E2 Visa Refusal – Business Not Operational at Time of Application

If your E-2 visa was denied because the business was deemed not operational, you’re not alone and we’ve successfully helped many clients in this exact situation secure approvals. This is one of the most common issues many people encountered with E-2 applications and sought our legal assistance. Even if you’ve formed an LLC, opened a business bank account, or submitted a detailed business plan, your application can still be refused if the consular officer believes your business isn’t ready to function. A denial stating “E-2 visa business not active yet” typically means there wasn’t enough tangible evidence to show your business had moved beyond the planning stage. We’ve guided many applicants in transforming their documentation and reapplying successfully.

A question we frequently get is: “Can I apply for the E2 visa before the business starts?” Technically, yes but the key is being able to show that your investment is not speculative. You must demonstrate that the business is either operational or imminently ready to launch. That means your funds should be spent or contractually committed, your location secured, and equipment or services already in place. A mere intention to operate isn’t enough. The government needs evidence that your business would begin functioning immediately if you were granted entry.

So, how to prove your business is operational for the E2 visa? We help our clients prepare detailed legal submissions showing every aspect of business readiness. We emphasize financial commitment, physical presence, and operational structure tailored to your specific industry. Whether it’s a brick and mortar store or an online service-based business, we ensure your documentation meets the standard and shows that your investment is real, substantial, and the business is ready to generate income. The more concrete your proof, the stronger your case. Simply submitting a business plan or showing funds in a bank account is usually not sufficient to overcome a finding that the business is not operational.

If your E2 visa was refused because the business was not ready or active, we can help. Our team has helped many clients turn around initial refusals by identifying what was missing, restructuring the investment timeline, and preparing a stronger package with clear, practical evidence. Don’t assume a denial is the end. Many cases can be salvaged and approved with proper guidance.

Call our office today at 305-515-0613 or email info@messersmithlaw.com to discuss your E2 case. Whether you’re applying for the first time or trying again after a refusal, we’ll help you present a business that meets the E2 standards and moves you one step closer to entering the U.S. to launch or expand your business.

E2 Visa Refusal – Control of Business Not Established

One of the most overlooked, but critical, requirements for an E-2 visa is demonstrating that you have control over the business. We’ve helped many clients secure approvals after their E-2 applications were denied for this reason and sought our help, even though they had invested significant funds and were actively managing daily operations. By addressing the control issue clearly and strategically, we were able to guide them toward successful approvals. If you’re applying for an E-2 visa, understanding how to prove business control is essential to avoiding a costly and preventable refusal.

Under E2 rules, you generally must own at least 50% of the business or demonstrate operational control through a leadership position or contract. Many applicants ask, “Do I need 50% ownership for the E2 visa?” and the answer is yes unless you can clearly show that you control the management and direction of the enterprise. This is where the line between E2 visa ownership percentage rules and control gets tricky. A 50/50 split with another investor may be acceptable, but only if you can prove shared or decisive authority. If consular officers determine that a co-owner has control or that you are just a passive investor, the visa can be refused.

We’ve helped clients overcome E2 visa denials based on joint ownership, especially in 50/50 ownership scenarios. Officers often worry that neither partner has control, and that decisions require mutual agreement. To solve this, we work with clients to revise operating agreements, outline tie breaking clauses, and document leadership roles to establish that E2 control vs ownership is satisfied. Even minority shareholders can qualify for E2 if they have contractual or practical control over business decisions but this must be clearly explained in the visa application.

If your E2 visa was refused because of control issues or ownership structure, we can help you fix it. Contact us at 305-515-0613 or email info@messersmithlaw.com. We’ve helped investors from around the world clarify control and ownership structures, prepare strong applications, and win approvals. Don’t let a technicality stop your U.S. business plans. Get the legal support you need to move forward.

E2 Visa Refusal – Investment Not Substantial or Marginal Enterprise

If your E-2 visa was denied because the investment wasn’t considered “substantial” or the business was labeled a “marginal enterprise,” you’re not alone and we’ve successfully helped many clients in this exact situation obtain approvals. These are among the most common reasons for E-2 visa refusals, often stemming from concerns about the scale or economic impact of the business. However, many of these denials can be reversed by presenting a stronger legal strategy, detailed financial documentation, and a clear plan that demonstrates the business’s ability to support more than just the investor. We’ve guided numerous applicants in rebuilding and resubmitting their cases with successful outcomes.

How much money is needed for an E-2 visa? There’s no official minimum, but your investment must be enough to make the business operational and demonstrate commitment. Many successful E-2 visas are based on investments between $100,000 to $200,000, but it depends on the nature of the business. Is $50,000 enough? Sometimes, but only for very small, low overhead businesses like solo consultants or online ventures with clear proof of business viability. You must also show the investment is at risk and committed.

What counts as a substantial investment? The investment must be proportional to the cost of starting or buying the business. So if you’re starting a consulting firm for $60,000, investing $50,000 might be sufficient. But for a business that requires $250,000 to start, a $50,000 investment likely won’t be enough.

Can I use a loan or gift? Yes but it depends. Can a service-based business qualify? Absolutely. Many successful E-2 cases are built on service based businesses like marketing firms, tech consulting, legal translation, education services, and more. The key is showing a real, active business with future potential for job creation and not just a solo operation with no growth plan.

Does equipment and rent count toward investment? Yes, reasonable startup expenses like office rent, equipment, software, and marketing costs can all be included provided they’re already spent or contractually committed at the time of application.

If you’ve been denied or are unsure if your investment qualifies, don’t guess. These cases are highly fact specific, and a strong legal presentation can make the difference between approval and rejection. Contact our office at 305-515-0613 or email info@messersmithlaw.com to schedule a consultation. We’ve helped entrepreneurs around the world turn initial refusals into successful E-2 visas and we can help you do the same.

E2 Visa Refusal – Funds Not Irrevocably Committed

One of the most common reasons for E-2 visa denial is a finding that the investment funds are not irrevocably committed but we’ve successfully helped many clients in this exact situation secure approvals. This issue arises when consular officers determine that the funds are still sitting in a personal bank account or haven’t yet been fully spent or contractually obligated for business use. If your E-2 visa was denied because the funds were not considered “at risk,” it likely means the officer didn’t see sufficient proof that you had taken concrete steps to actually build or activate the business. We’ve guided numerous applicants through this by helping them demonstrate that their investment is fully committed and meets the strict E-2 visa requirements.

Applicants often ask, “What does irrevocably committed mean for the E2 visa?” It means that you must show the money is already committed to the success of the enterprise. The funds cannot simply be promised or held in escrow pending visa approval. Bank statements alone are not enough. You must show a detailed breakdown of where the money went and how it supports the business launch.

We also hear this concern: “Can I apply for an E2 visa before spending the money?” Technically, yes but only if you can prove the funds are contractually bound to be spent and are at risk of loss. A simple wire transfer to a business account without proof of disbursement is unlikely to be sufficient. If your E2 visa was denied because the money was still in your account, it’s likely because the officer didn’t see enough evidence of action and business readiness.

To strengthen a future application, it’s important to understand how to show E2 funds are committed. You’ll need to submit proof of investment. If your E2 visa was refused due to lack of proof of committed funds, we can work with you to correct these issues and prepare a new, stronger filing.

If you’re confused about the difference between source of funds vs committed funds for the E2 visa, here’s the key: the source of funds explains where your money came from and proves it was earned legally. The committed funds requirement shows how you’ve already used those funds to launch the business. Both are essential, but meeting one without the other will not get your visa approved.

If your E2 visa was denied because your investment wasn’t fully committed, you’re not alone and we can help. We’ve guided clients through restructured investments, documented proper fund usage, and won approvals after initial denials. Call our office at 305-515-0613 or email info@messersmithlaw.com to schedule a consultation. Let’s get your E2 case back on track.

E2 Visa Refusal – Source of Funds Not Clearly Lawful

If your E-2 visa was denied due to source of funds issues, you’re not alone and we’ve successfully helped many applicants turn that denial into an approval. This is one of the most frequent reasons E-2 visas are refused, usually because the consular officer determined that the investment funds were not clearly documented or lawfully obtained. Even when your capital comes from legitimate sources such as business income, family savings, or an inheritance, your application can still be denied if the documentation doesn’t clearly prove the lawful origin. We’ve guided numerous clients through this challenge by organizing detailed, credible evidence that satisfies consular scrutiny and results in E-2 visa approval.

Many clients ask, “How do I prove the source of funds for an E2 visa?” To meet the E2 visa source of funds requirements, you must provide a detailed paper trail showing where every dollar came from. If you received money as a gift or loan for E2 visa investment, you must also show where the giver or lender got the funds. Vague declarations or unexplained large cash deposits often lead to denials for having an unlawful source of funds or funds not clearly documented.

We’ve seen a rise in E2 visa denials because of cash deposits, especially when funds were stored informally or in personal safes before deposit. Cryptocurrency can also trigger red flags. If you plan to use crypto assets as your E2 visa source of funds, be prepared to show clear blockchain transaction history. The government wants to see that your funds are both legal and traceable.

If your funds came from inheritance, you’ll need to provide legal proof.. A letter from a family member is not enough.

Don’t let a paperwork mistake or missing documentation cost you your visa. If your E2 visa was denied due to source of funds, contact us today at 305-515-0613 or email info@messersmithlaw.com. We’ve helped clients around the world overcome these issues with proper legal strategy, clear documentation, and strong advocacy. Let us help you move your investment forward.

E2 Visa Refusal – Applicant Lacks Intent to Depart US Upon Expiration

Being denied an E-2 visa under INA §214(b) can be incredibly frustrating, especially when the refusal is based on a perceived lack of intent to depart the US after your visa expires. We’ve successfully helped many clients overcome this exact issue, even after they were initially denied despite having a legitimate business and a qualifying investment. In many cases, consular officers interpret factors like personal ties, prior visa history, or even how you answer certain questions during the interview as indicators of immigrant intent. While the E-2 is a nonimmigrant visa, any suspicion that you intend to remain in the US permanently can result in a denial. Through careful preparation and strategic documentation, we’ve helped applicants address these concerns and secure E-2 approvals.

We’ve helped numerous clients overcome 214(b) refusals and secure E-2 visa approvals. If your visa was denied on this basis, this blog will walk you through why it happened and, more importantly, what steps you can take to strengthen your case for reapplication.

E2 visa holders must show that they intend to leave the US when their status ends. This doesn’t mean you can’t eventually apply for a green card but you must demonstrate clear nonimmigrant intent at the time of the visa interview. Officers often look for evidence of strong ties to your home country. If you’ve sold everything in your country or moved your entire life to the US, the consulate may conclude that you don’t plan to return. That’s when we see E2 visa refusals based on intent to depart.

Every case is different, and the strategy should match your personal and professional circumstances. We are often asked, “Can I reapply after an E2 visa denial under 214(b)?” The answer is yes but it’s essential to address the reasons for refusal directly and with better documentation. A well prepared new application with stronger proof of ties can often succeed where the first attempt failed.

If your E2 visa was denied due to concerns about your intent to depart the US. don’t give up. Our office has helped many investors overcome this problem with tailored legal strategies and compelling evidence. Call us at 305-515-0613 or email info@messersmithlaw.com to schedule a consultation. We can help you reapply with confidence and get your business plans back on track.

E2 Visa to Green Card

E2 Visa to Green Card

If you do not have family green card options or want to make a supersized EB5 investment, there are two primary ways to obtain a green card as an E2 visa holder.

1. Self sponsored green card option

In an effort to encourage foreign nationals to immigrate to the United States, establish or purchase a business and employ US persons, USCIS has established a new set of regulations specifically for foreign entrepreneurs.  This new regulations allow entrepreneurs to obtain permanent residency through the  EB2 NIW category.  This blog post will cover using the NIW to obtain a green card by establishing a US business and hiring US workers.

The National Interest Waiver allows a foreign national to apply for permanent residency through the EB2 category without having a US employer or a job offer.  This means that there is no requirement to undergo PERM labor certification and petitions can be approved in as little as 3 months provided that the entrepreneur’s immigration is in the national interest.

The entrepreneur can show his immigration is in the national interest if he can establish the following three points.

1. The NIW entrepreneur must seek employment in an area that has substantial intrinsic merit.  An example would be a structural engineer working on highway bridges.
2. The NIW entrepreneur must demonstrate that the proposed benefit to be provided will be national in scope.   For example, the entrepreneur might be able to demonstrate that the jobs his or her business enterprise will create in a discrete locality will also create (or “spin off”) related jobs in other parts of the nation. Or, as another example, the entrepreneur might be able to establish that the jobs created locally will have a positive national impact.
3. The NIW entrepreneur must demonstrate that the entrepreneur will serve the national interest to a substantially greater degree than would an available U.S. worker having the same minimum qualifications.  The entrepreneur who demonstrates that his or her business enterprise will create jobs for U.S. workers or otherwise enhance the welfare of the United States may qualify for an NIW. For example, the entrepreneur may not be taking a job opportunity from a U.S. worker but instead may be creating new job opportunities for U.S. workers. The creation of jobs domestically for U.S. workers may serve the national interest to a substantially greater degree than the work of others in the same field.

The USCIS is finally recognizing that immigrants are vitally important to the success of the US economy and are providing additional avenues to permanent residence for them.  If you are considering starting, purchasing or expanding a US business, the NIW may be the right choice for you.

2. Employer sponsored green card option (EB2/EB3)

The EB2 employment based green card is for individuals who are members of the professions with advanced degrees (any degree above a baccalaureate degree or a baccalaureate degree and at least 5 years progressive experience in the professions) or who have exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business who will substantially benefit the United States.  The combination of a baccalaureate degree with 5 years experience in the professions is deemed equivalent to a Master’s degree. If a doctoral degree is required for the particular profession, the alien must possess the doctoral degree.

EB3 employment based green card is for professionals who hold a US baccalaureate degree or foreign equivalent degree that is normally required for the profession. Education and experience may not be substituted for the degree.

The EB3 employment based green card is also for skilled workers and other workers who are not seasonal or temporary and require at least two years of experience or training as well as other workers are those who are capable of performing unskilled labor, not of a temporary or seasonal nature, for which qualified workers are not available in the US.

In order to obtain permanent residency through the EB2 or EB3 category, the applicant must have an employer willing to sponsor him or her through PERM Labor Certification. The applicant does not have to be employed when labor certification/PERM is filed. A job offer is sufficient. Labor certification/PERM is the process whereby, the US government determines whether qualified US workers can fill the open position. Once the labor certification is approved, the employer may sponsor the applicant for permanent residency.

The EB2/EB3 process is as follows:

  • The employer performs the PERM labor certification process;
  • The employer sponsors the employee for a green card; and then
  • The employee adjust his or her status to permanent resident.

We have successfully helped thousands of clients obtain green cards.  Feel free to call us at 305-515-0613 or email us at info@messersmithlaw.com.  We look forward to helping you and your family obtain green cards like we have for thousands of other clients.

E2 Visa for a Canadian Citizen

Can a Canadian get a green card with 30000$? I heard I can invest 30000$ in a business and get a green card – is this correct?

I have a bachelor’s degree in commerce. Please let me know what is involved legally  

Thanks

No, you cannot obtain an investment based green card with a $30,000 investment. You would need to invest a minimum of $500,000. However, it may be sufficient for an E2 investor visa but $30,000 is still a little low for that. While the law does not list a minimum investment amount, the smallest investment that our firm has received an approval for is about $50,000. The State Department recognizes that the cost to establish a service based business is low and that they will look at the “amount necessary to establish a viable enterprise.”

E2 Visa Investment Requirements

I have $100,000 to $200,000 to invest in a new company. Is this enough to get E2 visa?

Immigration law does not identify a specific minimum required for an E2 investment visa. However, in our experience an investment of less than $50,000 will not be approved and an investment less than $100,000 may be difficult depending on the USCIS Service Center or US Consulate where the E2 application is filed.

In most cases $100,000 to $200,000 will be considered sufficient but you must be able to show that the amount is both “substantial” and not “marginal.” A substantial investment is an investment that is:

  • Substantial in the proportional sense, i.e. , in relationship to the total cost of either purchasing an established enterprise or creating the type of enterprise under consideration;
  • Sufficient to ensure the treaty investor’s financial commitment to the successful operation of the enterprise; and
  • Of a magnitude to support the likelihood that the treaty investor will successfully develop and direct the enterprise.

Whether an amount of capital is substantial in the proportionality sense is understood in terms of an inverted sliding scale; i.e. , the lower the total cost of the enterprise, the higher, proportionately, the investment must be to meet these criteria.

A marginal enterprise is an enterprise that does not have the present or future capacity to generate more than enough income to provide a minimal living for the treaty investor and his or her family. An enterprise that does not have the capacity to generate such income but that has a present or future capacity to make a significant economic contribution is not a marginal enterprise. The projected future capacity should generally be realizable within five years from the date the alien commences normal business activity of the enterprise.