E-2

The E-2 Treaty Investor visa is a powerful option for entrepreneurs who want to launch, buy, or manage a business in the United States. Unlike most work visas, the E-2 isn't tied to an employer, you're the business owner.

To qualify, you must be a citizen of a country that has a treaty of commerce with the US (there are 80+ treaty countries), and you must invest a 'substantial' amount of capital in a real, operating US business. There's no fixed minimum, but USCIS generally expects investments of $100,000 or more for a new business. The investment must be at-risk (not just sitting in a bank account), and the business must be more than marginal, meaning it has the capacity to generate income beyond just supporting you and your family.

The beauty of the E-2 is its flexibility and speed. There's no lottery, no annual cap, and it can be processed at a US consulate in weeks. Many founders from treaty countries use the E-2 to get to the US quickly while building toward an O-1A or green card over time.

The E-2 is ideal for founders and entrepreneurs from treaty countries who have capital to invest in a US business. This includes people starting a new company, acquiring an existing business, or expanding a franchise operation in the US.

It's particularly popular with founders from the UK, Australia, Japan, South Korea, France, Germany, Italy, and other European and Asian nations. If you have a viable business plan and meaningful capital at risk, the E-2 gets you operational in the US quickly. Note: Indian and Chinese nationals are not eligible because India and China do not have E-2 treaties with the US.