I recently became a citizen of Canada. If I invest $60,000 in a business in the U.S., can that be enough to qualify as a “substantial investment” to get an E-2 visa? Would it help if I brought in a partner to increase the investment amount?

Answer

There is no set amount required to qualify for an E-2. Rather, what is required is that the investment be (1) substantial in a proportional sense; (2) sufficient to ensure the investor’s financial commitment to the successful operation of the E-2 business; and (3) of a magnitude to support the likelihood that the E-2 investor will successfully develop and direct the E-2 business.

When reviewing investment amounts, immigration officials use a proportionality test. In general, the smaller the investment, the larger the proportion of the investment should come from the E-2 investor. An investment of $60,000 is relatively small for E-2 purposes, so the normal recommendation would be for the E-2 investor to be the sole investor in the business. In such a case, the investment would automatically be considered proportional. This does not necessarily mean the case will be approved, but it would not be unusual to see an E-2 case approved with a $60,000 investment (or possibly even less) when there is a single investor in the business. (12.Feb.2025)

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