E-2 Visa Requirements

May 17, 2016

To qualify for an E-2 visa, the applicant must be a citizen of one of the following treaty countries:

In addition, a treaty investor must invest a substantial amount of capital in a commercial enterprise in the U.S. that they intend to develop and direct. Investment in a non-profit enterprise does not meet this requirement. Substantial capital is considered in relation to the total cost of purchasing or establishing the enterprise and must be sufficient to ensure the venture’s successful operation. The business must also employ U.S. workers and not solely benefit the investor and their family.

Employees of organizations wishing to apply for an E-2 visa must be coming to the U.S. in the capacity of an executive or supervisor that will be providing ultimate control and responsibility for the organization’s operations. To qualify, the organization must be at least 50% owned by persons who have the nationality of the treaty country and the applicant. E-2 visa applicants may also be required to meet certain health and character requirements.