Complete guide to the US E2 visa. Learn about requirements, treaty countries, investment amounts, processing time, benefits, and how to transition to a green card.
The US E visa opens doors for foreign investors who want to build businesses in America. Not everyone gets this chance. You need citizenship from the right country. The program started decades ago through treaties between countries. These agreements help both sides. America gets businesses and jobs. Other countries get access to the world's biggest market. More than 55,000 people got approved in 2023 alone. The success rate sits at 90.71 percent. That's higher than most visa programs.
Ready to explore your E2 visa options? Book a consultation with Beyond Border today and we'll evaluate your eligibility and investment plans.
The US E2 visa requirements are flexible compared to other options. No lottery system like H-1B. No minimum education needed. No fixed investment amount written in stone. You must be from a treaty country. That's non-negotiable. Then you need to invest substantial funds in a real operating business. The money has to be at risk, not sitting safely in a bank account.
Ownership matters too. You need at least 50 percent of the company or clear control through a management position. Passive investments don't qualify. The business itself needs to be more than marginal. It should generate enough income to support you and your family. Better yet, it should create jobs for Americans. Your spouse gets automatic work authorization. That's huge. Kids under 21 can come too and attend school. The whole family benefits.
Need help understanding if you meet the requirements? Beyond Border's immigration specialists can review your situation and recommend the best path forward.
There's no official minimum for the US E2 visa investment amount. Immigration officers look at whether your investment is substantial relative to the business cost. Most experts recommend at least $100,000 to $150,000. Some businesses need more. A small consulting firm might work with $100,000. A restaurant or hotel needs much more. The key is proportionality. If a business costs $200,000 to buy, investing $150,000 shows serious commitment. If it costs $50,000, then $40,000 might be enough.
Your funds must be at risk. This means actively used in the company with a real chance of loss if things go wrong. Escrow arrangements work if release depends only on visa approval. Documentation is critical. Bank statements, wire transfer receipts, business formation papers, lease agreements. Immigration officers want to see where your money came from and where it went. You can buy an existing business, start a new one, or purchase a franchise. All three work. The investment just needs to be substantial and at risk.
Confused about how much to invest? Let Beyond Border create a detailed financial analysis tailored to your business type and visa goals.
Only citizens from US E2 visa treaty countries can apply. Over 80 nations qualify. But some major countries don't make the list. US E2 visa eligible countries include United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Canada, Mexico, Spain, France, Italy, South Korea, Australia, and many others. Portugal just joined in March 2025. India, China, Brazil, Russia, and several other large nations lack treaties. Citizens from these countries cannot get E2 visas through their primary citizenship.
Some workarounds exist. Dual citizens can use their treaty country passport. Or you might qualify for citizenship by investment programs in countries like Grenada or Turkey, though new rules require 3 years residence there first before E2 eligibility. The US E2 visa treaty countries list changes occasionally. Israel joined in 2019. New Zealand came aboard the same year. Always check the Department of State website for the current list. British citizenship works, but only for nationals from the UK itself, Channel Islands, and Gibraltar. Commonwealth citizens don't qualify unless they hold UK citizenship.
Not sure if your country qualifies? Beyond Border can verify your eligibility and explore alternative pathways if needed.
The US E2 visa application starts with gathering documents. You'll need proof of citizenship, business formation papers, financial statements, ownership documents, and a detailed business plan. First, file Form DS-160 online. This is the standard nonimmigrant visa application. You'll also complete Form DS-156E specifically for treaty investors and traders. Pay the application fee of $315. Some countries charge an additional reciprocity fee based on what they charge Americans for similar visas.
Schedule your interview at the US Embassy or Consulate. Most people between ages 14 and 79 must attend. Younger kids and seniors over 80 usually skip this step. Prepare for tough questions. The consular officer will ask about your business, your investment, your plans. They want to see you understand what you're doing. If you're already in America on another visa, you can file Form I-129 with USCIS to change status. This costs $1,055. Add $2,805 for premium processing if you want a decision within 15 days.
Overwhelmed by the paperwork? Beyond Border's application support team handles every detail from forms to interview preparation.
US E2 visa processing time varies by location. Some consulates move fast. Others take months. Expect anywhere from 2 weeks to 5 months typically. London has a dedicated E2 unit that reviews cases in about 90 working days. Other locations might be faster or slower. Premium processing speeds things up considerably. Pay $2,805 and USCIS processes your Form I-129 in 15 calendar days. This only works if you're changing status inside the United States.
Consular processing times depend on interview availability and how quickly the embassy reviews your case. Check the specific consulate website for current wait times. Document preparation takes time too. Gathering financial records, writing a business plan, obtaining certifications. Budget at least a month for this step. Once approved, the visa validity depends on reciprocity agreements. UK nationals get up to 5 years. Others might get 2-3 years. The period of stay in America is typically 2 years per entry regardless of visa validity.
Want to expedite your application timeline? Beyond Border knows which strategies work at different consulates worldwide.
The US E2 visa to green card path requires planning. E2 is a non-immigrant visa with no direct route to permanent residency.Several options exist. The EB-5 investor visa is popular. Increase your investment to $800,000 or $1,050,000 depending on location. Create 10 full-time jobs. You get a green card. The EB-2 National Interest Waiver works if your business benefits America significantly. No employer sponsorship needed. You self-petition based on your venture's importance.
Employer-sponsored green cards through EB-2 or EB-3 categories require a job offer and labor certification. Your E2 business might sponsor you if structured correctly. Family sponsorship is straightforward. If you marry a US citizen, they can sponsor your green card. Immediate relatives of citizens get priority. The EB-1 category suits entrepreneurs with extraordinary ability. If you've achieved major success, built a significant business, or gained national recognition, this might work. Processing times vary wildly. EB-5 takes several years. National Interest Waiver runs 12-16 months. Family sponsorship for immediate relatives of citizens moves faster.
Planning your green card strategy? Beyond Border specializes in permanent residency pathways for E2 visa holders.
Budget for more than just the US E2 visa program investment. Application fees start at $315. Add reciprocity fees for some countries. Attorney costs typically run $5,000 to $15,000 depending on complexity. Premium processing adds $2,805. Multiple family members mean multiple fees.Moving expenses add up. Flights, temporary housing, setting up your home. Health insurance is mandatory and expensive in America.
Business setup costs matter too. Office rent, equipment, inventory, licenses, permits. These aren't part of the investment but you still need to pay them. Living expenses for the first few months before your business generates income. Many people underestimate this and run into trouble. The total cost including investment often reaches $150,000 to $400,000 or more depending on your business type and family size.
Get a complete cost breakdown from Beyond Border showing exactly what you'll need for your specific situation.
What are the main US E2 visa requirements? You must be a citizen of a treaty country, invest substantial capital in a US business, own at least 50% or have operational control, and demonstrate intent to leave America when your visa expires.
How long does US E2 visa processing time take? Processing typically takes 2 weeks to 5 months depending on the consulate location, with premium processing available for $2,805 reducing USCIS review to 15 days for status changes filed within the United States.
Which countries qualify for the US E2 visa? Over 80 US E2 visa countries including UK, Germany, Japan, Canada, Mexico, Spain, and France have treaties, but India, China, Brazil, and Russia are not eligible treaty nations.
Can I transition from US E2 visa to green card? Yes, though there's no direct path you can transition through EB-5 investor visas, EB-2 National Interest Waiver, employer sponsorship via EB-2 or EB-3, or family-based green cards.
What is the minimum US E2 visa investment amount? There's no set minimum but immigration experts recommend at least $100,000 to $150,000, with the investment needing to be substantial relative to the total business cost and actively at risk.
