Read the general investor planning overview
A proposed property venture should explain what the enterprise actually does and what the investor directs. A schedule of expected rental income does not by itself establish a real operating non-marginal E-2 enterprise. Review the actual business model rather than assuming that all property holdings are treated alike. A first review should answer whether the proposal is an operating business, not merely an asset purchase. It should identify the services offered, customers, operating contracts, investor decisions, capital already committed and the records that demonstrate each point. The funds must be committed beyond a revocable plan, placed at commercial risk, and the enterprise cannot be marginal. Hypothetical example: an urban-beekeeping supply company would sell equipment, provide hive-maintenance subscriptions and employ a field coordinator. The applicant must decide whether those activities are real and documented, or only additions drafted to support an immigration filing.
Describe the operating activity separately from ownership
Hypothetical example: an applicant proposes a U.S. property venture with a manager handling bookings, maintenance and guest services, but the plan shows only property values. Identify the contracts, service arrangements, staffing and decisions the applicant would control. Distinguish actual services from a passive expectation of appreciation or rent. Do not add hospitality activities to the narrative if no one will perform them. Write a simple operating map: who contracts with customers, who performs each service, what the investor decides, and what occurs if a manager is unavailable. That map reveals whether ownership, management and daily operations fit the same genuine enterprise.
Connect the investment to the enterprise described
Document qualifying treaty nationality, the lawful source and path of capital, and what is committed and at risk. Substantiality is assessed in relation to the enterprise; no universal minimum resolves the case. Explain non-marginality with supported evidence of capacity beyond minimal family support or a significant economic contribution. A high purchase price alone does not establish that capacity or the investor’s ability to develop and direct. Trace the money from its lawful origin through each commitment, including deposits, escrow arrangements and business-account payments. A signed purchase agreement may show intent, but the review must identify which funds are actually exposed to loss. The investor must also direct the enterprise's development and management.
Review commercial permissions and responsibilities
Identify the actual proposed uses and ask appropriate local advisers what approvals and contractual rights the business needs. Separate granted permissions from pending requests. Show who performs the work and who retains decision-making authority under any management agreement. Have the real arrangement reviewed before treating the acquisition as a qualifying E-2 operation; the immigration review does not guarantee commercial performance or property value. Make the business decision before the immigration description: choose the actual services, premises, staffing and contracts the venture will use. Keep a record of granted licenses and outstanding conditions separately. An immigration filing cannot make a prohibited, unapproved or commercially unsupported operation become real.
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.