No universal fixed minimum replaces the substantiality assessment relative to the enterprise.
Review actual qualifying capital
Consider genuine commitment, risk, source and security. A larger headline budget does not establish every investor or business condition.
Diligence and professional review sit outside the purchase price: accounting review, business valuation, lease assignment work, licence transfers, escrow charges, and legal advice on the agreement. Build an investment ledger that distinguishes money already spent, funds bound by enforceable nonrefundable obligations, working capital controlled by the enterprise, and merely forecast expenses. The purchase price held in escrow on visa-conditioned terms, funds already spent on equipment or inventory for the business, and working capital transferred to the business account and committed to operations all count. Keep Canadian sale taxes and closing expenses apart from capital placed into the American business, then separate committed investment, operating reserves, professional work, and verified government charges. Keep three budgets separate: the investment itself, which must be at risk in the business; working capital the buyer holds in reserve, which is not counted until committed; and the consular application fee, professional fees and translation costs, which are never part of the investment.