E-2 Visa Attorney – Treaty Investor Visa for the United States
Svetlana Prizant, Esq., Immigration Attorney, helps investors and entrepreneurs nationwide obtain E-2 Treaty Investor visas by guiding them through every step of the process, from investment strategy to filing and long-term planning.
The E-2 visa allows qualified investors to live in the United States, actively manage a U.S. business, and renew their status as long as the business remains operational.
What Is the E-2 Visa?
The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa is a nonimmigrant visa available to citizens of certain countries that have a treaty with the United States. It allows individuals to invest in a U.S. business and live in the U.S. while managing that business.
The E-2 visa does not require employer sponsorship, has no annual cap, and can be renewed indefinitely as long as eligibility requirements are met.
Who Qualifies for an E-2 Visa?
To qualify for an E-2 visa, an applicant must:
- Be a citizen of a treaty country
- Make a substantial investment in a U.S. business
- Invest in a real, active, operating enterprise
- Own at least 50% of the business or have operational control
There is no official minimum investment amount, but the investment must be sufficient for the specific business.
What Types of Businesses Qualify?
Many types of businesses can qualify for an E-2 visa, including:
- Restaurants and cafés
- Franchise businesses
- Consulting and IT companies
- Construction and contracting businesses
- Retail and e-commerce businesses
- Medical and wellness practices
Passive investments, such as real estate held solely for appreciation, do not qualify.
E-2 Visa Investment Requirements
U.S. immigration authorities do not set a fixed minimum investment amount for E-2 visas. Successful applications typically show that the investment is:
- Proportional to the type of business
- Lawfully sourced
- Irrevocably committed
- Sufficient to support business operations
Benefits of the E-2 Visa
- Live and work legally in the United States
- Operate your own business
- Bring your spouse and unmarried children under 21
- Spouse may apply for work authorization
- No lottery or annual cap
- Unlimited renewals while requirements are met
Family Members on an E-2 Visa
Spouse:
May apply for employment authorization and work for any employer in the U.S.
Children:
May attend school but are not authorized to work.
Why Work With an E-2 Visa Attorney?
Svetlana Prizant, Esq., Immigration Attorney, works directly with investors to structure E-2 cases for approval and long-term renewal. E-2 visas are discretionary, and careful preparation is essential.
Our firm represents E-2 investors nationwide under U.S. federal immigration law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a minimum investment for an E-2 visa?
There is no fixed minimum. The investment must be substantial relative to the business.
Can I buy an existing business?
Yes. Purchasing an operating business is common and often preferred.
Can my spouse work in the U.S.?
Yes. E-2 spouses may apply for work authorization.
Does the E-2 visa lead to a green card?
The E-2 visa is nonimmigrant, but many investors later pursue permanent residence through other options.
Attorney: Svetlana Prizant, Esq., Immigration Attorney
Admitted to practice law in New York
Practices U.S. federal immigration law nationwide
