What is the E-2 visa?

The E-2 visa (also known as the investor visa) is a temporary work visa for investors who have committed capital to a new or existing U.S. business and will be creating jobs.

E-2 visas are designed to encourage foreign investment and make it easier for people contributing to the American economy to make their move.

To meet the E-2 visa requirements, you must:

1. Be a citizen of a country that has a qualifying treaty with the United States
2. Invest a substantial amount of money in a U.S. business
3. Be coming to the United States to run the business (learn about the best businesses for an E-2 visa here)

You can include your spouse and children under 21 years old in your E-2 visa application.

Is E-2 a good visa?

If you want to start a business and work in the U.S. and you’re from a treaty country, E-2 can be a strong option because it is often faster than many immigrant categories.

However, E-2 is not a green card. It is a nonimmigrant visa that depends on the continued operation of the business and compliance with E-2 requirements.

How long does an E-2 visa take?

E-2 timing depends heavily on the consulate and your case complexity. Some posts process quickly, while others can take longer due to local backlogs.

The quality and completeness of the documentation (business plan, proof of funds, proof of source of funds, ownership/structure, and operational readiness) can materially affect how smoothly your application moves.

How much does an E-2 visa cost?

E-2 costs typically include government fees (consular fees/issuance fees depending on nationality), attorney or preparation fees (if applicable), and—most significantly—the actual investment into the U.S. enterprise.

Because the investment amount and required documentation vary by case, it’s best to think of E-2 as a business build + immigration process rather than a single filing fee.

What are the E-2 visa requirements?

• You must be a citizen of a treaty country.
• You must make a substantial investment in a U.S. business.
• The business must be a real, operating commercial enterprise (not speculative).
• You must be coming to develop and direct the enterprise (often shown via ownership + role).
• The investment must be at risk and committed to the business.
• The enterprise should not be “marginal” (i.e., it should have the capacity to generate more than just minimal living for the investor and family).

Documentation quality matters. E-2 cases commonly require a clear business plan, evidence of the path of funds, and credible proof that the business is operational or close to operational.

What are the E-2 visa countries?

Only nationals of countries with qualifying treaties with the United States can apply for E-2. Below is a list of countries that are commonly referenced for E-2 eligibility.

Treaty lists can change, and eligibility can be nuanced in edge cases. Always confirm based on your current nationality and the most current treaty/consular guidance.

E-2 Premium Processing

E-2 is commonly pursued through a U.S. consulate abroad (consular processing). Premium Processing is an option in certain change/extension of status scenarios filed with USCIS, but many E-2 applicants primarily experience “processing time” at the consular post level.

If you are considering an in-country strategy (change of status vs consular visa), the right approach depends on your travel needs, timeline, and the specifics of your case.

What is a good E-2 business?

A “good” E-2 business is typically one that is real, operating (or imminently operational), has a credible plan to hire, and clearly supports the investor’s executive/managerial role.

The best structure depends on your background, the market, and the business model. Strong E-2 cases often align the investor’s experience with the nature of the enterprise and show concrete traction (leases, contracts, staffing, equipment, etc.).

Take the First Step:

Want an attorney to review your E-2 eligibility and outline a strategy for building an approvable case? We can help you evaluate your treaty eligibility, investment structure, documentation, and business plan support.

• Confirm treaty-country eligibility and ownership structure
• Assess investment amount and “at risk” commitment
• Review business plan strength (marginality + hiring)
• Identify missing documentation and next steps