Read the rights behind the forecast
Hypothetical example: a buyer’s plan assumes exclusive distribution, but the final supplier agreement is nonexclusive and requires additional inventory purchases. Record the actual rights, purchase obligations and effect on the forecast. Do not keep describing an exclusive territory that the contract does not grant. The first review follows each dollar from lawful source to the business commitment. Bank statements alone rarely explain a transfer. Pair them with sale documents, earnings records, gift instruments where relevant, transfer confirmations, escrow terms, invoices, and the business account trail. The question is not simply whether money exists; it is whether the applicant has placed qualifying funds at risk in the actual venture and can document the path without unexplained gaps.
Reconcile the investment with the changed operation
Identify funds committed, conditions and remaining resources. Substantiality is assessed relative to purchasing or establishing the enterprise; there is no universal minimum. Explain how the business meets the applicable non-marginality requirement rather than assuming the earlier sales projection still demonstrates it. Substantiality is proportional, not a fixed published dollar amount. Build the budget around the real cost of buying or launching this enterprise, then distinguish committed purchases from funds that remain freely withdrawable. A careful plan also addresses operating capital, ownership, staffing, revenue assumptions, and the capacity to become more than a marginal livelihood. Inflated projections will not repair a small or unfinished commercial commitment.
Document nationality, control and funding
Establish the applicant’s and enterprise’s qualifying treaty nationality, the investor’s ability to develop and direct, and lawful source and path of funds. Read loan, escrow and refund terms on their facts. A supplier agreement is one part of the operating evidence, not a substitute for those separate requirements. Ownership and control must be checked before money moves. The enterprise normally needs at least half ownership by nationals of the relevant treaty country, and the applicant must have the ability to develop and direct the business. Trace voting rights through every entity, not merely the names on a business card. If a partner or investor will control everyday decisions, resolve that fact candidly before presenting the applicant as the person who will lead the enterprise.
Establish treaty ownership and lawful funding
The enterprise generally must be at least 50% owned by nationals of the relevant treaty country. Canada is a treaty country, but applicant residence is not a substitute for nationality. Trace the actual ownership chain and the lawful source and path of investment capital that is irrevocably committed and at risk. A bank receipt alone may not establish ownership or funding history. E-2 does not provide a direct path to permanent residence.
Sources reviewed 2026-09-07. This guide covers a preparation focus; it is not an individual eligibility assessment.