The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa is one of the most powerful and flexible tools available to foreign entrepreneurs looking to live and work in the United States by investing in a U.S. business. However, despite its benefits, many potential applicants are confused about who qualifies, what the process involves, and how to maximize their chances of approval.
At Donald Gross Law Group, with offices in Washington, D.C. and internationally in Mexico, Europe, and Asia, we help clients navigate the complexities of the U.S. immigration system with confidence. With over 30 years of combined legal and diplomatic experience, we’ve successfully represented business owners and investors from around the world—guiding them through both adjustment of status and consular processing for E-2 visas.
Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about the E-2 visa.
What Is an E-2 Visa?
The E-2 visa allows nationals of certain treaty countries to enter and work in the U.S. based on a substantial investment in a U.S. business. It is a nonimmigrant visa, meaning it doesn’t directly lead to a green card, but it can be renewed indefinitely as long as the business remains operational and meets the visa requirements.
Who Can Apply for an E-2 Visa?
To qualify for an E-2 visa, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of a country that maintains a qualifying treaty with the United States.
- Make a substantial investment in a U.S.-based business.
- Enter the U.S. to develop and direct the enterprise (either as the investor or an essential employee).
Demonstrate that the business is not marginal—it must be capable of generating income beyond just supporting the investor and their family.
Some of the treaty countries include France, Mexico, Thailand, Portugal, and the United Kingdom, aligning closely with the regions we serve.
What Counts as a “Substantial Investment”?
While there is no fixed dollar minimum, the U.S. government defines a substantial investment as one that is:
- Sufficient to ensure the investor’s financial commitment to the business
- Proportional to the cost of the enterprise
- Adequate to support the likelihood of success
For example, a $100,000 investment may be substantial for a consulting firm, while a manufacturing company may require significantly more. We help clients structure and present their investments in the most compelling way possible to meet E-2 standards.
How Long Does the E-2 Visa Last?
The length of the E-2 visa varies depending on the applicant’s nationality, but typically ranges from 2 to 5 years, with unlimited renewals as long as the business continues to operate and fulfill visa requirements. Spouses and children under 21 can also obtain dependent E visas, and spouses can apply for work authorization in the U.S.
Can an E-2 Visa Lead to a Green Card?
While the E-2 visa does not provide a direct path to permanent residency, many investors use it as a stepping stone to a green card through:
- The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
- Family-based sponsorship
- Employment-based sponsorship
- Adjusting status through a different visa category
Our attorneys offer strategic planning for clients interested in transitioning from E-2 to permanent residency, based on each unique case.
Why Choose Donald Gross Law Group?
With attorneys admitted in Washington, D.C. and France, and graduates from elite institutions like Cornell and University of Chicago Law School, our team provides world-class legal guidance with international reach.
What sets us apart:
- Successful representation before USCIS, the Department of State, and U.S. Embassies worldwide
- Multilingual support (Spanish, French, Thai, English) for effective communication and cultural sensitivity
- Over three decades of combined experience in U.S. immigration and diplomatic law
- Featured contributors to CNN, Fox Business, MSNBC, and the Wall Street Journal
- Deep knowledge of both business law and international immigration pathways
Whether you’re starting a new business in the U.S., expanding your international company, or buying into an existing franchise, we help make the E-2 process clear, efficient, and effective.
Offices Near You—And Around the World
From our headquarters in Washington, D.C., we support clients across the globe through our international offices in:
- Mexico City, Monterrey, Cancun
- Lisbon, London, Madrid, Barcelona, Milan, Paris, Lyon, Nice, Marseilles
- Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket
Our firm is proud to offer culturally sensitive, client-centered service with personal insight into the immigrant journey.
Get Personalized Help With Your E-2 Visa
If you’re considering an E-2 visa or exploring investment-based immigration options, contact Donald Gross Law Group today to schedule a consultation. We’ll walk you through every step—from treaty country eligibility and investment planning to application filing and interview preparation.
Let us help you turn your business goals into a U.S. immigration success story.