Read the general investor planning overview
An E-2 funding worksheet should explain the source, path and actual legal commitment of each payment. The required investment is substantial and at risk in a qualifying real enterprise; the investor must meet nationality and development-and-direction requirements. Neither a deposit deadline nor a large purchase price establishes the whole case.
Trace borrowed and transferred money separately
Hypothetical example: the buyer combines savings with borrowed funds. Identify the borrower, lawful origin, transfer path and all collateral. Personal-asset-secured or unsecured loans may be considered, while enterprise-secured borrowing does not count as qualifying E-2 capital. Do not overlook enterprise assets in a mixed-security arrangement. Mixing personal collateral with enterprise assets does not make that debt qualifying investment capital.
Read cancellation and escrow terms
Identify when funds can be returned, what releases escrow and what has actually been committed. The agreement’s substance controls the analysis, not the word deposit. Have the actual conditions assessed rather than assuming every escrow qualifies or every refundable payment is irrevocably committed.
Review the enterprise independently
Explain total cost, operations, control and the investor’s actual work. Substantiality is contextual rather than a universal minimum, and the enterprise must not be marginal. Business due diligence and immigration review address different risks; neither a seller’s assurance nor a signed purchase guarantees approval.
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.