There is no fixed statutory dollar minimum; the investment must be substantial relative to the total cost of establishing or buying that type of business, judged on a sliding scale. Beyond the purchase price, budget for working capital, visa application costs, and professional fees for preparing the financing and business-plan evidence.
Budget substantiality relative to the business, not a generic figure
Compare Sana's total committed capital to realistic costs for establishing the actual franchise, rather than relying on a round number circulated informally. Analyze working capital under the same commitment and at-risk rules instead of automatically excluding it from the qualifying investment, and show that the enterprise can actually operate on the stated funds.
Separate the price of the business from the investment evidence and immigration process. The total plan may include purchase price, leasehold improvements, inventory, equipment, professional services, insurance, licensing, application charges, and family travel. The relevant question is not whether a single number meets a published minimum—there is no universal fixed E-2 minimum—but whether the committed amount is substantial for this enterprise’s total cost. Hypothetical example: A custom orthotics studio has a low purchase price but requires expensive scanning equipment before it can operate. Budgeting only the purchase price understates both the capital need and the investment picture. Record whether each outlay is paid, contractually committed, or merely projected. A clear ledger helps distinguish capital genuinely placed at commercial risk from funds that remain available in a personal account.
Review whether the business has enough operating cash after the planned commitment. An application strategy cannot responsibly require the investor to starve the enterprise of inventory, payroll, insurance, or working capital merely to make a headline investment amount appear larger.