E-2 treaty investor

Who this pathway suits

Entrepreneurs, business owners, and corporate executives from qualifying treaty countries.

Eligibility at a glance

• Citizen of a country with an active E-2 commerce treaty with the US
• Investor has invested or is actively in the process of investing a substantial amount of capital in a bona fide US business
• Funds must be at-risk and irrevocably committed
• Enterprise must not be marginal (must generate more than enough income to support the investor's family, or create US jobs)
• Investor must be entering to direct and develop the enterprise (at least 50% ownership or operational control)

How the process works

1. Incorporate US enterprise and commit funds (equipment, lease, inventory, capital)
2. Prepare comprehensive 5-year business plan with hiring projections
3. Submit E-2 application dossier to US Embassy Treaty Visa Unit
4. Attend consular interview and receive multi-year E-2 visa

Documents you will typically need

• 5-year business plan, proof of lawful source of funds, escrow and lease agreements, invoices, bank statements, ownership documentation

What to keep in mind

No set statutory minimum dollar figure (typically $100,000+ is recommended depending on the business type). Unlimited renewals.