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One of the most common questions for potential E2 visa applicants is: *How much money is required to get an E2 visa in the USA?* Unlike other visa categories with specific financial thresholds, the law governing the E2 visa does not specify a minimum investment amount. Instead, the key concepts are substantiality and marginality, both of which determine the adequacy of the investment. So, how much is "substantial"? Let’s break down what that means and explore the range of investment amounts that have been successfully used in E2 visa applications.
No Fixed Dollar Amount—It’s All About "Substantiality”
The law does not set a strict dollar amount for the E2 visa. Instead, it refers to the requirement of a "substantial" investment, but what constitutes a "substantial" amount can vary from case to case. In general, the investment must be enough to ensure the success of the business and demonstrate your commitment to the enterprise.
The term "substantial" is evaluated relative to the type of business, the market, and the nature of the business's operations. For example, if you are investing in a capital-intensive business such as a manufacturing plant, a more significant investment will likely be necessary compared to a service-oriented or low-overhead business.
What About Marginality?
In addition to substantiality, the law requires that the business not be "marginal." A marginal business is one that does not have the future capacity to generate more than enough income to support the investor and their family. The business should have the potential to create jobs for U.S. workers or have a significant economic impact. USCIS and consular officers will look for proof that your business can generate profits beyond just sustaining you and your immediate family.
What Do Immigration Attorneys Say?
Given the lack of a specific dollar amount in the law, opinions on what constitutes a safe investment for an E2 visa vary among immigration attorneys:
- Some attorneys feel comfortable recommending investments around the $100,000 mark. This is often considered a safe zone that demonstrates a serious financial commitment to the business, especially for higher-overhead businesses.
- Others recommend aiming for $200,000 or more, depending on the business and the consulate where the application will be processed. Some U.S. consulates are known to scrutinize smaller investments more closely, so higher investments may increase your chances of approval in those locations, such as Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- There have also been successful E2 visa applications with investments as low as $75,000 or less. These cases tend to involve businesses that require lower start-up costs, such as service-based enterprises or consulting firms.
A Real-Life Example: Securing a Visa with a $12,338 Investment
To illustrate just how variable E2 visa investments can be, we once helped secure an E2 visa for a client who invested just $12,338x. This low-cost business had a clear, credible business plan with realistic operational details and significant potential for growth. It wasn’t the size of the investment that won the case, but the quality and thoroughness of the submission and the uniqueness of the business model.
The business plan presented a solid understanding of the market, detailed how the business would operate, and provided evidence of potential for profitability. The key takeaway here is that, in some cases, a smaller investment can be enough—as long as the overall plan is sound and credible.
What Matters Most: Credibility and Trust
We once spoke with a consular officer who expressed how his decisions weren’t always based solely on the size of the investment, but on whether he trusted the applicant’s intentions. He mentioned cases where he had denied E2 visa applications with high investments and approved others with significantly lower investments. According to him, the most important factor was the credibility and realism of the business plan and financial projections.
Why Details Matter: Control the Narrative
Submitting an E2 visa application with incomplete details can be detrimental. If key operational or financial details are left blank or vague, the consular officer is forced to interpret those gaps. In our experience, when the officer interprets those details on their own, the applicant loses control over their narrative—and that can lead to denials, even if the investment amount itself is substantial and despite their bonafide intentions.
This is why submitting a detailed, realistic, and credible business plan is crucial. A business plan that presents "pie-in-the-sky" figures that are unrealistic and that lacks proper operational details can raise red flags. On the other hand, a well-prepared plan that leaves no questions unanswered can instill trust in the officer, even if the investment amount is on the lower end of the spectrum.
Final Thoughts: The Importance of Tailoring Each Case
The amount of money required for an E2 visa varies greatly depending on the specifics of the business and the consulate where you apply. While some attorneys recommend higher investment amounts for added security, others have successfully secured E2 visas with much lower investments. What matters most is that the business plan is credible, realistic, and demonstrates the business’s potential for success.
Whether you’re looking to invest $50,000 or $500,000, the success of your E2 visa application hinges on more than just numbers—it’s about the strength of your case. We have extensive experience crafting detailed business plans that get visas approved. Contact us today to learn how our detailed and thorough projects can strengthen your E2 visa application.
The information provided in this blog is intended solely for informational purposes. While we strive to offer accurate and up-to-date content, it should not be considered legal advice. Immigration laws and regulations are subject to change, and individual circumstances can vary widely. For personalized guidance and legal advice regarding your specific immigration situation, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified immigration attorney who can provide you with tailored assistance and ensure compliance with current laws and regulations.
Visa Business Plans is led by Marco Scanu, a certified coach from the University of Miami with a globally-based practice coaching Fortune 1000 company executives, entrepreneurs, as well as professionals in four different continents. Mr. Scanu advises clients on turnaround strategies and crisis management.
Mr. Scanu received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Cum Laude) from the University of Florida and an MBA in Management from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. Mr. Scanu was also a Visiting Scholar at Michigan State University under the prestigious H. Humphrey Fellowship (Fulbright program) with a focus on Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital, and high-growth enterprises.
At present, Mr. Scanu is the managing partner and CEO at Visa Business Plans, a Miami-based boutique consulting firm providing attorneys and investors with business planning services in the areas of U.S. and Canadian immigration, SBA loans, and others.
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