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RED DEER COUNTY · E-2 FIELD GUIDE

Can the spouse begin helping with the business because the purchase has closed?

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THE DIRECT ANSWER

A closing gives no immigration permission by itself. A qualifying E spouse may work incident to valid status with appropriate evidence, and dependent children do not receive that spousal benefit.

Coordinate the work plan with individual status

Record whether the spouse will provide services, hold an ownership interest or only accompany the investor. These are distinct facts. The dependent category is for a qualifying spouse or unmarried child under 21. A transaction document does not replace relationship or admission evidence.

The first review should produce a household activity plan distinguishing investment proof from permission to manage, work, study, or travel.; each conclusion should point to the record that settles it. The principal must show treaty nationality, qualifying enterprise nationality, irrevocably committed at-risk funds, substantiality, a real nonmarginal operation, and development and direction through half ownership or operational control. Explain any intended operating work separately from passive ownership and review the actual activity rather than assuming a family property arrangement authorizes everyone to run the business. Keep proof of the marriage and each child's birth ready for the consular interview, and remember that E-2 gives the family no path to permanent residence on its own; if that is the goal, it should be discussed as a separate question.