How should I structure source of funds documentation?

This question is primarily relevant to immigration attorneys preparing I-526E petitions. The documentation strategy should be organized around a "funds trail," a chronological narrative with supporting evidence for each stage.

The recommended structure follows four layers: origin (how the money was earned, such as employment, business profits, investment returns, property sale, gift, or inheritance), accumulation (how the money grew over time, including bank account history, investment statements, property appreciation documentation), transfer (how the money moved from origin to the EB-5 investment, including wire transfer records, foreign exchange documentation, escrow receipts), and compliance (country-specific regulatory compliance, including SAFE documentation for China, LRS documentation for India, tax clearances where applicable).

Each layer should be supported by primary documents with certified translations where necessary. The narrative should address any gaps in the timeline and explain any large or unusual transactions.