What Is The E-2 Investor Visa? How Can It Be Obtained?

Index

• E-2 Visa Explained 2025
• What Is The E-2 Visa?
• Which Visa Is Right for You: E-1 vs E-2 Treaty Visa?
• E-2 Visa Investment Amounts and Eligible Business Models (2025)
• Types of Businesses for the E-2 Visa
• Advantages of the E-2 Investor Visa
• How to Apply for an E-2 Visa: Step-by-Step Process
• E-2 Visa Processing Time and Costs (2025)
• E-2 Visa Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

E-2 Visa Explained 2025

The E-2 Investor Visa, also known as the Treaty Investor Visa, provides entrepreneurs and investors with a valuable opportunity to grow their business in the United States. Granted under bilateral treaty agreements between the U.S. and eligible countries, the E-2 visa enables foreign nationals to establish a new business or invest a significant amount of capital in an existing enterprise in the U.S. 

Learn the process, cost, timeline, and requirements of the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa, including how it differs from the E-1 Treaty Trader Visa and answers to the most frequently asked questions.

What Is The E-2 Visa? 

The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa is a temporary U.S. visa for citizens of countries that have signed investment treaties with the United States. It permits qualified investors to live in the U.S. while launching a new enterprise, buying into an existing company, or expanding a business, provided they actively manage and grow the venture.

In addition to investors, the E-2 category includes E-2 employees. These individuals are nationals of the same treaty country and come to the United States to work as executives, managers, or key employees in a business that is at least 50% owned by nationals of the same treaty country.

This visa option provides entrepreneurs and businesspeople from around the world with an opportunity to expand into the American market if they meet the specific requirements of the E-2 investor visa program. The U.S. Department of State publishes the official E-2 visa countries list 2025, which provides all treaty nations that currently qualify for the U.S. E-2 visa.

Which Visa Is Right for You: E-1 vs E-2 Treaty Visa?

Differences Between E-2 Visa and E-2 Status

The terms E-2 visa and E-2 status are closely related but represent different paths with distinct implications for applicants.

E-2 Visa Eligibility and Requirements (2025)

To obtain an E-2 investor visa, applicants must meet certain criteria outlined in U.S. immigration law. The core E-2 visa eligibility criteria for 2025 are listed below:

1. Nationality Requirement
   Only citizens of countries that maintain an investment or trade treaty with the United States are eligible. For example, an E-2 visa for Turkish citizens is possible since Turkey is on the treaty country list. Similarly, the program is available to applicants from other eligible nations, such as Canada (E-2 visa for Canadians).

2. Investment Amount and Source of Funds
   Applicants must commit a substantial investment, large enough to launch or sustain a U.S. business. For small businesses, lower investments may be acceptable, while larger enterprises or franchises generally require higher amounts.
   Importantly, the source of funds must be lawful and well-documented. For instance, proceeds from the sale of property in the home country can first be deposited into a local bank account and then officially transferred to a U.S. business account, providing supporting evidence.

3. Ownership and Active Management
   The investor must own at least 50% of the enterprise and must actively direct or develop the business. Simply providing capital as a passive investor does not meet the E-2 visa USA requirements.

4. Establishing an Active Enterprise
   E-2 investment cannot be in a passive asset, such as a residential property purchase. The business must be active and generate revenue while contributing to the U.S. economy.

5. Job Creation and Economic Impact
   The enterprise must demonstrate genuine economic value beyond supporting only the investor’s household. The idea is that it'll create jobs for American workers, including citizens and green card holders. A strong business plan must demonstrate how the E-2 investment will sustain operations and contribute to job creation.

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E-2 Visa Investment Amounts and Eligible Business Models (2025)

Unlike some visa categories, there is no fixed E-2 visa minimum investment amount set by U.S. immigration law. Instead, applicants must make a substantial investment large enough to make their enterprise operational and sustainable. The required E-2 visa investment amount varies depending on the industry, scale of the business, and the risk involved.

Small-Scale Investments

For smaller businesses, such as food trucks, small cafés, or single-truck logistics operations, an investment in the range of $40,000 - $100,000 is often sufficient.

Medium-Scale Investments

Opening a café, restaurant, or boutique retail store typically requires an E-2 visa minimum investment of $100,000 - $300,000 to be considered realistic.

Medium-Scale Investments

More capital-intensive projects, such as launching a language school or purchasing a fitness franchise, generally require E-2 visa investments of $300,000 or more.

Types of Businesses for the E-2 Visa

The types of businesses for E-2 visa eligibility are broad, and many industries can qualify as long as the enterprise is active, profitable, and creates U.S. jobs. Some common examples of E-2 visa investments include:

• Restaurants and food service operations

• Logistics and transportation (e.g., trucking, warehousing, delivery services)

• E-commerce ventures selling clothing, electronics, home goods, and subscription models

• Retail stores (grocery, apparel, electronics)

• Service businesses (cleaning, consulting, and repair and maintenance).

Advantages of the E-2 Investor Visa

The E-2 visa offers numerous benefits to entrepreneurs and investors looking to start or grow a business in the United States. Some of the most important advantages are listed below:

1. Opportunity to start or expand a U.S. business

Investors can start their own company, buy into an existing enterprise, or invest through a franchise model. This flexibility enables entrepreneurs to grow their business and enter the American market with diverse options.

2. Expedited processing option

Applicants filing from within the United States may request Premium Processing, which can result in a decision in as little as 15 days. For consular applications, processing times depend on the workload of the specific U.S. embassy or consulate.

3. Long-term status and renewal possibilities

• Change of Status (inside the U.S.): It provides an initial two-year stay, which can be extended indefinitely in two-year increments.
• Consular Visa (Outside the U.S.): Many consular-issued visas are valid for up to five years and can be renewed for additional five-year periods. These visas allow for multiple entries and exits from the U.S. during their validity period.

4. Benefits for Family Members

The E-2 visa extends advantages to the investor’s family:

• E-2 visa spouse work permit: Spouses are eligible for employment authorization and can obtain a Social Security Number (SSN).
• E-2 visa dependents: Unmarried children under 21 may accompany the investor to the United States.
• E-2 visa children education: Dependents may attend school or university in the U.S. while under E-2 status.

4. Flexibility in Business Models

The E-2 investor visa is not limited to one industry. Popular options include restaurants, logistics and transportation, e-commerce, consulting services, and retail. Applicants may launch a new venture, acquire an existing company, or invest in a well-known franchise.

How to Apply for an E-2 Visa: Step-by-Step Process

The E-2 visa application steps involve several phases, each of which must be carefully prepared to maximize the chances of approval. The following is an overview of the process as of 2025:

1. Planning the Investment

The first step is strategic planning. This involves deciding which industry to invest in, estimating the required E-2 visa investment amount, and confirming that the source of funds is lawful and well-documented. Investors also assess at this stage whether the proposed business model is likely to qualify under the E-2 visa eligibility criteria by demonstrating its economic impact and potential for job creation.

2. Company Formation and Business Plan

Once the strategy is clear, the next step is to establish a U.S. company or acquire shares in an existing business and prepare the documentation to support the petition. A comprehensive E-2 visa business plan is essential for the application. This plan must detail:

- How the investment funds will be allocated,

- How the enterprise will operate and generate revenue,

- Future growth and employment projections for U.S. workers.

High-quality E-2 visa business plan examples can be valuable references at this stage.

3. Preparing the Documentation Package

The application file is the most critical part of the process. A complete E-2 visa documentation checklist typically includes:

• E-2 visa cover letter summarizing the enterprise, the applicant’s role, and how the case meets all E-2 visa eligibility criteria.
• Evidence that the source of funds is lawful (e.g., sales contracts, bank transfer records)
• Proof that the investment has already been committed (e.g., invoices, contracts, leases)
• A comprehensive business plan covering operations, growth, and employment projections
• Supporting evidence of the applicant’s experience and managerial role

4. Filing Pathways: Change of Status or Consular Processing

Change of Status (Inside the U.S.)

If filing with USCIS, the case is reviewed on paper. Premium Processing can reduce the processing time for an E-2 visa to about 15 calendar days. However, approval through this process only grants E-2 status within the U.S. Once approved, you will receive a Form I-797, Notice of Action, confirming your new status. You will then be authorized to work for the business in which you invested immediately.

Important: If you need to travel abroad, you cannot reenter the U.S. with status alone. You must obtain an E-2 visa stamp from a U.S. consulate before returning. This is not just a quick stamp. It requires submitting a full E-2 application package and undergoing consular review.

Consular Processing (Outside the U.S.)

If you are applying from abroad, you must attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Successful applicants typically receive a visa valid for up to five years, allowing for multiple entries and exits. After the visa is issued, it is placed in your passport, and you may travel to the U.S.

Upon arrival, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will create an I-94 travel record showing your E-2 status and authorized period of stay. It is important to review this document for accuracy. Once admitted, you are authorized to begin working for your invested business.

Important:  You will need a Social Security Number (SSN) if you do not already have one, in order to work legally. Also, you will be subject to U.S. tax laws, and proper tax planning is essential for compliance.

5. Approval and Business Operations

Once approved, the investor can start running the U.S. business. Maintaining lawful operations, hiring employees, and following the business plan are essential. These factors will be critical for future E-2 visa renewal / extension requests.

E-2 Visa Processing Time and Costs (2025)

E-2 visa processing time 2025

Varies by method and location. Consular applications usually take two weeks to four months, depending on the embassy’s workload. USCIS applications via change of status can take four to six months, unless Premium Processing is requested, in which case a decision will be made in about 15 days.

E-2 visa cost

The overall cost of applying for an E-2 visa includes two main categories:

Investment
This is the amount that you invest in your U.S.-based business. There is no fixed minimum, but it must be substantial enough to make the business operational.

Application
Depending on how you apply, different forms and fees may apply:

• From inside the U.S. (Change of Status): Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) for the main applicant, and Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) for dependents.

• From outside the U.S. (Consular Processing): Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application) and the applicable visa processing fee at the consulate.

Note: Form I-907 (Request for Premium Processing) if you want expedited review.

E-2 Visa Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can an E-2 visa lead to a green card?

The E-2 investor visa itself does not provide permanent residency. However, many investors later pursue the route from an E-2 visa to a green card by switching to other categories, such as the EB-5 immigrant investor visa, family-based petitions or employment-based immigrant visas. While it is possible to convert an E-2 visa into permanent residency, this requires a separate application process.

Can E-2 visa holders transition to an EB-1C green card?

Yes. An E-2 visa holder may qualify for an EB-1C green card if there is a strong connection between their U.S. business and a foreign company, and they actively work in an executive or managerial role.

Can E-2 visa holders transition to an EB-3 green card?

Yes. An EB-3 green card is possible if the E-2 visa holder receives a genuine job offer from a U.S. employer that matches their experience, with reasonable salary conditions.

How long can I stay in the U.S. with an E-2 visa?

While inside the U.S. (E-2 status): You are granted two years at a time, renewable indefinitely in two-year increments.

Consular E-2 visa: Often valid for up to five years depending on reciprocity agreements and renewable in five-year increments.
Provided that renewals are approved and the business remains compliant, you can stay in the US for many years under the E-2 visa USA requirements.

What is the minimum investment required for an E-2 visa?

There is no fixed E-2 visa minimum investment amount set by law. Instead, applicants must make a substantial investment E-2 visa that is sufficient to make the enterprise operational and sustainable. For smaller businesses, this may be under $100,000, while larger projects or franchises often require more.

What countries qualify for the E-2 treaty investor visa?

Only nationals from countries eligible for E-2 visa may apply. You can check the official E-2 visa countries list 2025 published by the U.S. Department of State.

How long does it take to process an E-2 visa application?

The E-2 visa processing time 2025 varies depending on whether you file with USCIS inside the U.S. or apply at a consulate abroad.

• USCIS Change of Status: 4-6 months, or about 15 days with Premium Processing (Form I-907).

• Consular Processing: From 2 weeks to 4 months depending on the embassy.

Can E-2 visa holders bring their spouse and children?

Yes. E-2 visa dependents include the investor’s spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21. Dependents can live in the U.S. for as long as the E-2 visa is valid.

Can the spouse of an E-2 visa holder work in the U.S.?

Yes. The spouse is eligible for an E-2 visa spouse work permit, which also allows them to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).

Can children on an E-2 visa study in the U.S.?

Yes. The education benefits of an E-2 visa allow dependent children under 21 to attend school or university in the United States without needing a separate student visa.

What types of businesses qualify for an E-2 visa?

The types of businesses for E-2 visa eligibility are broad. Common E-2 visa investment examples include restaurants, logistics and transportation, e-commerce ventures, retail stores, and service-based enterprises. The key is that the business must be active and not marginal, creating jobs for U.S. workers.

Can E-2 visa holders hire employees?

Yes. E-2 enterprises can employ U.S. workers, and in some cases, employees from the same treaty country can also qualify if they are in an executive, supervisory or essential role.

What is the success rate of the E-2 visa?

The E-2 visa success rate is relatively high compared to other U.S. visas, especially when applicants present a well-prepared application with a strong business plan and clear evidence of substantial investment. However, outcomes vary by case and consular post.

Is an E-2 visa hard to get?

The E-2 visa is often viewed as more accessible than many other U.S. visas, but approval depends on meeting all E-2 eligibility criteria. Applicants must demonstrate a significant investment threshold, present a detailed business strategy, and prove that the enterprise is active and not marginal. Partnering with an experienced immigration attorney who can guide you through the documentation process greatly reduces the challenges and increases the likelihood of approval.

Why are some E-2 visa applications denied?

E-2 visa denial reasons often include:

• Insufficient or uncommitted investment funds

• A business plan that fails to demonstrate sustainability or job creation

• Source of funds not properly documented

• The enterprise is deemed 'marginal' (it only supports the investor's family)

• The applicant is not in a position to develop and direct the business

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