Treaty Investors

The E-1/E-2 non-immigrant visas are designated for aliens engaged in international trade or investment between the United States (U.S.) and the aliens’ countries of nationality, provided the U.S. has an appropriate treaty relationship with the foreign country. E-2 visas are available for qualifying individuals who have made a substantial (typically $25,000 or more) investment in a U.S. company, and wish to come to the U.S. to develop and direct the business operations of that enterprise. 

An E-2 visa is issued for a two year period, and is renewable for an indefinite period of time as long as the visa holder continues in the same capacity with the business, and the business is actively engaged in trade or service. The spouse and unmarried minor children of an E-2 visa holder will also qualify for E-2 visas, which, however, will not automatically grant the dependents the right to work in the U.S. Although an E-2 visa is generally not considered to be a path to permanent residency, in some instances, the holder may qualify to apply for permanent residency in the U.S. 

For a listing of countries with whom the U.S. currently has treaties, click here.