<div class="vt" data-vt-cat="work-visas" data-vt-code="E-2"> <div class="vt-crumbs"><nav class="vt-wrap" aria-label="Breadcrumb"><a href="/">Home</a><span>›</span><a href="/work-visas">Work & business</a><span>›</span><span>E-2</span></nav></div> <section class="vt-dhead"><div class="vt-wrap"> <div class="vt-badges"><span>Nonimmigrant</span><span>Investment-based</span><span>Treaty country nationals</span><span>No annual cap</span><span>Spouse may work</span></div> <h1><span>E-2</span> Treaty Investor</h1> <p class="vt-lede">For nationals of treaty countries who invest a substantial amount of capital in a real U.S. business and come to develop and direct it, and for their key employees.</p> <div class="vt-dmeta"><span>Last reviewed <strong>Oct 1, 2026</strong></span><span>Sources: USCIS · Department of State · eCFR</span><a href="/corrections?page=/visa/e-2">Report an error</a></div> </div></section> <section class="vt-dbody"> <nav class="vt-jump" aria-label="On this page"><a href="#overview">Overview</a><a href="#qualify">Who qualifies</a><a href="#duration">Duration</a><a href="#fees">Fees</a><a href="#processing">Processing</a><a href="#steps">Steps</a><a href="#documents">Documents</a><a href="#dependents">Dependents</a><a href="#greencard">Green card</a><a href="#related">Related</a><a href="#faq">FAQ</a><a href="#sources">Sources</a><a href="#changes">Changes</a></nav> <nav class="vt-toc" aria-label="On this page"><div class="h">On this page</div><ul><li><a href="#overview">Overview</a></li><li><a href="#qualify">Who qualifies</a></li><li><a href="#duration">Duration & extensions</a></li><li><a href="#fees">Fees</a></li><li><a href="#processing">Processing time</a></li><li><a href="#steps">Application steps</a></li><li><a href="#documents">Required documents</a></li><li><a href="#dependents">Dependents & family</a></li><li><a href="#greencard">Path to a green card</a></li><li><a href="#related">Related visas</a></li><li><a href="#faq">Common questions</a></li><li><a href="#sources">Official sources</a></li><li><a href="#changes">Recent changes</a></li></ul></nav> <article class="vt-art"> <div class="vt-glance"><h2>At a glance</h2><dl><div><dt>Who can apply</dt><dd>Nationals of an E-2 treaty country (81 listed)</dd></div><div><dt>Investment</dt><dd>Substantial, at risk, in a real operating business; no fixed minimum</dd></div><div><dt>Admission</dt><dd>Up to 2 years per entry</dd></div><div><dt>Extensions</dt><dd>2-year increments, no limit on number</dd></div><div><dt>Visa fee</dt><dd>$315 + reciprocity fee where applicable</dd></div><div><dt>Spouse</dt><dd>Work-authorized incident to status</dd></div></dl></div> <div class="vt-callout"><strong>Treaty country required.</strong> Only nationals of countries listed with E-2 in the <a href="https://fam.state.gov/fam/09FAM/09FAM040209.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">State Department’s treaty table (9 FAM 402.9-10, updated February 17, 2026)</a> qualify. Bolivia and Ecuador are limited to investments made before their treaties ended. Ecuadorian investments in place by May 18, 2018 keep E-2 eligibility until May 18, 2028.</div> <h2 id="overview" class="s">Overview</h2> <p class="b">The E-2 classification is for a national of a treaty country who has invested, or is actively investing, a substantial amount of capital in a bona fide U.S. enterprise. The investor comes solely to develop and direct it and must own at least 50% of the business or control it operationally (<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/e-2-treaty-investors" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS</a>). Employees of the same nationality in executive, supervisory or essential-skill roles also qualify.</p> <p class="b">The law sets no minimum investment. The amount must be substantial in relation to the total cost of the business and at risk in a commercial sense. The business must be a real, active commercial enterprise. It cannot be marginal, meaning it must produce more than a minimal living for the investor and family, or have a significant economic impact. Uncommitted funds sitting in a bank account generally do not count.</p> <p class="b">The <a href="https://fam.state.gov/fam/09FAM/09FAM040209.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">treaty table</a> lists 81 countries with E-2 privileges, including Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan, Israel (since May 1, 2019), New Zealand (since June 10, 2019) and Portugal (since March 15, 2024). Most E-2 visas are issued by U.S. consulates; USCIS handles changes of status and extensions inside the U.S.</p> <h2 id="qualify" class="s">Who qualifies</h2> <h3 class="s">The investor must</h3> <ul class="b"><li>Have the nationality of a treaty country. The business must be at least 50% owned by nationals of that country.</li><li>Have invested, or be actively investing, substantial capital that is at risk in a real, operating enterprise.</li><li>Show the business is not marginal.</li><li>Own at least 50% of the business or have operational control, and come to develop and direct it.</li><li>Intend to leave the U.S. when E-2 status ends.</li></ul> <h3 class="s">An employee must also</h3> <ul class="b"><li>Have the same treaty nationality as the employer.</li><li>Work in an executive or supervisory role, or have special qualifications essential to the business.</li></ul> <h2 id="duration" class="s">Duration & extensions</h2> <table class="vt-kv"><tbody><tr><th scope="row">Initial admission</th><td>Up to 2 years (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-214/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">8 CFR 214.2(e)(19)</a>)</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Extensions</th><td>Up to 2 years each, with no limit on the number (<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/e-2-treaty-investors" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS</a>)</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Travel</th><td>Each return normally brings a new 2-year admission period</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Visa validity</th><td>Set by the reciprocity schedule for the applicant’s nationality, separate from the admission period</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Passport rule</th><td>Admission generally cannot run more than 6 months past the passport’s expiration</td></tr></tbody></table> <h2 id="fees" class="s">Fees</h2> <p class="vt-feesintro">E visas are usually issued at a U.S. consulate. USCIS fees apply only when filing inside the U.S. All USCIS amounts come from the <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS fee schedule (G-1055, edition 10/01/26)</a>.</p> <div class="vt-scroll"><table class="vt-fees"><thead><tr><th>Fee</th><th class="amt">Amount</th><th>Who pays</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody> <tr><td>Visa application fee (E category)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-22/section-22.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$315</a></td><td>Applicant</td><td>Charged per applicant, including dependents.</td></tr> <tr><td>Visa issuance (reciprocity) fee</td><td class="amt">Varies by nationality</td><td>Applicant</td><td>Set by the <a href="https://fam.state.gov/fam/09FAM/09FAM040209.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reciprocity schedule</a> for the applicant’s country. The same schedule also sets visa validity and number of entries.</td></tr> <tr><td>Form I-129 (change of status or extension in the U.S.)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$1,015 paper / $965 online</a></td><td>Investor or enterprise</td><td>Small employers and nonprofits pay $510.</td></tr> <tr><td>Asylum Program Fee (with Form I-129)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$600</a></td><td>Investor or enterprise</td><td>$300 for small employers; $0 for nonprofits.</td></tr> <tr><td>Premium processing (optional)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$2,965</a></td><td>Investor or enterprise</td><td>Available for E-1 and E-2 petitions filed with USCIS.</td></tr> <tr><td>Form I-539 (dependents extending or changing status)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$470 paper / $420 online</a></td><td>Dependent</td><td>Spouses and children extend on Form I-539.</td></tr> </tbody></table></div> <p class="vt-foot">Public Law 119-21 (signed July 4, 2025), section 100007, requires a <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-119publ21/html/PLAW-119publ21.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visa Integrity Fee</a> of at least $250 when a nonimmigrant visa is issued. As of October 1, 2026, the State Department’s fee schedule (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-22/section-22.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">22 CFR 22.1</a>) lists no Visa Integrity Fee and no implementing notice has been published in the Federal Register, so the amount actually collected at visa issuance should be confirmed with the consulate.</p> <h2 id="processing" class="s">Processing time</h2> <dl class="vt-cards"><div><dt>Premium processing (I-129)</dt><dd>15 business days</dd><dd class="n">USCIS timeframe for <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/how-do-i-request-premium-processing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">premium-eligible classifications</a>, including E-1 and E-2.</dd></div><div><dt>Readmission period</dt><dd>2 years</dd><dd class="n">Each readmission gives a new period of up to 2 years (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-214/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">8 CFR 214.2(e)(19)</a>).</dd></div></dl> <p class="b">Consular wait times vary by embassy. Many posts have their own E-visa submission procedures. Regular USCIS processing for in-country filings varies; check <a href="https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS processing times</a>.</p> <h2 id="steps" class="s">Application steps</h2> <ol class="vt-steps"><li><span class="num">1</span><div><div class="tt">Check treaty eligibility</div><div class="tx">Confirm the applicant’s country has an E-2 treaty and that treaty nationals own at least 50% of the business.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">2</span><div><div class="tt">Make the investment</div><div class="tx">Put the funds at risk: buy or set up the business, sign leases, buy equipment. Document where the funds came from and how they reached the business.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">3</span><div><div class="tt">Prepare a business plan</div><div class="tx">Show the business is real and operating, or about to operate, and not marginal.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">4</span><div><div class="tt">Complete the forms</div><div class="tx">File the online DS-160. For principal E-2 investors, the DS-156E questions are built into the DS-160; employees file a separate DS-156E (<a href="https://fam.state.gov/fam/09FAM/09FAM040209.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9 FAM 402.9-11</a>).</div></div></li><li><span class="num">5</span><div><div class="tt">Interview at the consulate</div><div class="tx">Pay the $315 fee, follow the embassy’s E-visa submission process and attend the interview.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">6</span><div><div class="tt">Enter, extend, renew</div><div class="tx">Admission is for up to 2 years per entry. Extend through USCIS (Form I-129 and I-539) or by traveling and being readmitted.</div></div></li></ol> <h2 id="documents" class="s">Required documents</h2> <div class="vt-docs"><div><h3>Investment evidence</h3><ul><li><span>Proof of funds and their lawful source, and the transfer to the U.S. business</span></li><li><span>Purchase agreements, leases, invoices for equipment and inventory</span></li><li><span>Business plan with financial projections; incorporation and ownership documents</span></li></ul></div><div><h3>From the applicant</h3><ul><li><span>Passport showing treaty nationality</span></li><li><span>DS-160 confirmation (and DS-156E for employees)</span></li><li><span>Evidence of control (investor) or of an executive role or essential skills (employee)</span></li></ul></div></div> <h2 id="dependents" class="s">Dependents & family</h2> <p class="b">Spouses and unmarried children under 21 may receive E-2 status, whatever their own nationality. Visas for dependents who are not treaty nationals follow the principal’s country reciprocity schedule (<a href="https://fam.state.gov/fam/09FAM/09FAM040209.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9 FAM 402.9</a>).</p> <p class="b">A spouse in E-2 status is <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-10-part-b-chapter-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">employment authorized incident to status</a>. An unexpired Form I-94 annotated E-2S (issued since January 30, 2022) is acceptable proof of work authorization; a separate EAD is optional. Children (E-2Y) are not authorized to work but may study.</p> <h2 id="greencard" class="s">Path to a green card</h2> <p class="b">E status is not dual intent, but no foreign residence is required. A clear intention to leave the U.S. when E status ends is normally sufficient (<a href="https://fam.state.gov/fam/09FAM/09FAM040209.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9 FAM 402.9</a>). Someone with an approved immigrant petition must still show they intend to depart at the end of the authorized stay.</p> <div class="vt-gsteps"><div><div class="k">Step 1</div><div class="tt">Employment- or investment-based petition</div><div class="tx">E workers and investors may pursue permanent residence through an employer petition (e.g. EB-2 or EB-3) or, for investors, the separate EB-5 program with its own investment thresholds.</div></div><div><div class="k">Step 2</div><div class="tt">Adjustment or consular processing</div><div class="tx">Once a visa number is available, the person applies to adjust status in the U.S. or for an immigrant visa abroad. Travel and extensions in E status while a green card case is pending need care.</div></div></div> <p class="b">There is no direct conversion from E-1 or E-2 to a green card.</p> <h2 id="related" class="s">Related visas</h2> <div class="vt-rel"><a href="/visa/e-1"><div class="c">E-1</div><div class="n">Treaty trader</div><div class="tx">For treaty nationals whose business is mainly trade with their home country.</div></a><a href="/visa/eb-5"><div class="c">EB-5</div><div class="n">Immigrant investor</div><div class="tx">Green card through a larger qualifying investment.</div></a><a href="/visa/e-2c"><div class="c">E-2C</div><div class="n">CNMI-only investor</div><div class="tx">Closed, CNMI-only investor status ending December 31, 2029.</div></a><a href="/visa/l-1a"><div class="c">L-1A</div><div class="n">Intracompany manager</div><div class="tx">Transfers within a multinational company, no treaty needed.</div></a><a href="/visa/o-1a"><div class="c">O-1A</div><div class="n">Extraordinary ability</div><div class="tx">An option for founders who do not have treaty nationality.</div></a></div> <h2 id="faq" class="s">Common questions</h2> <div class="vt-faq"><details><summary>What is the minimum investment for an E-2?</summary><p>There is none in the law or regulations. The investment must be substantial relative to the cost of the business, at risk, and enough to make the business work. Smaller businesses usually need a higher share of their total cost invested.</p></details><details><summary>Can an E-2 spouse work?</summary><p>Yes. E-2 spouses are employment authorized incident to status, and an I-94 annotated E-2S is acceptable proof. Children cannot work.</p></details><details><summary>Is there a limit on E-2 renewals?</summary><p>No. Admissions and extensions are in increments of up to 2 years with no limit on the number, as long as the business keeps qualifying and the investor intends to leave when status ends.</p></details><details><summary>Does E-2 lead to a green card?</summary><p>Not directly. Permanent residence requires a separate immigrant route, such as EB-5 or an employer petition.</p></details><details><summary>Can someone who is not a treaty national use E-2?</summary><p>Not as the investor or an employee. A spouse or child of a qualifying E-2 principal can receive E-2 status whatever their own nationality.</p></details></div> <h2 id="sources" class="s">Official sources</h2> <ul class="vt-src"><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/e-2-treaty-investors" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · E-2 Treaty Investors</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://fam.state.gov/fam/09FAM/09FAM040209.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>Department of State</strong> · 9 FAM 402.9 — Treaty Traders, Investors (incl. treaty country table)</span><span>state.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/employment/treaty-trader-investor-visa-e.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>Department of State</strong> · Treaty Trader and Investor Visas</span><span>travel.state.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-214/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>eCFR</strong> · 8 CFR 214.2(e) — Treaty traders and investors</span><span>ecfr.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-10-part-b-chapter-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · Policy Manual Vol. 10, Part B, Ch. 2 — E and L spouse employment</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · Fee Schedule (G-1055)</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-22/section-22.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>eCFR</strong> · 22 CFR 22.1 — Consular fee schedule</span><span>ecfr.gov ↗</span></a></li></ul> <h2 id="changes" class="s">Recent changes</h2> <ul class="vt-chg"><li><span class="d">Mar 1, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Premium processing fees adjusted for inflation.</strong> A final rule published January 12, 2026 (91 FR 1059) raised premium processing fees effective March 1, 2026; the I-907 fee for E-2 petitions is now $2,965. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/12/2026-00321/adjustment-to-premium-processing-fees" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jan 1, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Proclamation 10998 expands entry restrictions.</strong> Signed December 16, 2025 and effective January 1, 2026, it continues the June 2025 restrictions and adds more countries. Nationals of fully restricted countries are barred from entry on any visa unless an exception applies; for partially restricted countries, consular officers are told to shorten the validity of nonimmigrant visas other than B, F, M and J. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/19/2025-23570/restricting-and-limiting-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Oct 1, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Narrower visa interview waivers.</strong> Since October 1, 2025, nearly all nonimmigrant visa applicants need an in-person interview. The exceptions are mainly diplomatic and official visa classes and certain B-1/B-2 and H-2A renewals. Consular officers can still require an interview in any case. <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/interview-waiver-update-sept-18-2025.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jul 4, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Visa Integrity Fee enacted.</strong> Public Law 119-21 created a non-waivable Visa Integrity Fee of at least $250, due when a nonimmigrant visa is issued. As of October 1, 2026, the State Department’s fee schedule does not list it. <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-119publ21/html/PLAW-119publ21.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Apr 1, 2024</span><div class="x"><strong>New USCIS fee schedule and Asylum Program Fee.</strong> The USCIS fee rule published January 31, 2024 took effect April 1, 2024. It set separate Form I-129 fees for each classification, created reduced fees for small employers and nonprofits, and added an Asylum Program Fee to I-129 petitions. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/01/31/2024-01427/us-citizenship-and-immigration-services-fee-schedule-and-changes-to-certain-other-immigration" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Mar 15, 2024</span><div class="x"><strong>Portugal added as an E-1/E-2 treaty country.</strong> Under Public Law 117-263, the State Department confirmed reciprocity, and E-1 and E-2 visas have been issued to nationals of Portugal since March 15, 2024. <a href="https://fam.state.gov/fam/09FAM/09FAM040209.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li></ul> <div class="vt-disc">This page is general reference material compiled from the official sources above and is not legal advice. Eligibility depends on individual facts; rules and fees change, so confirm with the agency before you file. VisaTypes.com is not affiliated with USCIS, the Department of State or any government agency. Spotted an error? <a href="/corrections?page=/visa/e-2">Tell us</a>.</div> </article></section></div> <script type="application/ld+json">[{"\u0040context": "https://schema.org", "\u0040type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [{"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://visatypes.com/"}, {"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Work & business", "item": "https://visatypes.com/work-visas"}, {"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "E-2", "item": "https://visatypes.com/visa/e-2"}]}, {"\u0040context": "https://schema.org", "\u0040type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{"\u0040type": "Question", "name": "What is the minimum investment for an E-2?", "acceptedAnswer": {"\u0040type": "Answer", "text": "There is none in the law or regulations. 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