The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa allows residents of certain countries that have an investment agreement with the United States to come to the US to establish their business. This is one of the most popular and easiest ways for investors to come to the US. The E-2 Visa is granted for 5 years and allows applicants to add their accompanying family members.
Spouses of E-2 Visa holders are eligible to apply for temporary employment authorization allowing them to work while staying in the US. Dependent children of E-2 Visa holders are also eligible for subsidized university tuition at certain colleges compared to foreign students.
This visa can be renewed every 5 years. However, the only thing that discourages investors from applying for this visa is that E-2 Visa holders are not authorized to adjust their status to permanent residence while in the US.
To Understand This, Let’s Look At the Requirements for an E-2 Treaty Investor Visa:
- You must be a citizen of a country that has a bilateral investment treaty with the US
- You must have invested in the US or actively be in the process of investing
- Your business must be operational and for-profit
- Your investment in the business must be substantial
- Your investment must generate enough income to sustain more than one person
- You must be in a position to direct and develop the business
- You must intend to depart the US once your E-2 Visa expires
Therefore, to be eligible for an E-2 Visa, your investment in the business must be substantial enough to ensure its success. The percentage of your investment for a low-cost business will be higher than the required percentage of your investment for a high-cost business. Your investment must be in an operational business.
