E-2 Visas: Which countries are eligible?

The E-2 nonimmigrant visa is often referred to as the “treaty investor visa” because eligible countries maintain a valid treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States, or have been deemed qualifying countries under U.S. legislation or international agreements. If you are an investor seeking to invest in a new or existing U.S. business and are from an eligible country, E-2 status could be your pathway. 

What are the E-2 treaty countries?

Over the centuries, the U.S. has entered into trade treaties with over 80 countries, making citizens of those countries eligible for the E-2 visa. Some of these treaties date back to 1815 , while others were inked in the past few years. The goal of the E-2 visa is to bring foreign investors to the U.S. to create business opportunities that, in turn, generate U.S. jobs. 

List of E-2 visa countries

Eighty countries have eligibility for the E-2 visa, and some countries qualify for both the E-1 and E-2 visas. An E-1 visa is for companies that engage in substantial international trade (import/export) between the U.S. and their home treaty country. 

While the validity period for most E-2 visas is 5 years, it varies by country, depending on the U.S. and the home country’s reciprocity rules. Some E-2 visas are valid for only 3 months. The validity period is how long you have to enter the U.S. after your E-2 visa is approved. 

Visa validity can change quickly based on USCIS policy, and so can the list of countries eligible for E-2 status. Always check the Department of State website for the latest rules before applying for an E-2 visa. 

If you are from a qualifying country and are interested in an E-2 visa, you may want to speak with a visa lawyer. 

Guidance for citizens of E-2 treaty vs. non-treaty countries

If you’re a citizen of a treaty country, you can apply for the E-2 visa assuming you meet the investment and business-plan requirements.

If your country does not appear on the list above, it is a non-treaty country, and this visa route is generally not available to you. There may be alternative visa options, such as an L-1 visa for executives transferring from a foreign office to a U.S. branch, or an O-1 visa for people of extraordinary ability.  

You can explore dual citizenship in a treaty country, but it is a complex process that requires significant planning and time—you will be dealing with the immigration laws of three countries (your home country, the treaty country, and the U.S.).

Explore your E-2 visa options

If you are a foreign investor considering contributing capital to a new or existing endeavor in the U.S., the E-2 visa is a powerful pathway if you hold a passport from a treaty country. But successfully obtaining the visa depends on how well your investment is structured and how clearly your case is framed for USCIS or a U.S. consulate. An experienced E-2 immigration lawyer can help you position your business plan, investment evidence, and long-term strategy in the strongest possible light.

👉 Request a consultation with Manifest Law’s experienced immigration lawyers today to explore your options and get a clear roadmap forward.

E-2 countries FAQs

What if I have dual citizenship?

If you hold passports from multiple countries, including one from an E-2 treaty country, you may apply using the treaty-country passport. The U.S. government evaluates the nationality listed on the passport you present. If that passport is from a treaty country, you meet the nationality requirement.

What if my country is not on the E-2 list?

If your country is not on the list of E-2 treaty nations, you cannot apply for an E-2 visa. You can explore other visa pathways or obtain dual citizenship in a treaty country.