US IMMIGRATION - E-2 : INVESTMENT IN THE US

There are two types of E visas, E-1 Treaty Trader and E-2 Treaty Investor. The basis for the classifications lies in treaties of friendship, commerce and navigation or Bilateral Investment Treaty or other arrangements between the US and certain countries that were entered into to enhance or facilitate economic and commercial interaction between the US and the relevant countries. Find out if you qualify here.

Who Qualifies for an E-2 Treaty Investor Visa?

A person may be issued an E-2 visa if

• The individual or the company has the nationality of the treaty country.
• The individual or the company has made or is in the process of making a substantial investment in an enterprise in the US.
• The individual must be coming to the US to solely to develop and direct the operations of the enterprise in which he or she has invested OR as a key employee of the enterprise.
• The investment must have the capacity to generate more than enough income to provide minimal living for the investor (and his/her family) or the capacity to make a significant economic contribution.
• The person is a dependent of an E investor or key employee.

How Long Can E Visa Holders Stay in the US?

E visas may be issued for up to five years but is commonly issued for two years at a time. There is no limit on the number of extensions. These can be granted as long as eligibility continues and the relevant treaty remains in force.

How to Obtain an E-1/E-2 Visa

Each case must be well documented with supporting evidence proving that all legal requirements are met. For a list of treaty countries, please contact our office. The initial E application will normally be adjudicated by the relevant US Embassy or Consulate. Subsequent extensions are processed by a Citizenship and Immigration Services Service Centre. Dependents of the E-1/E-2 holder (spouses and children) may also obtain E visas. E spouses may later apply for work authorization in the US.