How does the consulate evaluate control in the E-2?

In the E-2, the consulate evaluates control as evidence that the investor has decisive influence over the direction of the business. The goal is to confirm that you genuinely run the company, not that you merely placed money into it.

Control is typically demonstrated in one of two ways: through majority ownership of the company’s capital, or through a managerial position that grants real authority to direct operations. The central point is the actual capacity to make decisions and steer the business.

Documents that help establish this include shareholder agreements, organizational charts, meeting minutes, and other records showing the command structure. The consulate also looks at whether the investment is genuine and actively deployed in the business, with a clear development strategy.

Because each case is evaluated individually, the safest approach is to gather solid, transparent documentation and confirm current requirements with official sources such as USCIS and the Department of State, or with a specialist.

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Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.