Registers and constating documents for each entity in the chain, evidence of each individual owner’s citizenship, and the governing documents that allocate control of the U.S. enterprise.
Two questions, two sets of documents
The nationality question is answered with corporate registers, share certificates and subscription records for every entity in the chain, together with passports or citizenship certificates for the individuals at the end of it. The control question is answered with the operating or shareholders’ agreement of the U.S. enterprise: who appoints management, who signs contracts, who has banking authority, who can hire and spend, and whether ordinary decisions require anyone else’s consent. A minority holder who genuinely runs the business can establish that, but only if the documents say so. Where records are in French and will be submitted to USCIS, complete certified English translations are required for each.
Use a ledger that ties each bank statement, transfer, invoice, contract, and receipt to one business purpose. The signed purchase agreement and the release conditions often resolve more than a broad business plan. Keep ownership records for every intermediary entity, including changes after closing. Sequence the document collection from origin of funds to commitment and then operations. Hypothetical example: a commercial-laundry buyer produces invoices but no payment trail; cancelled transfers and the escrow statement connect the purchases to the enterprise.
Mark each document with the transaction stage it proves, so a purchase invoice is not mistakenly used as proof of payment or proof of treaty ownership.