Read the general investor planning overview
A Sainte-Rose-du-Nord investor relying on a major contract should explain the committed work, optional renewals and actual operating costs. A first review should make two columns: money already committed and commercial revenue that may arrive later. It should name the document that settles each entry, such as a paid invoice, escrow agreement, purchase receipt, or signed customer commitment. Hypothetical example: A specialty mushroom-spawn laboratory has a letter of intent from a grower and has already paid for sterile equipment. The investor must decide whether the paid equipment and remaining risk, rather than the possible order, support the investment account.
Assess the forecast under the nonmarginality standard
A real nonmarginal enterprise must exceed minimal investor-family support or meet the applicable significant economic-contribution standard; E-2 does not impose a ten-job quota. Explain material termination and renewal conditions instead of presenting all possible future contract revenue as assured. The number of customers alone does not supply a universal conclusion. Read the customer contract with the expenses needed to perform it. The reviewer should identify cancellation terms, price adjustments, renewal rights, staffing, premises, and operating reserves before deciding whether the forecast is realistic. The business cannot be marginal: it must show more than support for the investor and family alone, or meet the applicable significant economic-contribution standard. A customer’s optimistic estimate does not settle that question.
Trace the investor’s actual contribution and authority
E-2 requires treaty nationality, at least 50% relevant national enterprise ownership and the ability to develop and direct. Capital must be substantial, lawfully sourced and traced, and genuinely at risk; there is no fixed minimum. A revenue projection is not automatically an already completed contribution. Review actual customer payments, financing and escrow according to their real terms rather than relabel future income as capital already invested. The investment record must also establish treaty nationality, qualifying ownership, and the applicant’s real ability to develop and direct the enterprise. Capital has to be substantial in context, lawfully sourced, irrevocably committed, and exposed to commercial loss. Decide whether an escrow condition, financing term, or unpaid purchase obligation leaves too much money recoverable. A future invoice is not a substitute for capital presently put at risk.
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.