E-2 Visa: A Pathway for Treaty Investors
E-Class Visas: Why the E-2 Visa Is One of the Most Sought-After U.S. Investment Visas
Among the many visa options available for living and working in the United States, few are as appealing as the E-class visas. Designed primarily for entrepreneurs and international traders, the E visa category offers a unique pathway that is relatively cost-effective (beyond your investment), does not require a prearranged job offer, and can be renewed indefinitely. However, eligibility is limited—only nationals of specific treaty countries qualify. Understanding which nations qualify as E-2 treaty countries is the first step toward determining whether this visa is right for you.
What Is the E-2 Visa?
The E-2 visa is a nonimmigrant investor visa that allows nationals from treaty countries to live and work in the United States through their investment in a U.S. business. To qualify, the U.S. enterprise must be bona fide, meaning it must be a real and operating commercial venture, and the investment must be substantial. Generally, your investment should be significant enough to ensure the business can support more than just you and your family within five years.
Additionally, you must be entering the U.S. with the sole intention of developing and directing the enterprise. In other words, your E-2 investment cannot simply be a side project. While there is no legally defined minimum investment amount, applications with investments under $150,000 often face greater challenges.
The immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can review your business plan and help you determine whether your investment is substantial and your enterprise meets the bona fide requirement.
Treaty Country Requirement for the E-2 Visa
Even if you meet all other qualifications, the E-2 visa requires you to be a citizen of a treaty country—a nation that maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States. Permanent residents of treaty countries do not qualify unless they hold citizenship.
Importantly, you don’t need to be currently residing in the treaty country to apply. For example, a French citizen living in Canada may still apply for the E-2 visa, even though Canada is not a treaty country.
List of E-2 Treaty Countries
Below is the current alphabetical list of countries whose nationals are eligible for the E-2 visa:
Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China (Taiwan), Colombia, Congo (Brazzaville), Congo (Kinshasa), Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark (excluding Greenland), Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Honduras, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liberia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, North Macedonia, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad & Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom.
Note: Treaty agreements may change. Always check the U.S. Department of State’s most recent list for up-to-date information.
Employees and Family Members of E-2 Investors
If you plan to bring employees through the E-2 visa, those employees do not necessarily need to be from your treaty country. Separate petitions must be filed on their behalf, as well as for any family members you include. Generally, employees and family members are granted the same initial two-year stay as the principal investor.
Extensions can be filed in two-year increments, but it’s crucial to track expiration dates to avoid overstaying while your petition is pending.
Steps to Qualify and Apply for the E-2 Visa
If your nationality is on the treaty country list, you must also ensure you meet all other eligibility requirements. Here’s how the process typically works:
- Invest in a U.S. Enterprise The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) generally requires funds to be irrevocably invested before approval. Acceptable investments include business acquisitions, equipment purchases, facility leases, or other necessary expenditures.
- Prepare a Business Plan While not a strict requirement, a strong business plan that includes hiring U.S. workers within the first few years significantly strengthens your case. U.S. immigration authorities prioritize applications that demonstrate job creation and economic benefit.
- Submit Your Petition File Form I-129 along with your supporting evidence, including proof of investment and your business plan. Standard processing can take around six months, though premium processing (15 calendar days) is available.
- Approval Options
- Change of Status: If you are already in the U.S. under another valid nonimmigrant status, your status may be adjusted to E-2.
- Consular Processing: If you are outside the U.S., you must complete a DS-160 application and attend a consular interview in your home country.
Why Work with Green Card Link
An E-2 visa denial can place your hard-earned investment at serious risk. At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys specialize in guiding investors through the E-2 visa process, ensuring compliance with all requirements and maximizing your chances of approval. With extensive experience helping entrepreneurs and business professionals secure E-2 visas, Green Card Link can protect both your investment and your future in the United States.
👉 Schedule a consultation today with an immigration attorney at Green Card Link to take the first step toward your E-2 visa success.