Relationship records may support eligibility, but a qualifying E spouse’s work benefit depends on valid status and appropriate evidence. Translation alone does not create that status.
Keep relationship and permission evidence separate
Eligible dependents include a spouse and unmarried children under 21. Children receive no spousal work benefit. Assess the individual’s actual admission and intended activity rather than treating a complete document folder as authorization.
What genuinely differs is durability: an employee's status depends on continuing employment with an enterprise that continues to qualify, so a change of ownership at the employer can affect the whole household. A spouse should not direct supplier employees, approve production, negotiate orders, or perform quality checks in the United States merely because the family owns the enterprise or an E-2 application is pending. The principal must still establish treaty nationality, qualifying enterprise ownership, power to develop and direct through half ownership or genuine operational control, and substantial lawful capital that is irrevocably committed and at risk. Explain whether the spouse holds real decision rights and how they affect the principal’s development-and-direction claim instead of using a family title to conceal unresolved control.