The EB5 Platform Built for India’s Top 1% | Goldwater EB-5 Process Page

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.

2-4 weeks

Project selection and due diligence review

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

4-8 weeks

Document preparation & compliance review

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

18-24 months

USCIS processing and approval

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

Filing Timeline Comparison

Understanding the time investment and key differences between filing pathways

Consular Processing

Filing from Outside of the U.S.

Total Timeline

4-5 years

Steps 1-4 (Preparation & Filing):

6-12 months

I-526E Processing:

18-24 months

Consular Processing:

6-12 months

Conditional Period:

24 months

Key Characteristics

Must wait outside US during processing

No work authorization until Green Card

Visa interview required

Concurrent Processing

Filing from Inside of the U.S.

Total Timeline

2.5-3 years

Steps 1-4 (Preparation & Filing):

6-12 months

EAD/AP Approval:

3-6 months

I-526E + I-485 Processing:

18-24 months

Conditional Period:

24 months

Key Advantages

Stay in US during entire process

Work authorization in 3-6 months

Travel authorization included

Shorted Capital Return
Timeline

Our Handpicked EB5 Programs have 40% shorter duration than the Median EB5 Capital Duration.

Your Capital, Back in 2 to 4 Years — With Clarity

Most EB-5 projects target a capital return timeline of

2-4 years (Subject to exit terms and I-829 approval)

At Goldwater, we exclusively onboard EB5 programs with defined 2 to 4 year capital return timelines, well below the market median duration of 5 years.
Each opportunity is built around a clear exit path, whether through refinancing, asset sale, or sponsor buy back, and is rigorously vetted through:

PE-Grade Due Diligence

Private equity style due diligence across financial, legal, and operational layers. Every layer scrutinized for risk, return, and execution certainty.

Underwriting Discipline

Deep underwriting discipline and sponsor track record validation. We only work with proven operators who meet our institutional benchmarks.

Institutional Trust

Standards trusted by top-tier investors and global allocators. Built to meet the expectations of serious capital and long-term stewards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Clarity for Indian Founders, Families, and Professionals Exploring U.S. Residency via Capital

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 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

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.

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.

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

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.

Structure. Strategy. Clarity.

Strategic Selection

Capital Safety

Long-term Focus

Where conviction begins

2-4 weeks

Investment Selection

4-8 weeks

Source of Funds

18-24 months

I-526E Filing

Filing Timeline Comparison

Filing from Outside of the U.S.

4-5 years

Key Characteristics

Filing from Inside of the U.S.

2.5-3 years

Key Advantages

Shorted Capital ReturnTimeline

Your Capital, Back in 2 to 4 Years — With Clarity

PE-Grade Due Diligence

Underwriting Discipline

Institutional Trust

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum EB-5 investment amount?

What qualifies as a TEA or Rural project?

What's the difference between Direct and Regional Center EB-5?

What does "at-risk" investment mean?

Is ROI guaranteed?

When do I get my capital back?

What sources of capital are accepted by USCIS?

Are gifts and loans allowed?

Can I use cryptocurrency?

What's the most common reason for petition denial?

Who in my family is covered by a single EB-5 investment?

How is my child's age calculated?

Can I include my parents or siblings?

Can my child apply as the principal investor?

What is a Regional Center?

What is the EB-5 priority date?

What are Chart A and Chart B in the Visa Bulletin?

Do I need to attend a visa interview?

Can I live and work anywhere in the U.S.?

Will my child qualify for in-state university tuition?

Can I travel outside the U.S. after obtaining my Green Card?

Can I apply for U.S. citizenship later?

Will I get my money back if my petition is denied?

Ready to Begin EB5 Journey?

Shorted Capital Return
Timeline