Every E-2 journey begins with a defined business idea and the commitment to bring it to life. You know what you want to build and who your market is. The next step is turning that plan into a working company in the United States that meets the E-2 requirement for a real and operating enterprise.
That process begins before the application. It is the point where your concept starts to take shape in the U.S. market. You form the entity, organize funds, and commit capital in a way that shows the business is genuine.
The E-2 visa is based on evidence, not intent. The funds must be committed and at risk, and the enterprise must be ready to operate. For many founders, this is the most demanding part of the process because every business move also supports the immigration case.
When done carefully, this stage does more than prove eligibility. It builds the structure, credibility, and readiness of a business that can operate confidently from day one in the U.S.
From plan to proof
A solid business plan sits at the center of every strong E-2 case. It defines how much you will invest, where the money will go, and how the business will grow. It is a blueprint that guides your early decisions.
Use it to shape how capital moves. If your plan calls for a retail space, negotiate a lease or pay a deposit. If your model depends on equipment, place the purchase order. Each expense should match your projections and bring the business closer to launch.
A clear plan prevents scattered spending. It ensures that every dollar committed can be justified both as sound business practice and as proof that the funds are truly at risk.
Establishing a real presence
Once your plan directs the path, build the framework that shows the business exists. Register the company in the state where it will operate and apply for an Employer Identification Number through the Internal Revenue Service. Open a U.S. business bank account and use it exclusively for investment activity.
These steps serve two purposes. They establish the legal and financial structure of the enterprise, and they create the documentation that immigration officers use to confirm that your funds are flowing into a bona fide U.S. business.
Committing capital with strategy
For E-2 eligibility, the investment must already be committed and exposed to risk. The spending should be practical and connected directly to business operations. Lease deposits, professional services, marketing costs, and inventory purchases all count when they are part of the business plan.
The goal is to demonstrate that your investment is real, traceable, and proportionate to the scale of the business. Keep proof of every transaction, including contracts, receipts, and bank statements. This documentation becomes the backbone of the petition.
Starting operations before visa approval
At this stage, most of the investment has been made and the structure is in place. The next step is to show that the business is ready to operate once the visa is granted. This period is about preparation and positioning, not running the business.
If you are abroad, you can direct every aspect of the setup remotely. You can finalize contracts, coordinate with suppliers, and prepare marketing campaigns. If you are in the United States under another status, you may continue these tasks as the business owner but cannot perform work that would normally require E-2 authorization. Activities such as managing staff, serving customers, or generating revenue must wait until the visa is approved.
Your focus during this time should be readiness. Develop your website, prepare your marketing materials, and build relationships with vendors or clients. You can sign letters of intent or conditional agreements that take effect once operations begin. These actions demonstrate that the enterprise is real and close to launch without crossing any legal boundaries.
Keep detailed records of every step. Contracts, invoices, and correspondence show consistent progress and help confirm that the business is organized and genuine. When your petition is reviewed, officers should see a complete structure that is ready to begin operating the moment approval is issued.
Key takeaway
An E-2 business takes shape through planning, investment, and proof of progress. Each step brings it closer to operation, even before the visa is approved. What matters is that by the time you apply, the work you have already done speaks clearly for itself.
Source: