E-2 Visa Lawyers
Experienced in E-2 Visas
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Who Is the E-2 Visa For?
The E-2 treaty investor visa is for citizens of countries that maintain a qualifying treaty with the U.S. It allows entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors to live in the United States to develop and direct a business in which they’ve made a substantial investment.
Benefits of the E-2 Visa
The E-2 visa offers entrepreneurs and investors a flexible way to build and manage a business in the U.S. while enjoying important family and work benefits.
Live and work in the U.S. while running your own business
Renewable indefinitely in 2-year increments, as long as the business continues to meet requirements
Spouses and children under 21 can join you; spouses are eligible for work authorization (EAD)
No set minimum investment — flexibility depending on the type and size of the business
Can own 100% of the business, or partner with other treaty nationals
E-2 Visa Requirements
To qualify for the E-2 visa, you must:
Be a citizen of a treaty country (see the official list on the Department of State’s website)
Make a substantial investment in a U.S. enterprise (enough to establish and operate the business)
Show at least 50% ownership or operational control of the business
Prove the business is real and active, producing goods or services (not passive investments)
Demonstrate that the business will generate jobs or economic impact, not just support your family
How much do I need to invest for an E-2 visa?
There’s no fixed minimum, but the investment must be “substantial” relative to the type of business. In practice, investments of at least $100,000-$150,000+ are often considered substantial, though smaller amounts may work if the business has low startup costs. The key is showing the investment is proportionate to the value of the enterprise.
E-2 Visa Processing Time
Processing time for the E-2 visa varies depending on how and when you apply:
U.S. Consulates abroad: Varies by consulate
Change of status in the U.S. (Form I-129): Around 2-4 months, or 15 business days with premium processing
E-2 Visa Filing Fees
E-2 visa filing fees may include:
USCIS change of status (Form I-129): $1,015 (or $510 if employer is a small business or nonprofit)
Premium processing (optional): $2965 for a 15-business-day decision
Consular processing if applying from abroad: ~$315 (may vary by consulate)
Additional costs may include business registration, legal fees, and preparing a business plan
Choosing an E-2 Visa Lawyer
What Matters When Choosing an
E-2 Visa Lawyer?
The E-2 treaty investor visa is built around your business—the size of your investment, the structure of your company, and the strength of your plan. That makes your choice of lawyer especially important. Here’s what to look for:
Proven E-2 experience: Ask how many E-2 investor cases they’ve handled, and whether they’ve worked with businesses similar to yours.
Business and immigration insight: The right immigration lawyer understands both how to structure an investment and how to frame it for USCIS or a U.S. consulate.
Strategic, up-to-date guidance: E-2 adjudications can vary by consulate and shift over time. You need a lawyer who tracks these trends and adjusts strategy accordingly.
Clear communication: Transparent pricing, clear timelines, and consistent updates so you always know where your case stands.
Silver
Your experienced attorney files your case, with clear communication and transparency every step of the way.
What’s included:
E-2 filing
Live case tracking
2-chair legal review
Guaranteed timelines personalized to
your case*
Gold
Looking for more peace of mind? Get a 60% money back guarantee*.
Platinum
Looking for more peace of mind? Get an 80% money back guarantee*.
*Prior results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Do you need an immigration attorney for the E-2 visa?
You’re not legally required to hire an immigration lawyer for an E-2 visa, but working with an experienced attorney is strongly recommended. E-2 cases hinge on proving a “substantial investment” and demonstrating that your U.S. business is real, active, and capable of generating jobs or economic impact. A lawyer ensures your evidence is structured correctly, prepares the business plan to meet consular expectations, and minimizes risks of denial or delay.
What’s the difference between the E-1 and the E-2 visa?
The E-1 visa is based on trade, while the E-2 visa is based on investment. Both are treaty visas, renewable indefinitely, and allow spouses to work. The key difference is the business model: - Choose E-1 if your company conducts ongoing trade between your treaty country and the U.S. - Choose E-2 if you are investing capital in a U.S. business that you will direct and develop.
Is it hard to get an E-2 visa?
The E-2 is not capped or lottery-based like the H-1B, but approval depends on the strength of your investment and business. Common pitfalls include investments that are too small, businesses that appear marginal (only supporting the investor’s family), or incomplete documentation. With a solid business plan, financial records, and professional guidance, many investors succeed.
Can I qualify for an E-2 visa by investing in real estate?
Generally, passive real estate investments do not qualify for the E-2 visa. Buying a home, rental property, or vacant land is considered passive and does not meet the requirement of creating a real, active business that generates jobs and contributes to the U.S. economy. However, real estate can qualify if it is structured as an active enterprise, for example, a property management company, real estate development firm, or construction business where you hire employees, manage operations, and provide services. The key is proving that your investment is substantial and actively generating economic activity, not just appreciating in value.
How does the E-2 visa application process work?
The E-2 process usually involves: 1. Making a substantial investment in a U.S. business. 2. Gathering documentation of your ownership, financials, and business plan. Applying at a U.S. consulate (for new visas) or filing Form I-129 with USCIS (for a change of status in the U.S.). 3. Attending a visa interview (if abroad) to show your business qualifies under E-2 standards. Processing times vary from a few weeks to several months, with premium processing available for USCIS filings.
Do you need a sponsor for the E-2 visa?
No. Unlike work visas such as the H-1B, the E-2 does not require a traditional employer sponsor. You can sponsor yourself through your own U.S. company, as long as it meets the requirements for a treaty investor business (substantial investment, active operations, and treaty country ownership).
Can my family members come with me on the E-2 visa?
Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 can join you on E-2 dependent visas. E-2 visa holder spouses are eligible for work authorization, and children may study in the U.S.
Does the E-2 visa lead to a Green Card?
The E-2 is a nonimmigrant visa and does not directly provide a Green Card. However, many E-2 investors later transition to permanent residency through options like the EB-5 investor visa, EB-1C multinational manager/executive Green Card, or EB-2 NIW (national interest waiver), depending on their business growth and career goals.
How long can I stay on an E-2 visa?
E-2 visas are usually granted for up to 2 year stays at a time depending on reciprocity with your treaty country. They can be renewed indefinitely as long as the business continues to meet E-2 requirements.
