top of page

we're the bridge between you and BUSINESS

E2 2.jpg

What is E2 Investor Visa?

Investment and business opportunities for the E-2 Visa Green Card are available.

​

Many business listings may be suitable to enable an E-2 Investor Visa and some will qualify for fast immigration to the United States.

​

WHAT IS AN E-2 TREATY INVESTOR VISA?

The E-2 Visa is a non-immigrant Visa that allows foreigners to enter the U.S. with the purchase of an existing business. The investment must be significantly proportional to the total investment, that is, usually more than half the total value of the enterprise or, if a new business, an amount normally considered necessary to establish the business.

​

WHAT IS A ‘SUBSTANTIAL INVESTMENT’?

An investment of at least $80,000 to $120,000 is considered substantial. However, it is not fixed and there are consulates who may accept as low as $80,000, while a few demand as much as $500,000. If the investment becomes equal or greater than $500,000, you may be eligible to petition for a permanent immigration status “Green Card” via an EB-5 Visa application.

​

WHAT DO I NEED TO INVEST?

There is not a minimum amount, but the investment must be sufficient to establish, or purchase, a viable business. It is currently difficult to make a qualifying investment with less than $80,000 to $120,000, but it may be possible. Usually the larger the investment, the more profitable the business and the stronger the case.

​

Note that for small businesses, you will be expected to have invested the great majority of the purchase price in cash while some financing may be available.

​

HOW LONG CAN I STAY IN THE U.S. ON AN INVESTOR VISA?

You may stay on a prolonged basis with unlimited five-year Visa extensions or two-year status extensions as long as you maintain E-2 qualifications. There is no limit on the number of extensions you can take.

​

CAN I STUDY ON THE E-2 VISA?

Yes, you may study on the E-2 Visa; however, you may not join a full-length program like with the F-1. You may take a few credits at a university when they do not harm the primary interest of the Visa.

​

WHAT IS THE PROCESSING TIME FOR E2 VISAS?

The processing time for E2 Visas is typically four weeks from the filing of the application, but this may vary depending upon the work load within the U.S. Consulate where you have chosen to apply. However, it may take significantly longer in some Consular posts (in particular the United Kingdom, where 8 to 10 weeks is not unusual unless you fast track the application).

​

WHAT HAPPENS IF I LATER SELL MY BUSINESS?

If you sell the business without previously buying another qualifying business, you are no longer eligible to remain in E-2 status. You must either leave the United States, or apply to change to a different status for which you do qualify.

​

CAN I APPLY FOR A GREEN CARD WHILE ON THE E-2 VISA?

Yes, you may apply for a Green Card while in the U.S., subject to meeting all USCIS requirements.

List of the E-2 visa treaty countries:

  • Albania

  • Argentina

  • Armenia

  • Australia

  • Austria

  • Azerbaijan

  • Bahrain

  • Bangladesh

  • Belgium

  • Bolivia

  • Bosnia and Herzegovina

  • Bulgaria

  • Cameroon

  • Canada

  • Chile

  • China (Taiwan)

  • Colombia

  • Congo

  • Costa Rica

  • Croatia

  • Czech Republic

  • Denmark (excluding Greenland)

  • Ecuador

  • Egypt

  • Estonia

  • Ethiopia

  • Finland

  • France

  • Georgia

  • Germany

  • Grenada

  • Honduras

  • Iran

  • Ireland

  • Israel

  • Italy

  • Jamaica

  • Japan

  • Jordan

  • Kazakhstan

  • Kosovo

  • Kyrgyzstan

  • Latvia

  • Liberia

  • Lithuania

  • Luxembourg

  • Macedonia

  • Mexico

  • Moldova

  • Mongolia

  • Montenegro

  • Morocco

  • Netherlands

  • Norway

  • Oman

  • Pakistan

  • Panama

  • Paraguay

  • Philippines

  • Poland

  • Romania

  • Serbia

  • Senegal

  • Singapore

  • Slovak Republic

  • Slovenia

  • South Korea

  • Spain

  • Sri Lanka

  • Suriname

  • Sweden

  • Switzerland

  • Thailand

  • Togo

  • Trinidad & Tobago

  • Tunisia

  • Turkey

  • Ukraine

  • United Kingdom

  • Yugoslavia

Chicken 1.jpg

Business Finding Service

Investment and business opportunities for the E-2 Visa Green Card are available.

​

Many business listings may be suitable to enable an E-2 Investor Visa and some will qualify for fast immigration to the United States.

​

WHAT IS AN E-2 TREATY INVESTOR VISA?

The E-2 Visa is a non-immigrant Visa that allows foreigners to enter the U.S. with the purchase of an existing business. The investment must be significantly proportional to the total investment, that is, usually more than half the total value of the enterprise or, if a new business, an amount normally considered necessary to establish the business.

​

WHAT IS A ‘SUBSTANTIAL INVESTMENT’?

An investment of at least $80,000 to $120,000 is considered substantial. However, it is not fixed and there are consulates who may accept as low as $80,000, while a few demand as much as $500,000. If the investment becomes equal or greater than $500,000, you may be eligible to petition for a permanent immigration status “Green Card” via an EB-5 Visa application.

​

WHAT DO I NEED TO INVEST?

There is not a minimum amount, but the investment must be sufficient to establish, or purchase, a viable business. It is currently difficult to make a qualifying investment with less than $80,000 to $120,000, but it may be possible. Usually the larger the investment, the more profitable the business and the stronger the case.

​

Note that for small businesses, you will be expected to have invested the great majority of the purchase price in cash while some financing may be available.

​

HOW LONG CAN I STAY IN THE U.S. ON AN INVESTOR VISA?

You may stay on a prolonged basis with unlimited five-year Visa extensions or two-year status extensions as long as you maintain E-2 qualifications. There is no limit on the number of extensions you can take.

​

CAN I STUDY ON THE E-2 VISA?

Yes, you may study on the E-2 Visa; however, you may not join a full-length program like with the F-1. You may take a few credits at a university when they do not harm the primary interest of the Visa.

​

WHAT IS THE PROCESSING TIME FOR E2 VISAS?

The processing time for E2 Visas is typically four weeks from the filing of the application, but this may vary depending upon the work load within the U.S. Consulate where you have chosen to apply. However, it may take significantly longer in some Consular posts (in particular the United Kingdom, where 8 to 10 weeks is not unusual unless you fast track the application).

​

WHAT HAPPENS IF I LATER SELL MY BUSINESS?

If you sell the business without previously buying another qualifying business, you are no longer eligible to remain in E-2 status. You must either leave the United States, or apply to change to a different status for which you do qualify.

​

CAN I APPLY FOR A GREEN CARD WHILE ON THE E-2 VISA?

Yes, you may apply for a Green Card while in the U.S., subject to meeting all USCIS requirements.

bottom of page