Read the general investor planning overview
A Saint-Charles-de-Bourget investor should connect committed funds with the actual ownership and governance rights acquired. The first review should create a closing checklist that separates ownership, control, source of funds, commitments and business viability. The investor must decide whether to sign, fund or renegotiate the transaction only after the documents can show the enterprise that will exist at filing. A projected purchase is less persuasive than records showing what has actually been acquired and what risk has been accepted.
Separate price, nationality and direction
E-2 requires treaty nationality, at least 50% relevant national enterprise ownership and the applicant’s ability to develop and direct. A larger share purchase price does not alone establish practical authority. Read voting rights, management provisions and reserved decisions together, and explain material veto rights rather than rely only on a simplified ownership percentage. Follow the money from its lawful origin through each account into the enterprise and read the financing documents for who bears the loss. Then test the operating plan against real costs, customers and staffing needs. The decision is not simply how much to spend; it is whether the committed amount is substantial relative to this business and whether the enterprise can be shown not to be marginal.
Retain the substantive enterprise and capital requirements
There is no fixed E-2 minimum or ten-job quota. Substantial lawful capital must be traced and genuinely at risk in a real nonmarginal enterprise, exceeding minimal investor-family support or meeting the applicable significant economic-contribution standard. Assess actual escrow and financing terms; a promised future amendment to governance should not be presented as an effective change before its conditions are fulfilled. Hypothetical example: A zero-waste detergent refill shop has paid a supplier deposit but may recover it unconditionally if the owner changes their mind. The owner must decide whether to alter the contract, make other qualifying commitments, or wait, because an amount left freely recoverable may not demonstrate the needed exposure to loss. The share register and operating agreement must separately show relevant treaty-national ownership and the investor’s ability to direct the shop.
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.