E-2: substantial for the actual enterprise
For E-2, the investment must be substantial in relation to the cost of purchasing or establishing the enterprise, committed and at risk, and sufficient to demonstrate the investor’s commitment and likelihood of developing the business. Lower-cost enterprises generally require a higher proportional commitment.
A $100,000 search budget can produce some operating-business options, but the full capitalization must also cover working capital, professional fees, deposits, inventory, improvements and transition. Counsel evaluates the complete facts.
L-1A: operational capacity matters more than a price tag
L-1A does not have a simple business-purchase minimum. The qualifying relationship between the foreign and U.S. organizations, the beneficiary’s employment and the ability of the U.S. operation to support managerial or executive work are central.
A purchased business may help provide an operating platform, employees and revenue, but the corporate and employment requirements still must be proven. A low price or high price alone answers none of those questions.
EB-5: statutory amounts and ten jobs
USCIS materials for the current framework identify $1,050,000 as the standard investment and $800,000 for qualifying targeted-employment-area or infrastructure investments, with periodic inflation adjustments. The program also requires creation or preservation of ten qualifying full-time jobs and compliance with source-of-funds and other rules.
Because amounts and rules can change, the attorney must confirm the current figure and project eligibility immediately before funds are committed.
Build a total funds schedule
A responsible budget separates the purchase price from additional capital. Buyers should reserve funds for due diligence, legal and accounting work, lender costs, deposits, inventory, licensing, insurance, payroll, rent and unexpected operating needs.
Financing availability is a separate underwriting decision. Biz4Deal is not a lender and does not guarantee SBA, conventional, seller or unsecured financing.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is $100,000 the E-2 minimum?
No. E-2 has no universal statutory minimum. That number is only a practical starting point for some small-business searches.
Can financed money count toward an E-2 investment?
Financing and whether funds qualify involve fact-specific legal rules. Immigration counsel must evaluate the debt, collateral, source and risk.
What are the current EB-5 investment amounts?
USCIS materials identify $1,050,000 as the standard amount and $800,000 for qualifying TEA or infrastructure investments under the current framework, subject to adjustment and legal review.
Should I choose a business only because it may fit a visa?
No. The business should also pass independent commercial, financial, legal and operational due diligence.
Primary official sources
Licensed in Florida and California
Alexey Gerasimov
Business sale and acquisition support in Florida and California, in English and Russian. Immigration and legal decisions remain with independent counsel.