Can You Obtain U.S. Citizenship Through an E2 Visa?

Asım Kılınç, Immigration Attorney, CK Law Firm

Many international investors turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality by launching a business in the United States under the E2 Investor Visa program. However, one of the most frequently asked questions we encounter is: “Can I obtain U.S. citizenship through the E2 Visa?” In this article, we aim to clarify this question and provide an overview of the E2 Visa’s essential details. By the end of this post, we hope to clear up any lingering confusion regarding your path to living and working in the U.S.

Below are the key topics we will cover:

1. What Is the E2 Investor Visa and What Does It Offer?
2. E2 Visa and U.S. Citizenship: Is Direct Citizenship Possible?
3. Entering and Exiting the U.S.: Does the E2 Visa Offer Flexibility?
4. Which Countries Qualify for the E2 Visa?
5. How Long Is an E2 Visa Valid and How Can You Extend It?
6. How to Select the Right Business for an E2 Visa Application?
7. How Long Does It Take to Obtain an E2 Visa?

If you have any additional questions or concerns outside the scope of these topics, feel free to reach out via our website. For more personalized inquiries, you can always connect with me on LinkedIn. Enjoy the read!

What Is the E2 Investor Visa and What Does It Offer?

The E2 Investor Visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows citizens of certain treaty countries to establish a new business or invest in an existing venture in the United States. Turkey is one of the many nations with a qualifying treaty, giving its citizens the opportunity to apply for an E2 Visa by making a substantial investment and presenting a solid, sustainable business plan.

Below are some key benefits the E2 Visa offers:

• Family Inclusion: Your spouse and any children under 21 can live, study, and (in the case of your spouse) work in the U.S.
• Unlimited Entries: As long as your E2 Visa remains valid, you can enter and exit the United States whenever you need.
• Long-Term Business Opportunities: You can continue to live and work in the U.S. through your E2 Visa as long as your business remains viable and profitable.

These advantages make the E2 Visa an attractive pathway for entrepreneurs eager to launch or grow their businesses in the U.S. The critical question, however, is whether this visa paves the way toward permanent residency (Green Card) or U.S. citizenship.

E2 Visa and U.S. Citizenship: Is Direct Citizenship Possible?

An E2 Visa does not directly lead to a Green Card or U.S. citizenship. In other words, the answer to the question, “Can I become a U.S. citizen through the E2 Visa?” is “No, not directly.” However, there is an indirect pathway you can pursue:

• A Comprehensive Strategy: If you expand your business in the United States and contribute significantly to the economy, you could become eligible for other investment-based visas such as the EB-5. In essence, this involves changing your immigration status.
• Status Adjustment: If the business you established under the E2 Visa continues to generate revenue and create jobs, you may qualify to shift to a different visa category that grants permanent residence (Green Card).

Ultimately, an E2 Visa can serve as a stepping stone to U.S. citizenship, provided you craft a personalized plan and follow a detailed roadmap. For instance, starting with an E2 investment, growing your venture, and creating job opportunities can pave the way to applying for an EB-5 Visa. After you secure a Green Card, you may eventually progress to U.S. citizenship.

Entering and Exiting the U.S.: Does the E2 Visa Offer Flexibility?

Another common question concerns the ease of traveling in and out of the U.S. under the E2 Visa. The good news is that the E2 Visa permits you to enter or leave the United States as often as your business needs dictate.

Each time you re-enter the country, you will need to show the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer that your primary purpose is to manage your U.S. business. Because the E2 Visa is categorized as a non-immigrant visa, you must demonstrate that you do not intend to remain in the United States permanently. Providing clear evidence of your ongoing business operations typically ensures a smooth entry and exit process.

Which Countries Qualify for the E2 Visa?

As mentioned, the E2 Visa is available to citizens of countries that maintain a bilateral treaty of commerce or navigation with the United States. Turkey is one of these nations, but there is a long list of other eligible countries as well. If you do not hold Turkish citizenship and wish to apply for an E2 Visa, here is a more detailed overview of eligible countries. Please note that the duration of the visa can vary from a few months to several years based on each country’s specific treaty terms.

• Argentina
• Armenia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Canada
• Chile
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• France
• Germany
• Grenada
• Honduras
• Ireland
• Italy
• Jamaica
• Japan
• Latvia
• Luxembourg
• North Macedonia
• Morocco
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Pakistan
• Panama
• Paraguay
• Philippines
• Romania
• Slovenia
• South Korea
• Spain
• Suriname
• Taiwan
• Tunisia
• Turkey
• United Kingdom

Some countries have specific visa validity periods:

• Albania – 3 years
• Australia – 4 years
• Finland – 2 years
• Mongolia – 3 years
• Singapore – 2 years
• Slovak Republic – 2 years
• Sweden – 2 years

Additional countries:

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Cameroon
• Germany (listed again; included in many official treaty country lists)
• Kazakhstan
• Kosovo
• Liberia
• Lithuania
• Mexico
• Montenegro
• Poland
• Serbia
• Senegal

Countries with shorter reciprocal validity (often three to six months):

• Azerbaijan – 3 months
• Bahrain – 3 months
• Bangladesh – 3 months
• Congo (Brazzaville) – 3 months
• Congo (Kinshasa) – 3 months
• Egypt – 3 months
• Ethiopia – 6 months
• Iran – 3 months
• Jordan – 3 months
• Kyrgyzstan – 3 months
• Moldova – 3 months
• Oman – 6 months
• Thailand – 6 months
• Ukraine – 3 months

These validity periods are based on specific reciprocity agreements and can influence how long your E2 Visa remains valid. Always check the most recent U.S. State Department guidance for updated information.

How Long Is an E2 Visa Valid and How Can You Extend It?

The answer to this question largely depends on your country’s treaty agreement with the United States, as well as guidelines set by the U.S. consulate. However, in practical terms—particularly for Turkish nationals—here is how it typically works:

1. Up to 5 Years Initially: For citizens of Turkey, the initial E2 Visa is generally granted for up to five years.
2. Renewal Options: As you approach the end of that five-year period, you can renew your visa indefinitely, provided you can demonstrate that your business remains active and profitable. However, it’s worth noting that upon renewal, the new visa validity might be two years.

If you aim to stay in the U.S. long-term and expand your business, you should prepare a thorough renewal application each time. Additionally, you can explore other visa categories, such as the EB-5 Investor Visa, to secure a more permanent future in the United States.

E2 Visa Investment Amount

The E2 Visa investment amount largely revolves around whether your capital is deemed “substantial” for the specific business you plan to operate. It’s essential to research various E2 Visa business ideas and select a path that aligns with your financial resources while offering a strong likelihood of approval.

When choosing a business for the E2 Visa, it’s crucial to demonstrate that your funds are actively invested in a functional enterprise. For example, merely purchasing a home in the United States does not qualify as an active investment and may lead to a visa denial.

How to Select the Right Business for an E2 Visa Application?

Choosing a business that meets E2 Visa criteria is a critical step in securing your approval. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) evaluates whether your investment is “substantial,” “important,” and involves a reasonable degree of risk. Essentially, you need to demonstrate you’re actively investing in a venture poised for growth in the U.S. market.

• Tourism: Examples include purchasing or operating a hotel, motel, or travel agency.
• Food & Restaurant: This can range from opening a café or full-service restaurant to acquiring a franchise.
• Consulting & Technology: Fields such as information technology, software development, or marketing offer multiple opportunities for profitable ventures.

A well-researched market strategy and a comprehensive business plan are essential for a successful E2 Visa application. Ensure that the sector you choose aligns with your investment capacity and showcases how your enterprise will contribute to the U.S. economy.

How Long Does It Take to Obtain an E2 Visa?

It’s challenging to give a definitive answer to the question, “How long does it take to get an E2 Visa?” because the timeframe depends on various factors:

1. Consulate Workload: The availability of interview appointments and the time it takes for the consular officer to process your application.
2. Application Preparedness: Thoroughly documented and professionally presented applications typically result in quicker decisions.
3. Additional Reviews: If your business model or plan is particularly complex, you may be asked to provide extra documentation, extending the overall processing period.

Overall, E2 Visa approvals can range anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

If you’re aiming to use the E2 Visa as a step toward U.S. citizenship and start a new journey in the United States, the details shared throughout this article can help guide your strategy. Ultimately, success hinges on proper planning and a well-prepared application. For additional support, you can reach out to CK Law Firm official website, or connect with me on LinkedIn for more personalized guidance.