Business and Employment based
US Visa And Green Card Specialist’s

If you are a business owner who is looking to invest and live in the United States, the E2 Visa may be the perfect option for you. It is a treaty investor visa that allows foreign nationals to come to the United States and invest in a business.

If you are interested in applying for an E2 Visa, this information will provide you with all the information that you need to know. 

So, whether you're just getting started on your research or ready to apply for an E2 Visa, keep reading for all of the information you'll need.

What is an E2 Visa?

The E2 Visa is a treaty investor visa that allows foreign nationals to come to the United States and invest in a business. It is available to citizens of numerous countries that have a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States.

An E2 visa is valid up-to five years and can be extended ongoing. The spouse and unmarried minor children under the age of 21 of an E2 visa holder can also come to the United States on an E2 dependent visa.

It is important to note that the E2 Visa does not “directly” lead to a green card or citizenship, however, it is possible to transition from an E2 Visa to a green card through another visa category.

What are the Benefits of an E2 Visa?

There are many benefits that come with having an E2 Visa. These benefits include:

1) Ability to live and work in the United States

One of the biggest benefits of the E2 Visa is that it allows you to live and work in the United States. This means that you will not have to worry about renewing your visa every few months or years as you would with a tourist visa.

2) No minimum investment

There is no investment minimum for the E2 Visa. This means that you can invest as little or as much as you want in your business. 

3) Spouses can work in the United States

If you have an E2 Visa, your spouse will also be able to live and work in the United States. They will be able to get a work permit and work in any job that they want.

4) Children can study in the United States

Your children will be able to live and study in the United States if you have an E2 Visa. This is a great benefit if you are looking to send your children to school in the United States.

5) Travel freely in and out of the country

You can travel freely in and out of the United States as long as there is no change of status to E-2 visa, and there is no limit to the number of times you can enter or exit the country. 

6) You can live indefinitely

You can stay in the United States indefinitely on an E-2 visa as long as you keep your status.

7) The processing time is usually quick

The processing time for an E-2 visa is usually quick, but it will depend on the country you are applying from.

What are the requirements for an E2 Visa?

There are a few requirements that you will need to meet in order to be eligible for an E2 Visa. These requirements include, but not limited to:

• You must be a national of a country that has a treaty with the United States for commerce and navigation.
• You must be coming to the United States to invest in a business.
• The investment must be considered substantial.
• The investment must be at risk and non-refundable. 

Investment Requirements for E-2 Visa

The investment requirements for an E-2 Visa are not as high as other investor visas such as the EB-5. There is no minimum investment amount, but the investment must be considered substantial.

A substantial amount of capital is typically one that is sufficient to ensure the successful operation of the business. As standard expectation is an investment of a least $100,000 or more to be considered substantial. The size of the investment will depend on the type of business and the industry.

For example, a marketing agency would require a smaller investment than a restaurant. The investment must also be at risk; it cannot be a loan or money that you have personally borrowed. 

General Qualifications of a Treaty Investor

The investor must meet the following requirements to be eligible for E-2 status:

• Be a citizen of a country with which the United States has a commercial and navigation treaty;
• Have invested, or are currently in the process of investing, a significant amount of money in a genuine business in the United States; and
• Be looking to come to the United States just to establish and direct your investment. You must be in a managerial position or another corporate position and have at least 50% ownership of the company.

The investment into the U.S. business has to have the capacity to generate significantly more income than just enough to provide for you and your family. 

You must show that you’re coming to the United States to develop and direct the business and be an active participant in its management.

E-2 Visa Investment Examples

There are a few examples of investments that would qualify for E-2 Visa. These examples include:

1) Starting a franchise

Franchises have a proven business model and can be a great way to get your business up and running quickly. There are many different types of franchises available, so you should be able to find one that fits your skills and interests.

2) Buying an existing business

If you are interested in owning your own business but don't want to start from scratch, you can consider buying an existing business. This can be a great option if you find the right business for sale. It is important to do your research and due diligence before buying a business.

3) Opening a new business

If you have a great business idea, you can start a new business. This option will require more work than buying an existing business, but it can be a great way to get your business up and running. The new business should have a solid business and marketing plan.

E-2 visa countries

The E-2 visa is available to citizens of certain countries. These countries have a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States. 

You can find the latest list of countries on the US State Department website and Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

E-2 Visa Processing Time

The processing time for an E2 Visa can vary depending on the embassy or consulate where you apply. It is important to check the processing times for the specific embassy or consulate before scheduling your interview.

In general, it takes around 3-5 months to process an E2 Visa application.

E2 Visa Travel Restrictions

As an E2 Visa holder, you are allowed to travel freely in and out of the United States. However, you must maintain your status as a treaty investor.

If you travel outside the United States, you must have a valid passport and an E2 Visa to re-enter. You will also need to present proof of investment funds and evidence of your intent to return to the United States.

Period of Stay

The number of extensions an E-2 non-immigrant may obtain is limitless, however, all E-2 non-immigrants must have a plan to leave the United States when their legal status expires or is terminated.

E2 visa to green card

The E2 visa is a non-immigrant visa, meaning that it is not a path to a Green Card. You will need to apply for a different visa if you want to become a permanent resident of the United States.

Is E-2 Visa Worth It?

Yes, the E-2 Visa is definitely worth it if you qualify and meet the requirements. It is a great way to live and work in the United States as long as you are employed by a company that is registered with the US government. You can also bring your family members with you on this visa. The E-2 Visa is renewable and there is no limit to how many times you can renew it.