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Temporary Visas

E-2 Visas


What is a E-2 Visa

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The E-2 visa is another non-immigrant visa under the U.S. treaty visa category, but it’s designed for investors, not traders. Here’s everything you need to know:

The E-2 visa allows nationals of treaty countries to enter the U.S. to:

Develop and direct the operations of a business in which they have invested (or are actively investing) a substantial amount of capital.

It’s often called the Investor Visa.

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Everything you need to know about E-2 Visas

  1. Citizenship of a Treaty Country
    You must be a national of a country that maintains a qualifying treaty with the United States.

  2. Substantial Investment
    You must have invested — or be in the process of investing — a substantial amount of money in a real, operating U.S. business.

    • No fixed minimum, but typically $100,000+ is expected.

    • Must be at-risk and committed — speculative or idle investments don’t count.

  3. Control and Ownership
    You must own at least 50% of the business or have operational control through a managerial position or similar.

  4. Purpose Must Be to Develop and Direct
    The investor must be coming to the U.S. to develop and direct the enterprise, not as a passive investor.

  5. Business Must Be Active
    The business cannot be marginal or idle — it must actively generate income and jobs.

  6. Intent to Leave the U.S.
    You must show intent to depart once the visa status ends (though it can be renewed indefinitely).

  • You’re not from a treaty country

  • The business is passive (real estate holding, stocks, etc.)

  • The investment is not substantial or at-risk

  • You won’t have a controlling interest or operational role

  • Issued for up to 2 years

  • Renewable indefinitely as long as the business and qualifications continue

  • Allows frequent travel in and out of the U.S.

  • Spouse and children (under 21) can come

  • Spouse can apply for work authorization

  • Children can attend school but cannot work