rural: Outside metropolitan areas, population <20,000 - High Unemployment: Areas with ≥1.5x national unemployment rate - These projects benefit from lower investment thresholds, priority processing, and visa set-asides
What’s the difference between Direct and Regional Center EB-5?
- Direct: You actively manage the business and create 10+ direct jobs - Regional Center: Passive investment; job creation can be indirect or induced Goldwater works exclusively with vetted Regional Center projects for risk-managed, passive residency pathways.
What does “at-risk” investment mean?
USCIS requires EB-5 capital to be subject to potential gain or loss. While capital cannot be guaranteed, Goldwater ensures projects are structured with controlled risk, clear exit strategies, and immigration alignment.
Is ROI guaranteed?
No. EB-5 is a residency-first pathway. Typical returns range from 0.25%–2% annually in debt models. Higher ROI often means higher immigration risk.
When do I get my capital back?
Most EB-5 projects target a capital return timeline of 5–7 years, subject to exit terms and I-829 approval.
What is the minimum EB-5 investment amount?
- $800,000 USD for projects in Targeted Employment Areas (TEA) rural or high-unemployment zones - $1,050,000 USD for all other projects
What qualifies as a TEA or Rural project?
- Rural: Outside metropolitan areas, population <20,000 - High Unemployment: Areas with ≥1.5x national unemployment rate - These projects benefit from lower investment thresholds, priority processing, and visa set-asides
What’s the difference between Direct and Regional Center EB-5?
- Direct: You actively manage the business and create 10+ direct jobs - Regional Center: Passive investment; job creation can be indirect or induced Goldwater works exclusively with vetted Regional Center projects for risk-managed, passive residency pathways.
What does “at-risk” investment mean?
USCIS requires EB-5 capital to be subject to potential gain or loss. While capital cannot be guaranteed, Goldwater ensures projects are structured with controlled risk, clear exit strategies, and immigration alignment.
Is ROI guaranteed?
No. EB-5 is a residency-first pathway. Typical returns range from 0.25%–2% annually in debt models. Higher ROI often means higher immigration risk.
When do I get my capital back?
Most EB-5 projects target a capital return timeline of 5–7 years, subject to exit terms and I-829 approval.
What is the minimum EB-5 investment amount?
- $800,000 USD for projects in Targeted Employment Areas (TEA) rural or high-unemployment zones - $1,050,000 USD for all other projects
What qualifies as a TEA or Rural project?
- Rural: Outside metropolitan areas, population <20,000 - High Unemployment: Areas with ≥1.5x national unemployment rate - These projects benefit from lower investment thresholds, priority processing, and visa set-asides
What’s the difference between Direct and Regional Center EB-5?
- Direct: You actively manage the business and create 10+ direct jobs - Regional Center: Passive investment; job creation can be indirect or induced Goldwater works exclusively with vetted Regional Center projects for risk-managed, passive residency pathways.
What does “at-risk” investment mean?
USCIS requires EB-5 capital to be subject to potential gain or loss. While capital cannot be guaranteed, Goldwater ensures projects are structured with controlled risk, clear exit strategies, and immigration alignment.
Is ROI guaranteed?
No. EB-5 is a residency-first pathway. Typical returns range from 0.25%–2% annually in debt models. Higher ROI often means higher immigration risk.
When do I get my capital back?
Most EB-5 projects target a capital return timeline of 5–7 years, subject to exit terms and I-829 approval.
2. Source of Funds (SOF) – Compliance & Structuring
What sources of capital are accepted by USCIS?
- Salary income - Business profits - Sale of real estate or shares - Gifts and inheritances - Personal loans - Retirement savings (e.g. 401k) - Cryptocurrency, with proper documentation
What qualifies as a TEA or Rural project?
- Rural: Outside metropolitan areas, population <20,000 - High Unemployment: Areas with ≥1.5x national unemployment rate - These projects benefit from lower investment thresholds, priority processing, and visa set-asides
Are gifts and loans allowed?
Yes. - Gifts must include donor’s SOF proof - Loans must not be secured by the EB-5 project and must show repayment ability
Can I use cryptocurrency?
Yes, with clear proof of wallet ownership, conversion to fiat, and tax compliance. USCIS will scrutinize crypto-based SOF closely.
What’s the most common reason for petition denial?
Poor documentation of lawful source of funds. Keep it simple, traceable, and fully documented.
What sources of capital are accepted by USCIS?
- Salary income - Business profits - Sale of real estate or shares - Gifts and inheritances - Personal loans - Retirement savings (e.g. 401k) - Cryptocurrency, with proper documentation
What qualifies as a TEA or Rural project?
- Rural: Outside metropolitan areas, population <20,000 - High Unemployment: Areas with ≥1.5x national unemployment rate - These projects benefit from lower investment thresholds, priority processing, and visa set-asides
Are gifts and loans allowed?
Yes. - Gifts must include donor’s SOF proof - Loans must not be secured by the EB-5 project and must show repayment ability
Can I use cryptocurrency?
Yes, with clear proof of wallet ownership, conversion to fiat, and tax compliance. USCIS will scrutinize crypto-based SOF closely.
What’s the most common reason for petition denial?
Poor documentation of lawful source of funds. Keep it simple, traceable, and fully documented.
What sources of capital are accepted by USCIS?
- Salary income - Business profits - Sale of real estate or shares - Gifts and inheritances - Personal loans - Retirement savings (e.g. 401k) - Cryptocurrency, with proper documentation
What qualifies as a TEA or Rural project?
- Rural: Outside metropolitan areas, population <20,000 - High Unemployment: Areas with ≥1.5x national unemployment rate - These projects benefit from lower investment thresholds, priority processing, and visa set-asides
Are gifts and loans allowed?
Yes. - Gifts must include donor’s SOF proof - Loans must not be secured by the EB-5 project and must show repayment ability
Can I use cryptocurrency?
Yes, with clear proof of wallet ownership, conversion to fiat, and tax compliance. USCIS will scrutinize crypto-based SOF closely.
What’s the most common reason for petition denial?
Poor documentation of lawful source of funds. Keep it simple, traceable, and fully documented.
What sources of capital are accepted by USCIS?
- Salary income - Business profits - Sale of real estate or shares - Gifts and inheritances - Personal loans - Retirement savings (e.g. 401k) - Cryptocurrency, with proper documentation
What qualifies as a TEA or Rural project?
- Rural: Outside metropolitan areas, population <20,000 - High Unemployment: Areas with ≥1.5x national unemployment rate - These projects benefit from lower investment thresholds, priority processing, and visa set-asides
Are gifts and loans allowed?
Yes. - Gifts must include donor’s SOF proof - Loans must not be secured by the EB-5 project and must show repayment ability
Can I use cryptocurrency?
Yes, with clear proof of wallet ownership, conversion to fiat, and tax compliance. USCIS will scrutinize crypto-based SOF closely.
What’s the most common reason for petition denial?
Poor documentation of lawful source of funds. Keep it simple, traceable, and fully documented.
3. Family Coverage & Derivative Benefits
Who in my family is covered by a single EB-5 investment?
- Your spouse - Your unmarried children under 21 (including adopted children)
How is my child’s age calculated?
Under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA): Age at visa availability – I-526E processing time = Effective age This helps prevent “aging out” due to USCIS delays
Can I include my parents or siblings?
No. EB-5 coverage is limited to the investor’s spouse and children under 21.
Can my child apply as the principal investor?
Yes, if 18+ and legally gifted the funds. This is often used for U.S.-bound college students.
Who in my family is covered by a single EB-5 investment?
- Your spouse - Your unmarried children under 21 (including adopted children)
How is my child’s age calculated?
Under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA): Age at visa availability – I-526E processing time = Effective age This helps prevent “aging out” due to USCIS delays
Can I include my parents or siblings?
No. EB-5 coverage is limited to the investor’s spouse and children under 21.
Can my child apply as the principal investor?
Yes, if 18+ and legally gifted the funds. This is often used for U.S.-bound college students.
Who in my family is covered by a single EB-5 investment?
- Your spouse - Your unmarried children under 21 (including adopted children)
How is my child’s age calculated?
Under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA): Age at visa availability – I-526E processing time = Effective age This helps prevent “aging out” due to USCIS delays
Can I include my parents or siblings?
No. EB-5 coverage is limited to the investor’s spouse and children under 21.
Can my child apply as the principal investor?
Yes, if 18+ and legally gifted the funds. This is often used for U.S.-bound college students.
Who in my family is covered by a single EB-5 investment?
- Your spouse - Your unmarried children under 21 (including adopted children)
How is my child’s age calculated?
Under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA): Age at visa availability – I-526E processing time = Effective age This helps prevent “aging out” due to USCIS delays
Can I include my parents or siblings?
No. EB-5 coverage is limited to the investor’s spouse and children under 21.
Can my child apply as the principal investor?
Yes, if 18+ and legally gifted the funds. This is often used for U.S.-bound college students.
4. Legal Process & Immigration Considerations
What is a Regional Center?
A USCIS-authorized entity that pools investor funds into job-creating projects and allows indirect job creation. Goldwater works exclusively with high-integrity Regional Centers.
What is the EB-5 priority date?
The official I-526E receipt date. It determines your place in the visa queue — important during periods of backlog.
What are Chart A and Chart B in the Visa Bulletin?
- Chart A (Final Action): When USCIS can issue Green Cards - Chart B (Dates for Filing): When USCIS can accept supporting documents We monitor both to guide optimal filing strategy.
Do I need to attend a visa interview?
- If applying from outside the U.S.: Yes, at the local U.S. consulate - If applying from within the U.S. (concurrent filing): Typically no interview required
What is a Regional Center?
A USCIS-authorized entity that pools investor funds into job-creating projects and allows indirect job creation. Goldwater works exclusively with high-integrity Regional Centers.
What is the EB-5 priority date?
The official I-526E receipt date. It determines your place in the visa queue — important during periods of backlog.
What are Chart A and Chart B in the Visa Bulletin?
- Chart A (Final Action): When USCIS can issue Green Cards - Chart B (Dates for Filing): When USCIS can accept supporting documents We monitor both to guide optimal filing strategy.
Do I need to attend a visa interview?
- If applying from outside the U.S.: Yes, at the local U.S. consulate - If applying from within the U.S. (concurrent filing): Typically no interview required
What is a Regional Center?
A USCIS-authorized entity that pools investor funds into job-creating projects and allows indirect job creation. Goldwater works exclusively with high-integrity Regional Centers.
What is the EB-5 priority date?
The official I-526E receipt date. It determines your place in the visa queue — important during periods of backlog.
What are Chart A and Chart B in the Visa Bulletin?
- Chart A (Final Action): When USCIS can issue Green Cards - Chart B (Dates for Filing): When USCIS can accept supporting documents We monitor both to guide optimal filing strategy.
Do I need to attend a visa interview?
- If applying from outside the U.S.: Yes, at the local U.S. consulate - If applying from within the U.S. (concurrent filing): Typically no interview required
What is a Regional Center?
A USCIS-authorized entity that pools investor funds into job-creating projects and allows indirect job creation. Goldwater works exclusively with high-integrity Regional Centers.
What is the EB-5 priority date?
The official I-526E receipt date. It determines your place in the visa queue — important during periods of backlog.
What are Chart A and Chart B in the Visa Bulletin?
- Chart A (Final Action): When USCIS can issue Green Cards - Chart B (Dates for Filing): When USCIS can accept supporting documents We monitor both to guide optimal filing strategy.
Do I need to attend a visa interview?
- If applying from outside the U.S.: Yes, at the local U.S. consulate - If applying from within the U.S. (concurrent filing): Typically no interview required
5. Post-Green Card Rights, Responsibilities & Exit
Can I live and work anywhere in the U.S.?
Yes. A Green Card offers complete freedom to live, work, and study anywhere in the country.
Will my child qualify for in-state university tuition?
Yes. Green Card holders are eligible for in-state tuition and public aid after 1 year of U.S. residency.
Can I travel outside the U.S. after obtaining my Green Card?
Yes — but absences over 6 months may require explanation. For long-term travel (>12 months), a Re-entry Permit is recommended.
Can I apply for U.S. citizenship later?
Yes. After 5 years of permanent residency (including conditional status), you can apply for naturalization.
Will I get my money back if my petition is denied?
It depends on the project’s subscription agreement. Some offer refunds upon denial, others may require appeal exhaustion. Goldwater negotiates these terms upfront to protect your interests.
Can I live and work anywhere in the U.S.?
Yes. A Green Card offers complete freedom to live, work, and study anywhere in the country.
Will my child qualify for in-state university tuition?
Yes. Green Card holders are eligible for in-state tuition and public aid after 1 year of U.S. residency.
Can I travel outside the U.S. after obtaining my Green Card?
Yes — but absences over 6 months may require explanation. For long-term travel (>12 months), a Re-entry Permit is recommended.
Can I apply for U.S. citizenship later?
Yes. After 5 years of permanent residency (including conditional status), you can apply for naturalization.
Will I get my money back if my petition is denied?
It depends on the project’s subscription agreement. Some offer refunds upon denial, others may require appeal exhaustion. Goldwater negotiates these terms upfront to protect your interests.
Can I live and work anywhere in the U.S.?
Yes. A Green Card offers complete freedom to live, work, and study anywhere in the country.
Will my child qualify for in-state university tuition?
Yes. Green Card holders are eligible for in-state tuition and public aid after 1 year of U.S. residency.
Can I travel outside the U.S. after obtaining my Green Card?
Yes — but absences over 6 months may require explanation. For long-term travel (>12 months), a Re-entry Permit is recommended.
Can I apply for U.S. citizenship later?
Yes. After 5 years of permanent residency (including conditional status), you can apply for naturalization.
Will I get my money back if my petition is denied?
It depends on the project’s subscription agreement. Some offer refunds upon denial, others may require appeal exhaustion. Goldwater negotiates these terms upfront to protect your interests.
Can I live and work anywhere in the U.S.?
Yes. A Green Card offers complete freedom to live, work, and study anywhere in the country.
Will my child qualify for in-state university tuition?
Yes. Green Card holders are eligible for in-state tuition and public aid after 1 year of U.S. residency.
Can I travel outside the U.S. after obtaining my Green Card?
Yes — but absences over 6 months may require explanation. For long-term travel (>12 months), a Re-entry Permit is recommended.
Can I apply for U.S. citizenship later?
Yes. After 5 years of permanent residency (including conditional status), you can apply for naturalization.
Will I get my money back if my petition is denied?
It depends on the project’s subscription agreement. Some offer refunds upon denial, others may require appeal exhaustion. Goldwater negotiates these terms upfront to protect your interests.
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Newsletter
We’d love to share our love for engineering with you in our monthly newsletter
Our Programs
Resources
Legal
Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy
Newsletter
We’d love to share our love for engineering with you in our monthly newsletter
Our Programs
Resources
Legal
Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy
Newsletter
We’d love to share our love for engineering with you in our monthly newsletter
Our Programs
Resources
Legal
Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy