The E2 Visa USA offers a great opportunity for foreign investors from treaty countries to enter the U.S. and run their own business. Whether you are an entrepreneur starting a new venture or buying into a franchise, the E-2visa can be a pathway to living and working legally in the United States. This guide is designed to help you understand the E-2visa in simple language. It explains the process, the requirements, the advantages and challenges, and how to improve your chances of success—especially with the help of legal consultants.
What is the E2 Visa USA?
The E2 Visa is a non-immigrant visa for individuals from treaty countries who invest a significant amount of capital in a U.S. business. It allows the investor, their spouse, and children under 21 to live in the U.S. for the purpose of running or managing the business.
E2 Visa Requirements
To qualify for an E-2visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality: You must be from a country that has a treaty of commerce and navigation with the U.S. List of treaty countries
- Investment: You must invest a substantial amount of money in a bona fide U.S. business.
- Control: You must own at least 50% of the business or have operational control.
- Business Must Be Real: The business must be active and producing income.
- Marginality: The business should generate more than enough income to support you and your family.
Best Businesses for E-2 Visa
Certain types of businesses are more likely to be approved for an E-2 visa. These include:
- Franchises (like Subway or UPS Stores)
- Restaurants and cafes
- Cleaning and maintenance services
- Retail stores
- Consulting businesses
Examples of E-2 Visa Business Types
| Business Type | Estimated Investment | Approval Rate (General) |
| Franchise Restaurant | $150,000+ | High |
| Cleaning Service | $80,000+ | Moderate |
| Online Retail Store | $100,000+ | Moderate |
| Management Consulting | $120,000+ | High |
What Documents Are Needed for E-2 Visa Interview?
You will need to prepare the following documents:
- Passport and previous U.S. visas
- DS-160 confirmation page
- DS-156E (for investors)
- Proof of nationality
- Proof of investment (bank transfers, contracts, business registration)
- Business plan with projections
- Proof of business activity (leases, licenses, employee contracts)
Can an E2 Visa Be Rejected?
Yes, the E-2 visa can be denied. Common reasons include:
- Investment amount is too low
- Business is not active or not real
- Investor does not show they will manage the business
- Missing or incorrect documents
Legal consultants can help you avoid these mistakes.
How Long Can I Stay in the USA With E2 Visa?
The E-2 visa is typically issued for 2 to 5 years depending on your country of origin. Each time you enter the U.S., you are generally granted a stay of up to 2 years. As long as you maintain your investment and meet all E-2 visa requirements, you can continue extending your stay. There is no set limit on the number of extensions, and each extension is typically granted for an additional 2 years.
How to convert E-2Visa to Green Card?
The E-2visa does not directly lead to a green card, but here are options:
- EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program: Invest $800,000 to $1,050,000 in a U.S. business and create at least 10 jobs.
- Marriage to a U.S. Citizen
- Employer Sponsorship (EB-2 or EB-3)
- Apply for Asylum (in certain cases)
Speak with an immigration lawyer to explore the best path.
Other Alternative Visas to E2 Visa
If you don’t qualify for the E-2visa, consider these options:
- L1 Visa: For intra-company transferees
- EB-5 Visa: For high-investment immigrants
- O1 Visa: For individuals with extraordinary skills
- H1B Visa: For specialty occupation workers
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of E2 Visa?
Advantages:
- Live and work in the U.S.
- Bring your spouse and children
- No minimum investment requirement
- Unlimited renewals
Disadvantages:
- No direct path to green card
- Requires active business operation
- Limited to treaty countries
Legal Consultants Make your Process Easier
Santos Khoury LLC is a trusted immigration law firm that specializes in helping investors successfully apply for the E-2visa. Their legal team offers step-by-step support throughout the entire application process. This includes helping you choose the right business type, ensuring your investment meets the requirements, preparing strong supporting documents, and filing all necessary immigration forms.
They also assist in creating a comprehensive business plan tailored to the E2 visa criteria and prepare you for the consular interview. With a high success rate and extensive experience, Santos Khoury LLC can help reduce the risk of denial by identifying potential issues before you apply. An immigration lawyer or legal consultant can:
- Help you choose a qualifying business
- Prepare a strong business plan
- Organize documents for your E2 application
- Represent you in communications with U.S. immigration
Their experience can significantly improve your chances of E-2visa approval and help you avoid costly mistakes or delays. With the right guidance from Santos Khoury LLC, your path to securing an E-2visa can be smoother, faster, and more confident.
Important Form: DS-160 and DS-156E
You must submit:
- DS-160: Non-immigrant visa application form
- DS-156E: E2 classification supplement for treaty investors
You can start your application at the U.S. Department of State website.
Summary
If you’re serious about moving to the U.S. through the E2 Visa USA, working with an experienced immigration lawyer and choosing the right business can make all the difference. With the right preparation, guidance, and investment, your American dream can become a reality through the E-2visa path.
FAQ
1. Can I bring my family with an E2 visa?
Yes. Your spouse and children under 21 can come with you. Your spouse can also apply for work authorization.
2. Do I need a lawyer to apply for an E2 visa?
It’s not required, but a lawyer can improve your chances by helping you avoid common mistakes.
3. Can I go to school on an E-2visa?
Yes, your children can attend school, and you can take classes as long as it does not interfere with managing the business.
4. Can I work for another company?
No. You can only work for the business tied to your E-2visa.
5. Can I renew my E-2visa?
Yes. As long as your business continues to operate and meet the requirements.
6. How much do I need to invest?
There is no official minimum, but most successful applications involve at least $100,000.
