Whenever I advise a potential or existing client on E-2 visas process, the inevitable question about e2 visa investment amount always pops up: “How much do I absolutely have to invest to qualify?” “How much is required for investment”. My answer is always very lawyerlike: “It depends on”.
What does it depend on? Foremost, it depends on the size and scope of the US project, kind of business (services versus products), the geographic location (South Dakota is cheaper than Silicon Valley), and the inherent employment necessities (organic start-up versus plug and play like hospitality business which requires numerous employees). How much is needed minimally to operate the business?
Including the required employees to be hired, for one year of operations, is what is required to be considered “substantial” and be approvable.
By Steve Maggi, Founder, SMA Immigration Law Firm
Investor Visa Baseline Requirements
1. It should be six figures minimum, meaning US $100.000 and up.
No consular officer will take an e2 visa investment amount seriously if it’s not above that amount. Remember that you need to secure an office for at least three people (“sufficient physical premises”) and have enough funds for other basic operating costs (internet, electricity, office supplies, budget for marketing, and salaries for at least two full-time positions) for a full year. It is hard to do that for less than $100.000. Adding anything else to these raises the total investment amount required.
2. If the principal investor is filling the visa. Then you are saving the money.
This is the one category under E-2 Visas that does not require that visa applicants receive a salary, and so this helps to minimize the total amount.
3. Projected costs must not be prorated or skimped on.
A consular official will note that projected salaries are incorrect or prorated. Or if you omit certain necessary costs in order to fit an applicant’s budget. The minimum investment does not mean what the applicant can afford, but what any investor would have to invest to start and operate the business, assuming no income, for one year, no ifs, and, or buts.
4. If one calculates the total projected operating costs, and they don’t have enough to cover it, then they should consider a different business model.
5. Operating costs should include franchise fees if the investor is investing as a franchisee.
These businesses often require more funds upfront. But have the advantage of corporate support and training and quick employment of trained employees. They can help to generate revenue immediately.
Conclusion
It’s important to not fall for promises of unreasonably small investment amounts. Running a business in the U.S. can be expensive. But the upsides are numerous if one invests in the right kind of project. Which, from a U.S. government’s perspective, means the necessity of employing multiple U.S. workers. “Penny wise and pound foolish”. Invest enough to show real commitment to your investment. With more than enough money to make sure the business gets off the ground. Creates a job, and prospers long-term, or there is no reason to apply at all.
