Read the general investor planning overview
A hypothetical St. Albert investor opening another U.S. location should show how the expansion changes the real enterprise. A second lease and a new expenditure total do not independently explain the investor’s authority, committed capital or continuing operating position.
Identify the entity and rights at each location
Record which entity contracts for the space, employs staff and receives revenue. Explain any ownership or governance change. Distinguish a new operating location from a new legal entity rather than treating both as a mere address update. Preserve the existing records and dated expansion agreements.
Trace the expansion’s investment facts
The applicant needs qualifying treaty nationality, and the enterprise generally requires at least 50% ownership by nationals of the relevant treaty country. Establish lawful source and path, substantial capital committed at risk and development and direction. E-2 has no universal minimum investment figure. Available profits and amounts actually committed under expansion agreements are different evidence. E-2 also requires intent to depart when that status ends. For an investor, development and direction can be shown by at least 50% ownership or genuine operational control through a managerial position or other corporate device.
Review the enterprise after resources are divided
Explain management, staffing and financial assumptions for both locations. The enterprise must be real and nonmarginal, including the applicable capacity for more than a minimal living for the investor and family or significant economic contribution. Review the procedure for the actual change before relying on the earlier decision; expansion spending alone does not establish every condition. Projected capacity should generally be realized within five years of beginning normal business activity. Borrowing secured only by personal assets, or unsecured personal borrowing, may qualify under the other investment conditions; debt secured by enterprise assets is excluded even when personal assets also secure it.
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.