What is the Required Investment Amount for an E-2 Visa?
By Asim Kilinc, Immigration Attorney at Clinch Law Firm
The E-2 visa offers opportunities for entrepreneurs who wish to invest in the United States. One of the most frequently asked questions by those considering applying for this visa is the required investment amount.
While there is no fixed minimum investment amount stipulated for the E-2 visa, the investment must be substantial and appropriate to the nature and scale of the business. This article will discuss the details of the required investment, how applications are evaluated, and how to document the investment:
- Is There a Minimum Investment Amount for an E-2 Visa?
- How is the E-2 Visa Investment Evaluated?
- What Documents are Required to Prove the Investment Amount?
If you have additional questions about this topic, feel free to contact me through the comments section below, send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or reach out via the website of Clinch Law Firm, where I am a co-founder.
Is There a Minimum Investment Amount for an E-2 Visa?
There is no legally defined fixed minimum investment amount for the E-2 visa. Instead, the investment is expected to meet the following criteria:
- “Substantial” Amount: The investment amount must be substantial relative to the type and activity of the business. For small businesses, an investment of around $100,000 is generally considered sufficient, but larger enterprises may require more.
- Appropriate for the Type of Business: The investment should align with the business’s size, sector, and activities. For example, the required investment for opening a restaurant may differ significantly from that of a technology start-up.
- Risk of Loss: The investor must bear the risk of losing the invested capital. Passive investments, such as purchasing real estate, are typically not eligible.
How is the E-2 Visa Investment Evaluated?
In E-2 visa applications, the investment is assessed not just in terms of its amount but also its contribution to the business and the economic value it generates:
- Completed Investment: A significant portion of the investment should be made before the business becomes operational. Expenses such as purchasing equipment, leasing property, and marketing costs fall under this category.
- Business Sustainability: The investment must establish a capital structure that enables the business to sustain its operations. Insufficiently funded businesses may face negative evaluations during the application process.
- Contribution to the Local Economy: The business’s ability to create jobs and contribute to the U.S. economy is a crucial factor in evaluating the investment.
What Documents are Required to Prove the Investment Amount?
To support an E-2 visa application, detailed documentation proving the investment amount and expenditures must be provided. Some of the required documents include:
- Financial Records: Bank statements, wire transfer records, and loan documents.
- Invoices and Contracts: Invoices for expenditures, lease agreements, and purchase contracts.
- Business Plan: A detailed business plan outlining the short- and long-term goals, financial projections, and expected profitability of the business.
- Business Records: Official business formation documents and licenses.
Providing complete documentation is critical for a favorable evaluation of the application.
Conclusion
The investment amount for an E-2 visa must align with the size and sector of the business and ensure its sustainability. Proper documentation of the investment and a detailed business plan significantly increase the chances of approval.
At Clinch Law Firm, we handle every detail of your E-2 visa process to ensure fast and successful outcomes. For professional assistance, detailed information, and consultancy services, you can contact us through clinchlaw.com, via email at info@clinchlaw.com, or on LinkedIn.
