Transaction readiness
Document exactly what is being purchased or established, the total business cost, contractual conditions, and when funds become irrevocably committed.
Business & Investor Visas
E2
E-2 treaty investor visas
Build an E-2 case around a real investment, a credible business, and a fully documented source-of-funds trail.
Detailed service overview
Understanding E-2 treaty investor visas
The E-2 treaty investor classification can allow a qualifying treaty-country national to direct and develop a U.S. enterprise in which the applicant has invested, or is actively investing, a substantial amount of capital. There is no single statutory minimum investment that guarantees approval; the amount is assessed in relation to the cost and nature of the business.
A strong E-2 presentation connects six core subjects: treaty nationality, ownership and control, the source and path of funds, funds placed at commercial risk, a real operating enterprise, and the applicant’s ability to direct and develop it. The business should also be more than a marginal vehicle created only to support the investor and family.
Important: Requirements, filing options, fees, and processing procedures can change. The correct strategy depends on the applicant’s full record and current government guidance.
What our planning covers
- 01Eligibility review
Identify the controlling requirements, strengths, and potential concerns.
- 02Route and timing
Compare the available filing or consular route and build a realistic timeline.
- 03Evidence strategy
Create a case-specific checklist based on the applicant’s actual facts.
- 04Consistency review
Align forms, dates, personal history, statements, and supporting documents.
- 05Final readiness
Resolve gaps and organize the package for the formal next step.
Priority planning framework
The four records an E-2 case must connect
An E-2 filing becomes clearer when the business transaction, investment trail, operational evidence, and investor role support one consistent commercial story.
Source and path of funds
Trace the capital from its lawful origin through every transfer, conversion, account, escrow step, and final business expenditure.
Operating enterprise
Support real commercial activity with premises, licenses, equipment, vendors, customers, payroll, insurance, and credible financial projections.
Investor and family plan
Explain the investor’s control and day-to-day role while coordinating dependents, consular strategy, status timing, and future travel needs.
Eligibility framework
Key requirements and considerations
This is a planning overview. Meeting one item alone does not establish eligibility; the complete record must support the requested category.
Nationality of a country that has the required E-2 treaty relationship with the United States
At least 50% treaty-country ownership of the enterprise, with the investor positioned to direct and develop it
A substantial investment measured against the actual cost of purchasing or establishing the business
Investment funds that are lawfully obtained, traceable, committed, and genuinely at risk
A real, active commercial enterprise capable of producing more than minimal living income or making a meaningful economic contribution
A credible operational role for the principal investor and an intention to depart when E-2 status ends
Evidence planning
Documents commonly considered
The final checklist should be tailored to the applicant, filing route, and selected classification. Some cases require additional forms, translations, certifications, or category-specific evidence.
Request a Document Review →- ✓
Treaty nationality evidence and ownership ledger
- ✓
Detailed source-of-funds narrative with bank, income, property, gift, loan, or business-sale records
- ✓
Complete wire-transfer trail from the source account to the U.S. business or escrow
- ✓
Purchase agreement, franchise agreement, lease, licenses, insurance, and vendor contracts
- ✓
Business plan with market analysis, five-year financials, hiring plan, and operational milestones
- ✓
Business bank statements, invoices, equipment purchases, payroll, tax, and sales records
- ✓
Investor résumé and explanation of the proposed executive or management role
- ✓
Dependent marriage and birth records where family members apply
Case preparation
Common issues to address early
Early review helps prevent avoidable inconsistencies and gives time to obtain stronger supporting records.
Funds remain uncommitted or can be freely withdrawn
Review the facts, supporting evidence, and explanation before the application package is finalized.
The investment is too low compared with the real cost of the business
Review the facts, supporting evidence, and explanation before the application package is finalized.
Source and path of funds cannot be followed from origin to deployment
Review the facts, supporting evidence, and explanation before the application package is finalized.
The company appears speculative, passive, or not ready to operate
Review the facts, supporting evidence, and explanation before the application package is finalized.
Financial projections and staffing plans are unsupported or inconsistent
Review the facts, supporting evidence, and explanation before the application package is finalized.
Our preparation process
From profile to submission readiness
The exact government process varies, but professional case preparation follows a disciplined sequence.
Profile assessment
Review the applicant, objective, status history, timeline, and possible eligibility.
Case roadmap
Define the route, evidence priorities, responsibilities, and practical next steps.
Document preparation
Organize forms, personal statements, facts, and supporting records coherently.
Readiness review
Check consistency, resolve gaps, and prepare for filing or interview.
Frequently asked questions
E-2 treaty investor visas FAQs
Clear answers to common planning questions. Individual circumstances may change the correct answer.
Is there a fixed minimum investment for an E-2 visa?+
No single dollar amount guarantees E-2 eligibility. The investment must be substantial in proportion to the cost of the specific enterprise, committed to the business, and sufficient to make the enterprise operational.
Can I buy an existing business or franchise?+
Yes. E-2 cases may be based on a new business, an existing operating business, or a franchise. The transaction, valuation, ownership, funds, and operational plan must be documented carefully.
Can my spouse and children accompany me?+
A qualifying spouse and unmarried children under 21 may generally seek derivative E status. Family documentation and the selected consular or change-of-status route should be planned with the principal case.
Does an E-2 visa lead directly to a green card?+
E-2 is a temporary nonimmigrant classification and is not itself a direct green-card category. Long-term immigration planning should be considered separately based on the investor’s goals and eligibility.
Official information resources
Discuss E-2 treaty investor visas
Request Consultation →Begin with a focused profile assessment.
Tell us your goal, current location or status, timing, and the result you want to achieve.