Discover how Indians can access the E2 visa USA through citizenship by investment. Learn about E2 visa application fees, work authorization, and better alternatives for Indian entrepreneurs.
India does not have a qualifying treaty with the United States for E2 visa purposes. This means Indian passport holders face a significant roadblock when pursuing the E2 visa for India pathway.
The E2 visa allows investors from treaty countries to live and work in America by investing substantial capital in a US business. But for Indians, the door appears closed at first glance. Over 80 countries have this special agreement with America, but India isn't one of them. This doesn't mean the dream ends here. Several workarounds exist, they just require extra steps and planning.
Need expert guidance on your US visa options? Beyond Border specializes in helping Indian entrepreneurs find the right pathway to American business success.
So how to get E2 visa in USA when you hold an Indian passport? The primary solution involves obtaining citizenship in a country that has an E2 treaty with the United States. Two popular choices are Grenada and Turkey.
Grenada offers citizenship through investment starting at approximately $150,000. You invest in government approved real estate or contribute to national development funds. Turkey provides similar citizenship by investment programs. Both countries maintain active E2 treaties with America.
The process works like this. You apply for citizenship in Grenada or Turkey through their investment programs. Once approved, you receive a passport from that country. Then you apply for the E2 visa USA from India using your new citizenship status.
Since December 2022, USCIS requires three years of domicile in your new country before qualifying for E2 visas. This means you must actually live there, not just hold the passport. This domicile requirement changes everything. You can't just buy citizenship and immediately apply for your E2 visa. You need genuine ties to your new country.
India prohibits dual citizenship. If you obtain Grenadian or Turkish citizenship, you must renounce your Indian passport. This creates a difficult choice for many entrepreneurs. Do you give up your Indian citizenship for American business opportunities? The answer isn't simple.
Book a consultation with Beyond Border to explore all your options before making this major decision.
If applying through a US consulate abroad, you'll pay $315 for Form DS-160. This covers the basic visa application processing. If you're already in America and filing for status change, Form I-129 costs $460. Plus your spouse needs Form I-539 at $370.
Visa issuance fees vary by country. UK citizens pay nothing while Japanese nationals pay around $105. For Grenadians, you'll need to check current reciprocity tables. Attorney fees typically range from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on case complexity.
Business plan writers charge $2,000 to $5,000. Translation services add another few hundred dollars. Most successful E2 applicants invest between $100,000 and $200,000 into their US business. Some manage with $50,000 for smaller operations, but higher amounts improve approval chances. Budget at least $125,000 to $250,000 when you factor in everything.
Get a detailed cost analysis for your specific situation from Beyond Border's immigration specialists.
Can you work on E2 visa? Yes, but with important restrictions. E2 visa holders are authorized to work only for the specific business they invested in. Your visa literally has the company name printed on it. You can manage the business. Draw a salary. Make all business decisions.
But you cannot work for any other employer or take side jobs. Switching to another company, even another E2 business, requires prior approval. Unauthorized employment can destroy your visa status.
Spouses of E2 visa holders receive automatic work authorization and can work for any employer in America. No restrictions. Any industry. Any role. Since January 2022, E2 spouses automatically become work authorized when their I-94 shows "E-2S" designation.
They can get an Employment Authorization Document for proof, but it's not required. Many smart entrepreneurs structure their immigration strategy around this flexibility. The spouse might run additional businesses or work for established companies while the primary investor focuses on the E2 enterprise. Children under 21 can attend school but cannot work.
Want to maximize your family's work opportunities in America? Schedule a strategy session with Beyond Border's team.
The E2 visa USA for Indians pathway through citizenship by investment creates complications. Three year domicile requirements. Renouncing Indian citizenship. Additional investment in citizenship programs. These obstacles make other visa categories more attractive for many Indian entrepreneurs.
The O-1 visa works great for accomplished Indian founders with no nationality restrictions. You need to demonstrate extraordinary ability in your field. Evidence includes awards, published materials about you, original contributions, or commercial success. Many Indian entrepreneurs qualify through their startup achievements back home.
The L-1 visa allows foreign companies to transfer managers and executives to US operations. If you already run a successful business in India, this might be your fastest route. You need one year of work experience with your Indian company.
Then you can open a US branch and transfer yourself as a manager or executive. Your spouse gets automatic work authorization. Processing times are relatively quick compared to other options.
The EB-5 requires $800,000 to $1,050,000 investment but provides a direct path to a green card. Unlike the E2's temporary status, the EB-5 gives you permanent residency. You must create ten full time jobs for US workers. But regional center investments handle this requirement for you. For Indians with substantial capital and long term US plans, the EB-5 often makes more sense than pursuing E2 through citizenship by investment.
Not sure which visa fits your goals? Beyond Border's experts can evaluate your profile and recommend the optimal pathway.
The E2 visa for India question doesn't have a simple answer. Technically Indians can access E2 visas through citizenship by investment in treaty countries. But the three year domicile requirement and need to renounce Indian citizenship create significant barriers. For most Indian entrepreneurs, alternative pathways like O-1, L-1, or EB-5 provide better solutions. These visas don't require giving up your Indian passport. They often cost less overall. And some offer direct paths to permanent residency.
Consider your specific situation. Do you already run a successful Indian company? The L-1 might work perfectly. Explore the O-1. Want permanent residency from day one? The EB-5 could be your answer. The American dream remains accessible to Indian entrepreneurs. You just need the right visa strategy.
Ready to start your journey? Contact Beyond Border today for personalized guidance on your US visa options.
Can Indians apply for E2 visa directly? No, Indians cannot directly apply for E2 visas because India lacks a treaty agreement with the United States. Indians must first obtain citizenship in a treaty country like Grenada or Turkey, then satisfy a three year domicile requirement before applying.
How much does E2 visa cost for Indians? The E2 visa application fee is $315 for consular processing plus attorney fees of $5,000 to $15,000. However, Indians must first invest $150,000 or more in citizenship by investment programs and $100,000 to $200,000 in their US business, totaling $255,000 to $365,000 minimum.
Can E2 visa holders work for any company in USA? No, E2 visa holders can only work for the specific business they invested in and named on their visa. Spouses of E2 holders receive unlimited work authorization and can work for any employer, but primary investors are restricted to their E2 enterprise only.
What are better visa options than E2 for Indian entrepreneurs? Indian entrepreneurs should consider the O-1 visa for exceptional ability requiring no investment, the L-1 visa for transferring from Indian companies requiring one year of employment history, or the EB-5 investor visa requiring $800,000 to $1,050,000 but providing permanent residency.
How long does the E2 visa process take for Indians? After obtaining citizenship in a treaty country (6 to 12 months) and completing the three year domicile requirement, the actual E2 visa USA from India application takes 2 to 4 months through consular processing or up to 6 months for status changes within America.
