There is no fixed minimum for the E-2 visa. USCIS asks for an investment that is substantial compared with the total cost of the business, and the cheaper the business, the larger the share you must invest (USCIS, Aug 2026).
Use the tool to see your share, then read how the test works. It takes about two minutes.
Check what share of your business cost you invest
Enter your numbers. The tool shows your share of the total cost and the points an E-2 file must prove. It does not give a pass or fail, because only an officer decides.
What proof of commitment do you already have?
This tool is for planning only. It is not legal advice and it cannot predict a decision. AIA is not a law firm, and a licensed U.S. attorney should review your plan before you spend money.
How do you read your result?
Your share is your investment divided by the total business cost. USCIS defines substantial as large in relation to the total cost of buying an established business or starting a new one, and large enough to show real financial commitment (USCIS, Aug 2026).
| Your share | What the tool tells you |
|---|---|
| 75 percent or more | Most of the cost is your own capital. This fits the rule that lower-cost businesses need a larger share. |
| 40 to 74 percent | A middle share. Show where the rest comes from and why your amount shows commitment. |
| Under 40 percent | A small share. It can work for a larger business and needs strong proof of commitment and control. |
These bands are planning prompts from AIA. They are not USCIS thresholds, and no band decides a case.
What is the proportionality test?
The proportionality test compares your investment with the total cost of the business. The cheaper the business, the larger the share of its cost you are expected to put in. Read the full test in our E-2 investment amount guide.
What counts as at risk and committed?
- At risk: your capital can be partly or fully lost if the business fails, and it does not come from criminal activity (USCIS, Aug 2026).
- Committed: money is spent or irrevocably committed, for example through a signed lease, equipment bought or a properly structured escrow.
- Not enough: money sitting in your personal account.
Which costs belong in the total business cost?
Count every cost to open and run the business in its first stage. Ask for written quotes, because officers read the numbers against your plan.
- Purchase or build-out: the price of an existing business, or lease deposits and fit-out for a new one.
- Equipment and inventory: what you need to open.
- Licences and professional fees: permits, legal and accounting costs.
- Working capital: payroll, rent and supplies until the business earns.
- Franchise costs: read Items 5 to 7 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, which cover fees and startup costs (FTC).
What if your budget is smaller?
A smaller budget can work when the business is inexpensive to start and you fund most of its cost. The business must also not be marginal, which means it can produce more than a living for you and your family. A new business can qualify if it can reach that level within five years (USCIS, Aug 2026). Read our guide to an E-2 visa with less than $150,000 and our comparison of franchise vs startup.
What else must you prove?
- Treaty citizenship: check your passport on the E-2 country list.
- Ownership or control: at least 50 percent ownership or operational control (USCIS, Aug 2026).
- A real business: active and operating, not an idea on paper.
Ready to test the rest of your plan?
The E-2 eligibility check takes about three minutes and shows your gaps before you spend money.
Take the E-2 eligibility check
Not sure the E-2 is your best route? Compare options with the U.S. route finder. Canadian citizen? Read about the E-2 visa for Canadian investors.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a minimum investment for the E-2 visa?
No. USCIS asks for an investment that is substantial compared with the total cost of the business, so the right amount depends on the business (USCIS, Aug 2026).
Is $100,000 the E-2 minimum?
No. It is a common planning figure and not a legal rule. Smaller plans can work when the business is inexpensive to start.
What does the calculator tell me?
It shows your share of the total business cost and the proof an E-2 file needs. It does not predict a decision.
Does my money have to be at risk?
Yes. It must be able to suffer partial or total loss if the business fails, and it must not come from criminal activity (USCIS, Aug 2026).
Do I need to own the business?
You need at least 50 percent ownership or operational control (USCIS, Aug 2026).
Last updated: 15 October 2026.
Amir Ismail leads Amir Ismail & Associates, which has guided clients since 1991 and works with independent U.S. immigration attorneys. AIA is not a law firm. Legal advice and filings are handled by the attorney.
