E-2 Visa Lawyer for founders

You hold citizenship in a country with an E-2 treaty with the U.S. Dual citizens can choose the treaty passport. Some countries, notably India and China, are not E-2 countries.

There is no fixed dollar amount. In practice, most successful E-2 cases involve at least $100,000 of investor capital, and often more for capital-intensive businesses. The investment must be at risk, traceable, and largely deployed.

Not a paper company. You need a lease, a bank account, employees or imminent hires, customers or a clear plan to get them, and a business that generates more than just a living wage for you.

You must own at least 50% of the enterprise or otherwise control it, and you must be coming to the U.S. to actually run it — not as a passive investor.

Bank statements and wire records tracing your capital from your personal account into the U.S. business account. A signed commercial lease, vendor contracts, and incorporation documents. A detailed business plan with five-year financials, a hiring plan, and market analysis. Evidence that the investment is largely spent, not just sitting in a U.S. bank account. An organization chart showing your role and any existing or planned U.S. employees. Source-of-funds documentation, such as salary records, prior business sale documents, or investment return records.