Having a business partner in your E2 company is possible — and, in many cases, advantageous. What usually raises questions is how the partnership affects the total investment and how much each partner needs to contribute. There are two very different scenarios: a foreign partner and an American partner.

Scenario 1: a foreign partner who will also apply for the E2

The E2 allows up to two foreign partners to apply for the visa through the same business, each holding 50% of the company and contributing 50% of the capital. Both have equal decision-making power.

And here comes the part that surprises most people (in a good way): having a partner does not double the recommended minimum investment. If the reference level is US$ 100,000, each partner does not need to invest US$ 100,000. The two can split it — for example, US$ 50,000 each — and still both apply for the E2, as long as the business meets the other requirements.

This format is especially useful in two common situations: a son or daughter over 21 (who can no longer enter as a dependent) becoming a partner to obtain their own visa; or siblings applying together, splitting resources and often already used to working with each other.

Scenario 2: an American partner

When the partner is American, the investment logic changes. The E2 candidate must own at least 50% of the company, but the required share depends on the total amount invested in the business:

  • Investment up to US$ 150,000: the E2 candidate must own 100% of the company and invest 100% of the capital.
  • Investment from US$ 150,000 to US$ 500,000: at least 75% of the total amount.
  • Investment above US$ 500,000: at least 50% of the total amount.

The logic of the law: when there's an American partner, the E2 candidate needs to make the primary, substantial investment in the business. That's why these tiers exist — they ensure the foreign investor is, in fact, the financial engine of the venture.

Note

Every case has its particulars. As with the entire E2 process, it's the immigration attorney who validates the ownership structure, the equity split, and the documentation. The rules above are the starting point, not a closed formula.

Where Unike comes in

Our part is helping you (and your partners) choose the right franchise for everyone's profile and goals, considering the investment each one has available. The legal structuring of the partnership and the visa application stay with the immigration attorney we refer. That way, the partnership strengthens the case instead of complicating it.