Before the investment is chosen. Historical tax records, estate accountings and long contribution histories are obtained from third parties and set the realistic timetable.
The archive determines the schedule
Everything else in an EB-5 file can be arranged within weeks; the source-of-funds record cannot, because it depends on institutions and estates producing documents at their own pace. Requesting historical tax information, plan contribution histories and succession documents on day one, in parallel rather than in sequence, usually saves months. It also reveals early whether a gap exists that needs an alternative explanation or an alternative source. Around that work, allow for the project’s own timetable, for adjudication periods published by USCIS, and for the two-year conditional residence ending in an I-829 petition that must be filed within its own window. Verify the qualifying amount close to the investment date.
The schedule has several stages: investment and petition evidence, immigrant-visa or adjustment processing when available, conditional residence, and the later request to remove conditions. Preserve job and capital evidence from the beginning because later documentation depends on it. Do not confuse petition approval with the date residence begins. Hypothetical example: a flood-control contractor plans to sell the underlying asset immediately after filing; the timing must be tested against the investment and job evidence that must continue through the process.
Create a retention calendar for financial statements, project reports, and employment evidence instead of assuming that material available at filing will remain obtainable later.