E-2 Investors

The E-2 Treaty Investor visa is one of the most popular visas used by foreign investors to buy or operate a business and to live and work in the U.S.

An individual may apply for an E-2 investor visa to come to the U.S. to develop and direct the business operations of a U.S. company, which received the investment. Individuals may also come to the U.S. to make a “substantial investment” in a U.S. company. The amount of the investment depends on many different factors, but must generally be more than $50,000.

Requirements for the E-2 Visa:

Once an individual is granted an E visa, their employees may also be eligible for E-visas to work in the U.S. These employees include executives, managers and essential skilled workers who are citizens of the E-2 visa investor country.

Processing Times
The processing time to obtain an E-2 visa depends on whether you are applying from within the U.S. or outside the U.S. A U.S. consulate will usually process an E visa application within a couple of days. For individuals applying from within the U.S., it usually takes 3 to 4 months for the E visa application and approval process, however Premium Processing is available at an additional cost if you need the visa sooner.

Duration of Stay
An E visa will be issued for a period of time based on the agreement between your home county and the U.S. Initial E visas are issued for a maximum of two years but can be extended indefinitely in increments of two years.

Spouses and Children
The spouse and minor children of an E visa holder can live and study in the U.S. under E status. Spouses can work, but children cannot work.