Can I Include Items Purchased Years Ago in My E-2 Visa Application?

A common question for E-2 visa applicants is whether items purchased years ago can be included as part of their investment. The answer is usually yes, but there are specific guidelines you should follow to ensure that these items are appropriately counted towards your investment.

When it comes to including items purchased in the past, the key distinction is whether the item is tangible or intangible:

1. Tangible Items: You can include items like equipment, furniture, computers, or other physical assets that you purchased in previous years, as long as you have the receipts or proof of purchase. In this case, you are essentially donating these assets to the business. For example, if you bought a computer three years ago and have a receipt for it, you can include it as part of your investment since it’s a tangible item being used for the business.
2. Intangible Items: You should not include intangible items such as money spent on marketing campaigns, professional services, or business development costs from previous years. These expenses are not considered lasting contributions to the business’s current operations.

For any items you plan to include, you must still provide evidence showing the source of the funds used for those purchases. Immigration officers will want to confirm that the funds used to buy these assets were obtained legally and are traceable to your own financial resources. This might involve providing bank statements or financial records showing the original purchase.

To successfully include items purchased in past years, you should:

• Keep detailed records of the purchases, including receipts, invoices, and proof of payment.
• Document the transfer of these assets to the business (e.g., donation or contribution agreement).
• Clearly explain in your application why these items are necessary for the business and how they contribute to its operations.

If you have previously purchased tangible assets that will be used in your business, you can usually include them in your E-2 visa application. However, be prepared to provide detailed documentation and evidence of the source of funds. Avoid including intangible items purchased years ago, as they are generally not considered part of the active business investment.

If you have questions about which items to include in your E-2 visa application or how to prove your investment, schedule a consultation with us today for personalized guidance.