What is the Minimum Investment Amount for an E-2 Visa When Applying Through USCIS?

When applying for an E-2 visa through USCIS, many wonder about the minimum investment amount required. The short answer is that the investment amount can be much lower when doing a USCIS filing.  Depending on the business, as little as $20,000 may work.  Here’s what you need to know about the investment criteria when filing for a change of status within the United States.

When you apply for an E-2 visa through USCIS, you are typically filing for a change of status. The advantage of this process is that it often allows for a lower investment amount compared to applying through a U.S. consulate abroad. In some cases, Consulates may look for investments of greater than $100,000.  For USCIS filings, as low as $20,000 haw been accepted. However, it’s important to note that past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

1. Business Type: The feasibility of a lower investment amount largely depends on the type of business. Service-oriented businesses, which generally require less capital for initial setup, are more likely to be approved with lower investments.  The key is to show that you have spent in every category to get the business up and running. You may also want to get a CPA letters indicating that you have spent the required amount.  Relevant news articles can also help.
2. Operational Needs: Regardless of the amount, your investment must be sufficient to cover all the necessary expenditures to get the business operational. This includes equipment, leases, initial inventory, and other start-up costs.
3. Comprehensive Documentation: USCIS will scrutinize your application to ensure that your investment is substantial and sufficient to support the successful operation of the business. Comprehensive and well-documented evidence of your expenditures and business plan is crucial.
4. Working capital is not that relevant for the investment amount.
5. USCIS will focus on the source of the funds much more than the investment.

In summary, while it is possible to secure an E-2 visa with a lower investment amount when applying through USCIS, it is essential to ensure that your investment adequately covers all business start-up costs. Proper documentation and a clear demonstration of the business’s operational viability are key to a successful application.

For more detailed information on E-2 visa requirements and tips for a successful application, explore our free resources or schedule a consultation with us. Our team is here to assist you every step of the way.