The E2 visa is a popular option for those looking to immigrate to the United States to develop and direct an investment enterprise. However, in order to qualify for the E2, applicants must prove they have invested or are actively in the process of investing a substantial amount of capital in the enterprise. Part of proving you have invested or will invest sufficient funds involves documenting the lawful source of those funds.
To obtain an E2 visa, you must prove your capital investment is from a lawful source. Acceptable sources include:
Some common ways E2 applicants document these sources include:
Funds must be able to be traced back to a legitimate source. The consular officer reviewing your petition needs to verify your capital is not from illegal activities or sources that could disqualify you from receiving a visa.
To prove the legitimacy of your sources, you must provide documentation. Some key documents to include are:
The amount of documentation you need depends on the amount you are investing. Typically, the higher the investment amount, the more evidence you need to sufficiently trace the funds to a lawful source.
For investments of $100,000 or less, 6-12 months of bank statements may suffice. Larger investments over $500,000 often require documentation tracing funds back 1-5 years to their origins.
Work with an experienced immigration attorney to determine the records needed for your individual case and investment amount. Being overprepared with documentation is better than having your petition denied for lack of evidence.
Along with proving the legitimacy of your capital’s source, you must show:
Meeting all proof of funds requirements takes careful planning and preparation. Starting the process of gathering documents and establishing sources of capital early is key to success.
Failure to sufficiently prove your sources of funds and ability to invest at the required levels will result in delays or denial of your E2 petition. Outcomes may include:
E2 investors have a lot at stake, so working with an experienced immigration lawyer is highly recommended when petitioning for E2 classification. An attorney can help you:
With so much on the line, having a knowledgeable legal expert guide you through the process can make all the difference in successfully proving your funds and qualifying for E2 status. Contact a qualified immigration attorney today to discuss your situation and start preparing your source of funds evidence.
Sylvain Perret is a business professional who has been living in the United States since 2010. Along with his wife Daphnee, he has established several businesses in the country, including Integrity International Brokers, an agency based in Orlando where he works as a business broker, real estate broker, business consultant, and business plan writer. Over the years, he has helped numerous clients from around the world achieve success in their projects to create or take over a company in the United States with an E2 visa. He is highly knowledgeable about U.S. immigration issues and is the author of the book "S'expatrier aux USA grâce aux visas d'entrepreneurs," which is soon to be translated into English. Sylvain is also a Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) by the International Business Brokers Association and is regularly consulted on issues related to this field. At the age of 50, Sylvain chose to enhance his expertise in finance and strategy by pursuing a Master of Business Administration from the University of Central Florida. He successfully graduated in May 2023, adding a valuable finishing touch to his knowledge. He is active on LinkedIn and Twitter, where he shares his insights and experiences with a wider audience.
