The E-2 visa allows investors from treaty countries to enter and work in the U.S. based on a significant investment in a U.S. business. A key aspect of this visa is calculating the investment total, which includes the value of goods or equipment brought to the United States. This is important when determining whether an applicant meets the investment requirements.
What Counts as an Investment?
- Equipment and Inventory Costs: The amount spent on purchasing equipment and maintaining inventory can be added to the total investment. For example, if you’re starting a business and need specialized machinery, the money spent on that equipment counts toward your investment.
- Goods or Equipment Transferred to the U.S.: If you bring goods or machinery from outside the U.S., such as factory equipment for a plant, the value of these items can be part of your investment calculation. This is a crucial way to meet the financial threshold for the E-2 visa.
- Business Use Requirement: It’s not enough to own equipment. The goods or equipment must be actively used in an ongoing commercial enterprise. You must show that these items are essential to running or growing your business in the U.S. For example, if you’re opening a manufacturing facility, you must prove that the machinery is necessary for production.
- Distinction Between Investment and Personal Use: Any goods or equipment claimed as part of the investment must be for business purposes. If the machinery or goods are used for personal reasons, they will not be considered part of the investment. For instance, office computers and manufacturing tools qualify, but personal vehicles or home office equipment do not.
Proving Your Investment
To successfully demonstrate that your goods or equipment are part of your investment, you’ll need to provide documentation such as:
- Receipts or invoices for purchased goods
- Shipping documents for machinery brought to the U.S.
- A clear explanation of how these items are used in your business
This ensures the U.S. government sees your investment as legitimate and dedicated to a commercial venture.
Conclusion
In summary, when applying for an E-2 visa, the value of goods or equipment transferred to the U.S. can be a significant part of your investment. However, you must prove that these assets are crucial to your business and not for personal use. For questions or further assistance, consulting with an immigration attorney can help clarify this process and ensure your application is strong.
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If you have questions regarding an E2 Visa, we invite you to contact our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. We aim to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people to work and live in the United States. Read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.