United States E2 Visa

What is the USA Investor Visa E2?

The USA Investor Visa E2 is a non-immigrant visa designed for foreign nationals from countries that have a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States. It grants holders the right to live, work and study in the US while managing their investment in an active American business. Successful applicants can remain in the USA for up to 5 years, with the status renewable provided business activities are maintained. Processing is typically completed within 3 months.

Who is eligible to apply for the USA Investor Visa E2?

Applicants must be citizens of a country that has an E2 Treaty of Commerce and Navigation with the United States at the time of application. Additional requirements include having no criminal record, completing a medical examination, providing proof of the legal source of investment funds, passing a due diligence check, and demonstrating residence in the treaty country. Nationals of non-E2 treaty countries can become eligible by first obtaining citizenship of an E2 treaty country such as Grenada, Turkey, or Montenegro through a citizenship by investment programme.

What is the minimum investment required for the USA Investor Visa E2?

The USA Investor Visa E2 requires a substantial investment, typically between USD 250,000 and USD 300,000, in a new business, an existing business, or a franchise in the United States. The investment must be at risk in a genuine commercial enterprise, must create jobs for qualified US workers, and must contribute to the growth of the US economy. A wide range of franchise and joint venture business structures can qualify.

What types of business qualify for the USA Investor Visa E2?

Qualifying business types for the USA Investor Visa E2 include establishing a new business in the US, acquiring an existing business, purchasing a franchise, or establishing a joint venture. The business must be active and real — not a passive or marginal investment — and must create employment for qualified US workers while contributing to the US economy.

Can family members be included in a USA Investor Visa E2 application?

Yes. The spouse of the main E2 visa holder can accompany them to the US and is authorised to work in the USA. Dependent unmarried children under 21 years old can also be included and are entitled to attend schools, colleges, and universities in the United States. There are no minimum education or language requirements for dependants.

How long does the USA Investor Visa E2 last and can it be renewed?

The USA Investor Visa E2 allows successful applicants to remain in the United States for up to 5 years per admission, with a maximum initial stay of 2 years and the possibility of an extension. The E2 status is renewable provided the investor continues to maintain active business activities in the US and remains a citizen of an E2 treaty country.

How long does the USA Investor Visa E2 application process take?

The USA Investor Visa E2 application process is generally completed within 3 months. The application is submitted to a US Embassy or US Consulate General in the applicant's country of residence. Processing times may vary depending on the specific consulate and the completeness of the application file.

Which countries are eligible for the USA Investor Visa E2?

The USA Investor Visa E2 is available to citizens of countries with an E2 treaty with the United States. Eligible countries include, among others: in Southeast Asia — Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, and Singapore; in South Asia — India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal; in East Asia — South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and Mongolia; in Europe — the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and many others; in the Americas — Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Costa Rica, and Panama; and in Africa and the Middle East — Egypt, Cameroon, Senegal, Ethiopia, Bahrain, and Oman. Grenada and Turkey are notable E2 treaty countries accessible via citizenship by investment.

Can nationals of non-E2 treaty countries apply for the USA Investor Visa E2?

Yes. Nationals of countries that do not have an E2 treaty with the United States can become eligible by first obtaining citizenship of an E2 treaty country through a citizenship by investment programme. Countries commonly used for this purpose include Grenada, Turkey, and Montenegro, all of which have E2 treaties with the US and offer citizenship by investment programmes. Once the new citizenship is obtained and residence in the treaty country is established, the applicant can apply for the USA Investor Visa E2.

What is the connection between Caribbean citizenship by investment and the USA Investor Visa E2?

Several Caribbean and international citizenship by investment programmes — most notably Grenada — grant citizenship of a country that has an E2 treaty with the United States. This means that investors who obtain Grenada citizenship through the Grenada CIP can subsequently apply for the USA Investor Visa E2, even if their original nationality does not have an E2 treaty with the US. This dual benefit makes programmes like Grenada citizenship particularly strategic for investors targeting long-term US access.

Why use Harvey Law Group to apply for the USA Investor Visa E2?

Harvey Law Group is a multinational immigration law firm with over 30 years of international immigration experience. The firm advises clients on E2 treaty eligibility, business structure requirements, and — where necessary — the optimal citizenship by investment pathway (such as Grenada or Turkey) to establish E2 treaty eligibility before applying. Harvey Law Group manages the full process from eligibility assessment and investment planning through to E2 visa application at the relevant US Embassy or Consulate.