By comparing the committed amount with the total cost of buying the centre, shown in a schedule of goodwill, equipment, licence fees and working capital. Where the couple's own committed funds cover most of that cost, the investment is substantial for this business; there is no fixed minimum.
A cost schedule, not a magic number
Hypothetical example: the centre's price reflects goodwill, playground and classroom equipment, and a vehicle, and the couple will add working capital for the first months and the licensing fees. Build a table that lists each item, its cost, the document proving it and the source of the money paying it. The substantiality test compares the investor's committed funds with that total, and a high proportion supports the case.
Funds borrowed against the centre itself are not the investor's funds at risk, whereas a loan secured by the couple's remaining Canadian assets can be. Consular application fees follow the Department of State schedule and any USCIS filing for a later change or extension of status follows the G-1055 schedule; check both before budgeting. Reciprocity terms for visa validity should be read on the official site.
Do not spend on renovations before approval unless the agreement provides for it. The cost review should separate money paid toward the enterprise from application fees, legal or accounting work, travel, licensing, and ordinary moving expenses. A business-related payment in any category counts only to the extent that it is committed to the enterprise and exposed to commercial risk; immigration fees, personal travel, and moving expenses are not investment capital.
Hypothetical example: a specialty-coffee roaster includes a refundable apartment deposit in the business budget. The reviewer removes it from the enterprise calculation, documents the roasting equipment and leasehold work instead, and explains the remaining personal expenses separately. That classification makes the financial picture intelligible and avoids inflating the business commitment.