The E2 Visa: Treaty Investor

E2 Visas are available only to nationals of specific countries.  (http://travel.state.gov/visa/fees/fees_3726.html)  The United States has established treaties with these countries in order to promote its relationships with those countries.  If you are a national of one of these treaty countries, and have invested or are willing to invest a significant amount of capital in a U.S. business, you may qualify for an E2 Investor Visa. 

The requirements for obtaining an E-2 Investor Visa include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Investor and enterprise must have nationality of the treaty country
  • ‘Substantial’ investment relative to total value
  • Real, operating enterprise (not a mere passive investment)
  • More than a ‘marginal’ investment (i.e., good ROI or significant impact on economy)
  • Creation of jobs for U.S. workers is a plus factor
  • Owner/investor applicant must be developing and directing the business
  • The visa applicant must have an upper-level managerial or executive role, or highly specialized skills essential to the business’ ability to operate successfully (skills must be unique to the business)

The immigration attorneys at Gunderson, Denton & Peterson, P.C. are experienced working with the USCIS and the U.S. State Department in obtaining these visas.  They can work with you to verify that your investment qualifies for an E2 Visa.  Working with an experienced attorney can be invaluable as you try to navigate through the complicated legal issues that arise when filing for an E2 Visa.