What is an E2 Visa and Who is Eligible?

Based on a large investment in a U.S. company, the non-immigrant E2 Visa lets people from some nations enter and work in the United States. The visa is meant to support foreign people investing in new or established businesses that might generate employment and strengthen the American economy, therefore fostering economic growth in the country. For business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs wishing to grow their operations into the American market, it’s among the most sought-after visas.

Understanding the E2 Visa

An E2 Visa is exclusively accessible to people of nations who have a specific treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States since it belongs to the category of treaty investors. The E2 Visa lets the investor start an existing company or launch a new one depending on their inclination. As long as the company stays running and satisfies the visa criteria, it can be renewed endlessly.

The E2 Visa’s main benefit is that it lets the visa holder oversee and guide the business they have made investments in’s activities. Additionally noteworthy are the fact that spouses and children under 21 of the main E2 Visa holder can travel to the United States with them and that spouses can apply for work authorization.

Who is Eligible for an E2 Visa?

Candidates seeking an E2 Visa have to satisfy particular qualifying requirements:

Nationality in a Treaty Country

The candidate has to be a national of a nation keeping a qualifying treaty with the United States. This implies that the E2 Visa is not qualified for every country. Among qualified nations are Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Germany. U.S. immigration officials have a complete list of treaty nations here.

Significant Investment

The investment should be significant since it implies enough to guarantee the effective running of the company. Though there is no set cash value, the investment should be sufficient to buy an existing company or cover startup expenses. Investments that are marginal or that just yield a meager income for the investor might not be qualified.

Participating actively in the business

The applicant has to show that they are coming into the United States to oversee and grow the company. This calls for the investor to be actively involved in the business operations and to have a controlling interest in it, usually understood to be at least 50%. Passive investments—that is, bonds or stocks—do not qualify.

Business Has to be a Real and Operating Commercial Enterprise.

The company the person is investing in has to be a legitimate business—that is, an active, running, for-profit company. An E2 Visa does not apply to non-profit organizations or speculative projects. The company should also be able to provide more than simply a meagre salary for the investor and their family.

Looking to leave the United States.

When their visa expires, E2 Visa applicants have to show that they intend to leave the United States. Although the visa can be renewed indefinitely, it does not directly result in permanent residency; applicants should be ready to depart the United States should their company fail or when they decide not to renew their visa.

Who is Not Eligible?

Those from nations without a relevant treaty are not eligible for an E2 Visa. Those who want to make passive investments—that is, in the stock market or real estate—do not qualify either without active business management. At last, too little or marginal investments will probably cause rejection of the visa.