Shaffer Immigration Law recently received approval for an E2 investor visa for a UK citizen who invested about $65,000 to start a sports training academy in the US.
The investor visited the US as a business visitor multiple times over the course of the past year to set up the investment. While here as a visitor, he purchased equipment, scouted for locations to rent, purchased a company car, and hired coaches to run trainings in his absence while the E2 case was pending. By the time the sports training academy was functioning and able to accept applicants, the investor had spent a little over $65,000. Notably, a substantial portion of the expenses were the company car, which was essential for the business operation.
The interview was held in London and the visa was approved after a few simple questions about the nature of the business and the investor's future plans.
There is a myth that E2 investors must invest at least $100K. The truth is that the investment must be "substantial." When the investor is starting up a new business, this means that the investment amount must be enough to get the business to the point that it is functioning as a viable enterprise.
For example, if an applicant is investing in a large capital-intensive business, like a manufacturing plant, an investment amount of even $200,000 may not be enough. This is because bringing a manufacturing plant to the point that it is functioning as a viable enterprise requires a much larger investment. However, if an applicant is investing in a less capital-intensive enterprise, like a sports training academy, then an investment of only $65,000 can be enough because this is all of the capital it takes to bring the business to the point that it is functioning as a viable enterprise.
In sum, the proper investment amount ultimately depends on the business that the applicant is investing in and the amount of capital it takes to turn that business into a viable enterprise. An investment of less than $100K is absolutely doable with the right business, a solid business plan, and a strong E2 application.
If you are interested in investing in the US and obtaining an E2 visa...
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