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.