E-2 for Investors

Purpose of E Visa Classification

The E classification is for foreign nationals engaged in international trade or investment between the United States and the foreign worker's country of nationality. To qualify for an E visa, the foreign worker's country of nationality must have a Bilateral Investment Treaty, Treaty of Friendship, Commerce, or Navigation or another qualifying treaty with the United States. 

Many countries have trade or investment treaties, or both, with the United States. The following are some of the countries have both types of treaties: Australia; Canada; France; Germany; Italy; Japan; Korea; Mexico; Pakistan; Philippines; Singapore; Taiwan; Sweden; Switzerland; Thailand; and the United Kingdom. 

The E-2 visa is for foreign workers coming to the United States solely to direct and develop the operations of an enterprise in which the foreign worker has invested, or is in the process of investing, a substantial amount of money. 

The length of time E visas are issued for depends on the length of time the E visa applicant’s country of nationality typically grants to U.S. citizens. Typically the maximum period is five years. E visas may be extended indefinitely, as long as E visa holders do not violate the terms of their status.

E-1 Visa for Treaty Traders

The E-2 Treaty Investor visa classification allows foreign workers to travel to the United States to direct and develop the operations of an enterprise in which the foreign worker has invested, or is in the process of investing, a substantial amount of money.

To qualify for an E-1 visa:

• The applicant must be a national of a country with whom the U.S. has an E-2 treaty.
• The applicant must have the same nationality as the principal foreign employer.
• The applicant must direct or develop the enterprise.
• The applicant must manage the enterprise and show ownership of at least 50 percent of the enterprise.
• The applicant must have invested, or be in the process of investing, a substantial amount of money in the enterprise.
• The investment must be substantial.
  • To determine if the investment is substantial, the consular officer will look at the amount of the investment versus the total cost of purchasing or creating the enterprise.
  • The amount normally considered sufficient to ensure the applicant's commitment to the successful operation of the enterprise.
  • Whether the investment is large enough that it is likely that the applicant will successfully direct and develop the enterprise
• The investment must be at risk, meaning that it is subject to partial or total loss if the enterprise fails.
• The investment must be in a commercial enterprise (not, for example, in stocks, undeveloped land, or non-profit institutions).
• The investment must not be in a marginal enterprise

An enterprise is marginal if it does not have the present or future capacity to generate more than a minimal living for the applicant and the applicant’s family. Usually an applicant can prove an enterprise is not marginal by providing a five-year plan for the enterprise.

Applying for an E Visa

If the applicant is inside the United States, Form I-129, Petition for Non-immigrant Worker, is used to apply for a change of status, extension of stay, or change of employment. 

If the applicant is outside the United States, the applicant may apply for an E visa on his or her own behalf (no petition or sponsorship from an employer is required) at a United States consulate abroad. Most consulates require applicants to complete Form DS-156E, Non-immigrant Treaty Trader/Investor Application in addition to the Form DS-156, Non-immigrant Visa Application. 

Spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 are eligible to join the principal E visa holder and are given the same classification as the principal. Spouses of E visa holders may apply for an Employment Authorization Document by filing Form I-765 and may work in the United States. Children may not work in the United States but they may study. 

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