How to prove the source of funds for E-2 visa?
Learn about the different source of funds for E-2 visa that you can have and how to prove the legitimacy of it. Get a free assessment today.
The Source of Funds For E-2 Visa
The E2 Visa Most Crucial Requirements
One of the most important requirements for the E-2 visa is to show that the investment funds are legitimate and have been obtained through legal means. The source of funds for an E-2 visa can come from:
Personal Savings
The most common source of investment funds for E-2 visa is personal savings. Applicants can use their own funds that they have saved up over time to invest in a U.S. business. To qualify, applicants must show that they have a substantial amount of personal savings and that the funds have been earned through legal means.
Gifts or Inheritance
Another source of investment funds for the E-2 visa can be gifts or inheritance. If an applicant has received a gift or inheritance of a substantial amount of money, they can use those funds to invest in a U.S. business. However, they must provide evidence that the funds were given to them as a gift or inheritance and not obtained through illegal means.
Loans
Applicants can also use loans to invest in a U.S. business. However, the loan must be secured by collateral that is not related to the U.S. business, and the applicant must show that they have the ability to repay the loan. Additionally, the loan cannot be obtained from the U.S. business where the applicant is investing.
Sale of Assets
If an applicant has assets, such as property or stocks, they can sell those assets and use the proceeds to invest in a U.S. business. However, they must provide evidence of the sale and show that the funds were obtained through legal means.
Profits From Business
To prove that the source of your fund’s profits is from a business, you will need to provide evidence of audited financial statements, corporate tax returns, consistent salary, income, dividends, and profit and loss statements for at least five years from that specific business.
Investment from a Business Partner
Applicants can also use funds from a business partner to invest in a U.S. business. However, the business partner must also be applying for the E-2 visa and must have a substantial role in the management of the business.
It is important to work with an experienced E-2 visa consultant to ensure that all requirements are met and to increase the chances of a successful E-2 visa application.
How to prove the source of funds legitimacy?
The Documents You Need To Showcase
If you are applying for an E-2 visa, one of the most important requirements is to prove the source of your investment funds. This can be done by providing various documents that demonstrate the legitimacy of your funds. Here are some of the documents you will need to prove the source of your E-2 visa funds:
Bank Statements: You will need to provide bank statements showing where your funds came from and that they were obtained legally. These statements should show a clear paper trail of your funds from their origin to their current location.
Tax Returns: You will need to provide your personal and/or business tax returns for the past few years. This will help to demonstrate your financial stability and the legality of your funds. Generally, a three-year record of tax returns is sufficient, though fewer years may be acceptable if there are substantial earnings in one or two years.
Proof of Employment: If your funds were obtained through employment, you would need to provide documentation such as pay stubs, employment contracts, or letters from your employer. Bank statements may also be required to show the accumulation of funds over time, accompanied by evidence of the deposits’ origin. Increasingly, USCIS may request proof of the gradual accumulation of funds.
Sale of Assets: If you sold assets to obtain your investment funds, you would need to provide documentation that shows you owned the assets and the sale transaction, such as a bill of sale or a statement from the bank showing the transfer of funds.
Inheritance or Gift: If your investment funds were obtained through inheritance or gift, you would need to provide documentation such as a will, trust agreement, or gift letter. The giver must provide evidence to demonstrate that the funds have been obtained through legal means.
Loan Documents: If you obtained a loan to fund your investment, you would need to provide documents showing the terms of the loan, the collateral used to secure the loan, and proof of repayment. In case the funds originate from a loan obtained from another person, an evaluation of the source of those funds must be conducted. The person providing the loan must provide the same information as an investor. Furthermore, documentation such as bank statements must show the transfer of the loan from the third party to the business bank account. It is important to note that loans secured against the company or its assets cannot be considered as part of the E-2 investment.
Business Documents: If your investment funds came from a business, you would need to provide business documents such as business tax returns, audited financial statements, and a business plan.
Providing the appropriate documents to prove the source of your E-2 visa funds is critical to a successful application. By gathering and organizing the required documents and working with an experienced immigration attorney, you can increase your chances of obtaining an E-2 visa and realizing your business investment goals in the United States.
You Don't Know Which Business To Go For Your E-2 Visa?
Tips On Proving The Source Of Funds Legitimacy
What do you need to understand before applying for an E-2 visa?
The first step is to provide documentation that shows where your funds came from, such as bank statements and tax returns, and showcasing a paper trail of your funds. If there are any discrepancies, you also need to show them in your financial documentation, such as gaps in employment or large deposits. You should be prepared to explain them to the satisfaction of the consular officer. It is important to be honest, and transparent about your funds’ source. If you attempt to hide or misrepresent the source of your funds, your application may be denied.
Furthermore, when filing with USCIS or specific consulates, it is necessary to translate all documents into English. The source of funds section in a complex USCIS filing can often surpass 100 pages. It is highly recommended to work with an experienced E-2 visa consultant like us to help you prepare a strong application and provide guidance on how to prove the legitimacy of your funds. Get a free assessment and consultation for your E-2 visa investment today. Click here.
