What is the Required Investment Amount for an E-2 Visa?

By Asim Kilinc, Immigration Attorney at CK 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 CK 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 CK 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 cklawfirm.org, via email at info@cklawfirm.org, or on LinkedIn.

Who is Attorney Asım Kılınç?

Attorney Asım Kılınç is the co-founder of CK Law Firm and is recognized for his expertise in immigration law and U.S. asylum applications. Kılınç completed his Master’s degree at Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law and is a member of the Missouri Bar Association, with a focus on U.S. immigration law.

Attorney Kılınç’s extensive knowledge and experience in immigration law have significantly contributed to CK Law Firm’s success in this field. He has actively participated in the preparation of over 1,000 cases, demonstrating his expertise in this area. By providing comprehensive and professional legal support to his clients, he helps them adapt to their new lives in the U.S.

Attorney Kılınç is also well-versed in U.S. asylum applications. He meticulously guides his clients through the process and ensures they receive the best legal advice. He provides top-quality service to clients in matters of citizenship, Green Card, work permits, and other immigration processes, supporting them from start to finish on their journey to U.S. citizenship.

Attorney Asım Kılınç, who solidifies CK Law Firm’s leadership in immigration law and U.S. asylum applications, offers reliable and effective legal consultancy services to clients, assisting them in building a new life in the U.S.