E2 Visa Investment Amount: How Much Should I Invest?

Asım Kılınç, Immigration Attorney, CK Law Firm

The E-2 visa is an exceptional opportunity for entrepreneurs, investors, and business-minded individuals who wish to establish or expand their ventures in the United States. Designed for nationals of certain treaty countries, the E-2 visa allows foreign investors to reside and work in the U.S. based on a substantial investment in a U.S. business. This blog will provide a comprehensive overview of the E-2
investment amount, visa process, investment requirements, and frequently asked questions to help you make informed decisions. Here are the topics I will cover in our blog:

• What Is the Minimum Investment for an E-2 Visa?
• Examples of E-2 Visa Investments
• E-2 Visa Requirements
• E-2 Visa Duration and Processing Time
• Transitioning from E-2 Visa to Green Card
• Frequently Asked Questions

While answering these questions, I will also address the sub-headings that are curious. However, as in every visa application, you can contact us via the official website of CK Law Firm to get support from us in E2 visa application. You can also always reach me on my LinkedIn account.

What Is the Minimum Investment for an E-2 Visa?

One of the most common questions asked by potential applicants is, “How much investment is required for a US E2 visa?” Unlike some other visa categories, the E-2 visa does not specify a fixed minimum investment amount. Instead, the investment must be considered “substantial,” which means it should be proportional to the total cost of the business. In practice, successful applications often involve investments starting from $100,000, but this can vary depending on the nature and scale of the enterprise.

The term e-1 visa minimum investment often creates confusion, but it’s important to note that the E-1 and E-2 visas serve different purposes. While the E-1 visa focuses on trade, the E-2 visa revolves around investments. Ensure you’re meeting the criteria specific to the E-2 category to maximize your chances of approval.

Examples of E-2 Visa Investments

To better understand the possibilities, let’s explore some E-2 visa investment examples:

1. Franchise Businesses: Investing in well-known franchises like restaurants or fitness centers is a popular choice due to established business models.
2. Startups: Launching a tech company or innovative product-based business is ideal for entrepreneurs with unique ideas.
3. Existing Businesses: Purchasing an existing E2 visa business for sale is often a straightforward option, as these businesses already meet operational and financial requirements.

Each type of investment has its own set of challenges and advantages. It’s crucial to work with an experienced attorney to ensure your business plan aligns with the visa requirements.

E-2 Visa Requirements

To qualify for an E-2 investor visa, applicants must meet specific criteria. Here are the key E-2 visa requirements:

• Treaty Country Eligibility: You must be a national of a country that has an E-2 treaty with the United States. To check your eligibility, review the official list of E-2 visa countries on the USCIS website.
• Substantial Investment: The investment must be significant enough to ensure the success of the business. It should also be at risk, meaning it cannot be speculative or idle funds.
• Active Participation: You must actively manage the business or hold a position that involves essential skills. Passive investments, such as purchasing real estate for rental purposes, do not qualify.

E-2 Visa Duration and Processing Time

The E-2 visa duration depends on your country of origin but typically ranges from two to five years. The visa can be renewed indefinitely, provided you continue to meet the requirements and the business remains operational.

When it comes to the E2 visa processing time, it varies based on your location and method of application. Premium processing is available, which expedites the decision-making process to just 15 days. Without premium processing, the timeline can range from several weeks to a few months.

Transitioning from E-2 Visa to Green Card

While the E-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa, many investors inquire about converting it to permanent residency. The pathway from E-2 visa to green card typically involves other immigration routes, such as family sponsorship, employment-based visas, or the EB-5 investor visa. Each option requires careful planning, so consult an attorney to explore your long-term immigration goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much investment is needed for E2? The required E2 visa investment amount varies based on the business type but generally starts around $100,000. Substantiality is determined in relation to the business’s overall cost.
• Is there a limit on E2 visa? There is no numerical limit on the number of E2 visa investment amount issued annually. However, the business must meet specific criteria to qualify.
• Can I buy property in USA on E2 visa? Yes, you can purchase property on an E-2 visa, but passive investments like rental properties do not fulfill E-2 requirements. The property should be part of an active business enterprise.

If you would like more information about the E2 visa or would like to start the application process, you can contact us through the official website of CK Law Firm. You can also always reach me on my LinkedIn account.