E-2 Investor Visa – Launch or Expand Your Business in the United States

Are you an entrepreneur, business owner, or investor from a treaty country looking to build your future in the United States? The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa offers a unique opportunity to establish or expand a business in the U.S. while residing there legally. Whether you are acquiring an existing company, opening a franchise, or launching a new venture, this visa category allows you to manage and grow your business with flexibility and long-term potential.

At Phoenix Immigration Consulting Services, we specialize in guiding investors through the E-2 visa journey — from pre-investment planning and U.S. business setup to preparing robust visa petitions and supporting your family’s relocation. With our strategic and personalized approach, we help transform your investment into a long-term opportunity in the world’s largest economy.

What Is the E-2 Investor Visa?

The E-2 Visa is a non-immigrant U.S. visa designed for nationals of countries that maintain a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States. It allows eligible individuals to enter and work in the U.S. based on a substantial investment made in a U.S.-based business.

Unlike other visa types, the E-2 does not require a minimum investment amount by law. However, the investment must be sufficient to ensure the successful operation of the business and must be “at risk” — meaning the funds are committed prior to filing. The business must also be a real and active enterprise, capable of generating more than marginal income for the investor and their family.

The visa is typically issued for up to five years, depending on your country of nationality, with each entry allowing a two-year stay. There is no limit on renewals, as long as the business remains active and compliant.

Who Is Eligible for the E-2 Visa?

To qualify for an E-2 Visa, you must meet several key criteria. You may be eligible if you:

• Are a citizen of a country with a qualifying trade treaty with the United States
• Have invested, or are in the process of investing, a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business
• Own at least 50% of the enterprise or otherwise control it through a management role
• Will be actively involved in the business by directing, developing, or managing it
• Can demonstrate that the business is legitimate, operational, and not marginal
• Possess legal and verifiable control of the investment funds

Acceptable investments include the purchase of an existing business, establishing a startup, or entering into a franchise agreement. You may apply as an individual or through a business entity, provided the ultimate ownership can be traced back to the treaty national.

Why Choose the E-2 Visa?

The E-2 Investor Visa offers a number of practical and strategic advantages for entrepreneurs and investors:

• Flexibility: Unlike many other visas, the E-2 is not subject to annual quotas or a lottery system
• Business Control: You maintain direct control over your enterprise — including hiring, operations, and expansion decisions
• Renewable Status: The visa is renewable indefinitely, provided the business remains viable and compliant
• Family Benefits: Spouses may apply for U.S. work authorization, and children under 21 may live and study in the U.S.
• Versatile Investment Options: While investment thresholds vary, service-based businesses may qualify with investments starting around $100,000

Whether you are opening a small professional services firm or investing in a large-scale commercial venture, the E-2 Visa adapts to your business model and long-term plans.

How the E-2 Visa Process Works

The E-2 application process involves several key phases, and our team will support you at every step:

We begin with a detailed eligibility evaluation — reviewing your nationality, investment capital, business plan, and long-term goals. If needed, we assist with forming your U.S. legal entity, such as an LLC or corporation, obtaining an EIN, securing licenses, and meeting regulatory requirements.

Once the business foundation is in place, we support the execution of your investment. E-2 rules require that funds be committed and at risk prior to filing. This may include signing a lease, entering contracts, purchasing equipment, or hiring employees. We help ensure your business transactions reflect operational intent.

Next, we prepare and compile a complete E-2 visa petition. This includes a detailed, USCIS-compliant business plan with financial projections, source-of-funds documentation, operational contracts, ownership proof, and immigration forms.

Depending on your location, we guide you through either a consular visa application or a change of status filing within the U.S. Our team also prepares you for interviews and any additional consular inquiries.

Once approved, you receive your visa and may immediately enter the U.S. to begin operating your business.

Key Documents Required for an E-2 Visa

Each E-2 application must be backed by credible, well-organized documentation. While requirements vary slightly by consulate or USCIS process, most applicants will need to present:

• A valid passport from a treaty country
• Business plan with 3–5 years of operational and financial projections
• Proof of investment, including contracts, invoices, leases, and bank transfers
• Source of funds documentation showing lawful origin of capital
• U.S. business formation documents (articles of incorporation, LLC filings, EIN)
• Business licenses, registration certificates, and operational evidence
• Employment plans or employee information (if applicable)
• Resume and background of the investor or key personnel
• DS-160 confirmation (for consular applications)
• Family documents (marriage certificate, birth certificates for dependents)

Our team provides customized document checklists and reviews every element to ensure your petition is compliant, persuasive, and ready for approval.

Why Work with Phoenix Immigration Consulting Services?

We understand that business immigration is not just about forms — it’s about vision, structure, and execution. At Phoenix Immigration, we combine legal knowledge with real-world business insight to prepare robust, custom-tailored E-2 Visa applications that reflect your professional goals.

• Detailed eligibility assessments and treaty country verification
• Legal entity formation and U.S. business setup
• Investor-focused business plan development
• Full visa petition drafting with USCIS- and consular-compliant documentation
• Visa interview preparation and consular strategy
• Ongoing support for renewals, dependent visas, and future green card options

Whether you’re a first-time investor or a seasoned entrepreneur expanding into the U.S., we’re your partners from concept to completion.

Typical Timeline

While processing times vary by country and consulate, a typical E-2 timeline includes:

• Business Planning and Setup: 2 to 4 weeks
• Investment Execution: 2 to 3 weeks
• Petition Preparation: 3 to 5 weeks
• Visa Processing (Consulate or USCIS): 2 to 8 weeks

We help you manage every phase with clarity, organization, and transparent expectations.