Must be Coming to the US to Invest or Manage a Business with an E2 Visa
The E2 Treaty Investor Visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows individuals from certain countries to come to the United States to invest in and manage a business. To qualify for an E2 visa, the business must meet several criteria:
Applicant for an E2 Visa Must Meet Several Criteria
- The business must be a bona fide enterprise: This means that the business must be a real, active, and operating commercial or entrepreneurial undertaking that produces goods or services for profit.
- The investment must be substantial: The investment must be significant in relation to the total cost of either purchasing an existing business or creating a new one. The investment must be enough to ensure the success of the business.
- The investment must be in a qualifying enterprise: The business must be engaged in a trade or commerce activity that is approved by the US government. This includes manufacturing, services, and technology-related industries, among others.
- The investor must have control of the investment: The investor must own at least 50% of the business, or have operational control through a managerial position or other corporate device.
- The investor must be a citizen of a treaty country: The investor must be a citizen of a country that has a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States. A list of these countries can be found on the US Department of State website.
E2 Visas Are Not Available For All Types of Visas
It’s important to note that the E2 visa is not available to all types of businesses. For example, real estate investment and passive investments, such as stocks or bonds, do not qualify for an E2 visa. Additionally, the E2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa, meaning that it does not provide a direct path to permanent residency or citizenship in the United States.
