E-2 Visa: Treaty Investor
Build, Direct, and Grow Your Business in the United States
The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa is a powerful nonimmigrant visa option for entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors from countries that maintain a valid treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States.
The E-2 visa allows qualified foreign nationals to invest in and direct the operations of a business in the United States, creating new jobs and contributing to the U.S. economy. This flexible visa option is popular among international startups, small business owners, and established companies expanding to the U.S. market.
What Is the E-2 Visa?
The E-2 visa permits foreign investors and key employees to enter and work in the U.S. to develop and direct an active, for-profit enterprise in which they have made (or are actively making) a substantial investment of capital.
Unlike other business visas, the E-2 does not require a specific minimum investment amount set by law — but the investment must be “substantial” in relation to the total cost of purchasing or establishing the business and sufficient to ensure the investor’s commitment to its success.
Who Qualifies for the E-2 Visa?
✅ Treaty Country Citizenship:
You must be a national of a country that has a valid E-2 treaty with the United States. (Permanent residents do not qualify.)
✅ Substantial Investment:
You must have invested, or be actively in the process of investing, a substantial amount of capital in a bona fide U.S. business. The investment must be at risk and committed to the enterprise.
✅ Real and Operating Enterprise:
The business must be a real, active commercial enterprise producing goods or services for profit. Passive investments (like owning undeveloped land or stocks) do not qualify.
✅ Investor’s Control and Role:
The investor must own at least 50% of the business or have operational control through a managerial or executive role.
✅ Job Creation:
The enterprise should have the capacity to create jobs for U.S. workers and must not be marginal — it must generate income significantly above what is needed to support the investor and their family.
✅ Intent to Depart:
The investor must intend to leave the U.S. when E-2 status ends.
Examples of E-2 Businesses
✅ Restaurants, cafés, or retail stores
✅ Professional service firms (consulting, marketing, design)
✅ Tech startups and software companies
✅ Import/export companies
✅ Manufacturing or production businesses
✅ Franchise ownership
✅ Expanding an existing foreign company to the U.S.
Key Benefits of the E-2 Visa
✅ Live and work in the U.S. to develop and direct your investment enterprise.
✅ No minimum investment amount required by statute — flexible for small businesses and startups.
✅ Valid for up to five years (depending on the treaty country) and renewable indefinitely as long as the business continues to meet E-2 requirements.
✅ Spouses and unmarried children under 21 may accompany the investor under E-2 dependent status. Spouses can apply for work authorization in the U.S., and children can attend school.
✅ Freedom to travel in and out of the U.S. while E-2 status remains valid.
How the E-2 Visa Process Works
✅ Step 1 — Confirm Treaty Eligibility:
Verify that your country holds an E-2 treaty with the United States.
✅ Step 2 — Make a Substantial Investment:
Invest significant capital in a real, operating U.S. business or demonstrate that you are actively in the process of investing.
✅ Step 3 — Gather Documentation:
Prepare a detailed business plan, proof of source of funds, business licenses, lease agreements, contracts, organizational charts, and other documents to show that the investment is substantial and viable.
✅ Step 4 — Apply at a U.S. Consulate:
Most investors apply for the E-2 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. Some investors already in the U.S. under another status may apply to change status by filing Form I-129 with USCIS.
✅ Step 5 — Maintain E-2 Status:
Run the business actively and meet E-2 requirements to renew the visa as needed. Keep accurate records of revenue, employees, and operations.
How USCIS Expert Helps with E-2 Visas
E-2 petitions require extensive evidence and a clear demonstration that your investment meets U.S. immigration law standards. Many applications are delayed or denied because they lack strong business plans, financial documentation, or credible proof that funds are at risk.
USCIS Expert will help you:
✅ Confirm your eligibility under your country’s treaty.
✅ Develop a comprehensive business plan that meets consular standards.
✅ Prepare and organize evidence of your investment, source of funds, and business operations.
✅ Advise you on structuring ownership and control to meet E-2 requirements.
✅ Support your spouse’s work authorization and dependent filings.
✅ Guide you through the visa interview and any extensions or renewals.
Invest. Build. Succeed in the United States.
The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa provides ambitious entrepreneurs and investors with a practical pathway to build a successful business in the world’s largest market. Whether you are starting fresh, buying a franchise, or expanding an existing company, USCIS Expert is here to help you navigate the E-2 process and achieve your American business goals.
Contact us today to find out how the E-2 visa can turn your investment dream into a thriving reality.