Read the general investor planning overview
A business forecast should identify what its numbers measure. Monthly revenue, cumulative spending and actual committed capital should not be treated as interchangeable proof of an E-2 requirement.
Identify the actual commitment
Hypothetical example: a plan combines startup expenditure with several years of projected costs. E-2 requires substantial lawful capital committed at risk relative to the enterprise, with no universal fixed minimum. Label actual funds and future estimates accurately rather than counting every projection as completed investment.
Assess ownership and real financing
Treaty nationality of applicant and enterprise matters, generally including at least 50% enterprise ownership by nationals of the relevant treaty country. Identify actual development and direction. Personal-asset-secured or unsecured loans may qualify; enterprise-asset-secured debt does not qualify as invested capital. Adding personal collateral does not make a loan secured by enterprise assets qualifying capital.
Use the correct operating-capacity standard
The real operating enterprise must have capacity beyond a minimal living for investor and family or for a significant economic contribution. Do not import EB-5’s job quota. A qualifying visa-contingent escrow may matter, but a coherent forecast does not establish every condition or authorize U.S. work. Future capacity should generally be attainable within five years of normal business activity.
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.