E-2 Treaty Investor Visa: Build and Run Your Business in the U.S.
If you’re an entrepreneur from a treaty country and you’re ready to invest in the U.S., the E-2 visa offers a flexible and renewable way to live and work while growing your business.
We help investors turn opportunity into reality—navigating every legal step so you can focus on launching or expanding your company with confidence.
What Is the E-2 Visa?
The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa is a nonimmigrant visa for nationals of countries that have a qualifying treaty with the United States. It allows you to enter and remain in the U.S. to own, direct, and develop a business where you’ve made a significant financial investment.
This visa is especially popular among entrepreneurs, startups, and family-owned businesses seeking long-term operations in the U.S.
Who Qualifies for an E-2 Visa?
To be eligible, you must:
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Be a citizen of a treaty country
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Invest a substantial amount of capital in a real U.S. business
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Have at least 50% ownership or controlling interest in the company
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Be actively involved in directing and managing the business
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Prove that the business is not marginal (it must generate more than enough income to support you and your family)
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Show that your investment is at risk and irrevocable
There’s no official minimum investment, but most successful applications involve at least $100,000 USD or more, depending on the business type and market.
What Can You Do With an E-2 Visa?
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Live and work in the U.S. to manage your business
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Renew your visa indefinitely, as long as the business remains active and compliant
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Travel freely—each return to the U.S. typically grants an automatic 2-year readmission
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Bring your spouse and children (under 21) as dependents
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Your spouse can apply for work authorization to work for any employer in the U.S.
Important Considerations
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The E-2 visa is not a direct path to a Green Card. However, there are legal strategies to transition to permanent residency through other routes, such as the EB-5 or employment-based visas.
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You can only work in the business approved under your E-2 visa. If your role or business structure changes significantly, you must update your status with USCIS.
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Children can stay as dependents only until they turn 21. After that, they’ll need their own visa or status.
Why the E-2 Visa Is So Valuable
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No fixed visa cap or lottery
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Faster processing compared to other business visa types
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Unlimited renewals—giving you long-term flexibility
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Ideal for business owners and family-run ventures
But success depends heavily on how well your application is prepared—especially your financials, your business plan, and your documentation.