Understanding the Investment Amount for E-2 Visa Approval

The investment amount for E-2 Visa approval is one of the most frequently asked questions by aspiring investors. While the E-2 visa offers a flexible route to living and working in the United States through business ownership, the investment threshold is not fixed. Instead, U.S. immigration authorities apply a nuanced test that looks at whether the funds have been sufficiently committed to a viable business. 

In this article, we explore what counts as a sufficient investment, how to prove that funds are at risk, and what strategies can help strengthen an E-2 visa application—especially when the investment amount is relatively low. 

What the Government Looks for in an E-2 Investment 

Unlike other visa categories, the E-2 visa does not have a required minimum investment amount. Instead, the applicant must demonstrate that the funds are: 

• Substantially invested 
• Irrevocably committed to the business 
• Put at risk, meaning they’ve already been spent and not just transferred into a business bank account 

The government wants to see that the investor is financially committed to the success of the business and that the business is operational or nearly operational at the time of application. 

What Counts as Qualified E-2 Investment Spending? 

To satisfy the requirement, funds must be actively used to build the business. Typical acceptable expenses include: 

• Inventory and equipment 
• Office lease and utilities 
• Marketing and branding 
• Website development 
• Salaries or compensation for employees 
• Business registration and legal setup fees 

Spending on items like airfare, travel accommodations, or payments to family members is generally not counted. These types of expenses raise red flags and should be avoided unless directly tied to operational needs. 

If the business requires a vehicle, that may be considered a legitimate expense, but only if the vehicle is clearly necessary (e.g., for transporting materials or staff). 

A best practice is to submit a detailed spreadsheet with your application that outlines each expenditure, along with receipts or invoices and corresponding bank statements proving the funds were paid. 

How Much Should You Invest? 

The investment amount for E-2 Visa approval depends on the type of business, the expected startup costs, and the location of the application. The U.S. government uses what’s called the proportionality test. The less expensive the business is to start, the closer to 100% of the startup costs the investor must contribute prior to applying. 

Here’s how that works: 

• For a business with a startup cost of $100,000, spending the full $100,000 is generally sufficient. 
• For a $1 million business, an investor may not need to commit the entire amount upfront. A $500,000 investment might meet the proportionality test, depending on the business model. 

While there is no absolute minimum, investment amounts under $100,000 often carry a higher risk of denial unless accompanied by compelling evidence of business viability and job creation potential. 

Dealing with Low Investment Amounts 

If your investment amount is below $100,000, it’s especially important to demonstrate that: 

• The business is already generating revenue 
• U.S. workers have been hired or will be hired shortly 
• Contracts with clients or letters of intent are in place 
• The business is real and operating 

For example, showing signed client agreements, recent bank statements reflecting income, and evidence of U.S. employees on payroll can offset concerns about a lower investment amount. 

Also, consider paying certain expenses in advance, such as one year of office rent, or increasing your marketing spend to boost the total committed amount. 

Applicants may also include letters from CPAs or industry publications supporting that their investment aligns with typical startup costs in their field. 

Franchises, Business Purchases, and Escrow Use 

For those purchasing a business or starting a franchise, the fair market value of the purchase is usually sufficient. If the price paid reflects the business’s market value—and funds are irrevocably committed—it can meet the E-2 investment requirement. 

If you’re buying from a family member or friend, additional documentation should show that the purchase was conducted at arm’s length. For instance, provide evidence that the business was listed on the open market. 

In higher-risk cases, applicants may consider using an escrow agreement, where funds are held until the visa is approved. This approach is generally limited to business purchases or franchise deals and is rarely used for startup expenses like rent or equipment. 

Choosing Where to Apply 

Different U.S. consulates apply the investment requirement with varying levels of scrutiny. Some consulates expect higher investment amounts, while USCIS (if applying from within the U.S.) is sometimes more flexible. A knowledgeable immigration attorney can help assess where to apply to increase your approval chances—especially if your investment is on the lower end of the spectrum. 

Final Thoughts 

The investment amount for E-2 Visa approval depends not just on the total dollar figure but on how that money is spent, whether it reflects a real commitment to the business, and how the application as a whole supports the business’s viability. Applicants should focus on building a strong, well-documented case that emphasizes operational readiness, job creation, and a clear source and trail of funds. When done correctly, even a modest investment can result in a successful E-2 visa approval.