Read the general investor planning overview
A Killarney buyer should document the enterprise before and after the proposed transaction. The immigration question concerns actual national ownership, operating authority and investment, not simply whether the purchase price has been agreed.
Date the rights that change
Identify shares or interests transferred, conditions still open and rights retained by the departing partner. Preserve the agreement and effective corporate records. A future closing should not be shown as completed, and an old chart should not continue to describe current ownership after the transaction takes effect.
Test nationality separately from control
The applicant needs relevant treaty nationality, with the enterprise generally at least 50% owned by nationals of that country. Development and direction can be supported by at least 50% ownership or actual operational control through a managerial position or another corporate device. A percentage alone should not replace a review of the governing rights.
Connect the purchase to a real business
Show lawful substantial capital committed at risk, without a universal E-2 minimum. Funds secured by enterprise assets do not qualify as investor capital on that basis. The operation must be real and nonmarginal under the applicable more-than-minimal-living or significant-economic-contribution standard. Intent to depart when E status ends and permission for the actual U.S. work remain necessary despite the seller’s departure.
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: 2026-09-07. General preparation guidance, not an individual assessment.