E-2 Visa

In order to meet the U.S. Department of State’s E-2 visa requirements, the following must be presented to the consular office as part of your application:

1.  The investor holds funds which are designated to be directed toward a U.S. enterprise involving some degree of business risk;
2. A business plan indicating that a commodity will be produced or a service will be offered by a bonafide U.S. enterprise, with the goal of producing a profit—the business can not be simply a shell company or involve a passive investment;
3. These funds must be controlled by and possessed by the applicant—meaning the applicant holds both the legal right to spend the funds and has direct access to the monies to permit him or her to do so;
4. The investment must be fully committed to the U.S. enterprise;
5. The investment amount must be “substantial,” typically involving at least $50,000, and a sufficient amount of money which a business expert would determine the business reasonably needs in order to have a chance of profitability (e.g., $100,000 may work for a small café but certainly will not work for an auto manufacturing plant).
6. The investment must be more than marginal, meaning it must potentially contribute to the U.S. economy beyond merely benefiting the visa holder and her family;