Read the general investor planning overview
A seller’s training period can help explain a purchase but does not establish the investor’s control, qualifying capital or full enterprise requirements. Review how the business will actually operate when that support changes or ends.
Read the rights retained during and after training
Hypothetical example: the seller provides initial instruction and keeps approval rights over certain decisions. Identify the actual management and voting terms and how the investor will develop and direct the enterprise. Qualifying treaty nationality matters for the applicant and business; generally at least 50% of the enterprise must be owned by nationals of the relevant treaty country.
Separate purchase capital from service payments
Trace lawful source and path and read loan security, escrow and cancellation conditions. Personally secured or unsecured borrowing may qualify under applicable rules; enterprise-asset-secured debt does not count as the investor’s qualifying investment. Identify actual capital at risk separately from training charges, fees and household reserves rather than treating the entire transaction price as one category. Mixing personal collateral with enterprise assets does not make that debt qualifying investment capital.
Test the ongoing enterprise
No universal fixed E-2 minimum applies. Assess substantiality and nonmarginality, including capacity for more than a minimal living for the investor and family or a significant economic contribution. A supported post-training operating plan is evidence, not a guarantee. Closing or completing training does not itself authorize the investor or family to work in the United States. Future capacity should generally be realizable within five years after normal business activity begins.
What else is on your mind?
Is there one minimum investment that guarantees E-2 eligibility?Is holding money or owning an asset enough for E-2?Editorial source review: 2026-09-07. General preparation guidance, not an individual assessment.