Read the general investor planning overview
The word escrow does not establish the investment’s legal treatment. Review the actual funded agreement, the control of the money and the enterprise the applicant will direct.
Identify what has actually been agreed and funded
Hypothetical example: the buyer has signed a purchase agreement while withdrawal terms remain under negotiation. Distinguish the executed obligations from the draft provisions. Properly structured visa-contingent escrow may be relevant, but an unrestricted promise to invest is not the same as substantial lawful capital committed at risk. There is no universal E-2 minimum dollar figure.
Trace financing and operating rights together
Personally unsecured borrowing or debt secured solely by non-enterprise personal assets may qualify under its terms. Enterprise-asset security excludes the borrowing even when personal collateral is also provided. Trace lawful source and path instead of reporting only the sale price. Enterprise nationality generally requires at least 50% relevant treaty-national ownership; the applicant develops and directs through at least 50% ownership or other qualifying operational control. Read any vetoes against those actual rights.
Check the enterprise beyond the closing
The business must be real and nonmarginal, with capacity beyond minimal investor-and-family living or for significant economic contribution. Future capacity generally must be realizable within five years after normal operations start. The investor must intend to depart when E status ends, and Canadians generally need an E visa. A release of escrow funds does not by itself authorize the investor to operate in the United States.
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: 2026-09-08. General preparation guidance, not an individual assessment.