Read the general investor planning overview
The proposed owner wants to contribute equipment already owned personally to the U.S. business. A valuation and a transfer are different events. Document the equipment, its lawful acquisition, who currently owns it and what the proposed transaction would actually commit before presenting a total investment figure. A first review should produce an asset schedule with title, acquisition, lien status, valuation, transfer, receiving entity, and delivery evidence. The decision is whether equipment has moved beyond unilateral control into the enterprise, not whether it has an attractive appraisal. E-2 requires an investment irrevocably committed and at risk, a real non-marginal enterprise, treaty nationality, and an investor who will develop and direct the business.
Identify the property and its history
List each item with identifying records, purchase documents, current location and any financing or security interests. Explain how the applicant acquired it and what evidence supports the value being proposed. Hypothetical example: an equipment appraisal lists three machines, but one remains financed and another belongs to a related company. Separate those ownership and liability questions rather than counting the whole appraisal as the applicant’s investment.
Show the transaction actually contemplated
Provide the proposed contribution or transfer agreement, recipient entity and delivery arrangements. Distinguish a plan to transfer property from a transfer already completed. Ask the reviewer how the property and any attached debt would be treated under the E-2 at-risk and commitment requirements. Do not assume every appraised amount qualifies, or that all noncash property is excluded. The actual rights and obligations determine what must be assessed.
Explain the equipment’s business purpose
Connect the assets to the enterprise’s operations: what they produce, who uses them and which other resources are needed. E-2 still requires qualifying treaty nationality, substantial investment, a real non-marginal enterprise and the applicant’s ability to develop and direct it. A valuable machine does not answer those separate questions. Keep the commercial appraisal and the immigration assessment distinct, and identify any missing ownership or transaction record before finalizing the investment schedule. Hypothetical example: an industrial snow-groomer maintenance workshop contributes a diagnostic lift subject to a finance company’s security interest. The review compares purchase, security, transfer, and operating records. The decision is whether ownership, commitment, and loss exposure are shown, or unresolved financing prevents the equipment being counted.
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.