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E-2 Visa Basics & How Tos Video Tips

Frequently Asked Questions About the E-2 Investor Visa

Get Insider Tips from a former US Justice Department Attorney
  • Top 12 Must Know Questions & Answers
  • Common Mistakes to Avoid E-2 Denial
  • E-2 Process Made Easy (step-by-step)
  • E-2 Timeline (how long the process takes)
  • Checklist: Common Expenses for E2 Investors (to maximize visa approval)

Key Benefits of the E-2 Investor Visa

  • Live in the United States
  • Spouse is Authorized to Work Anywhere
  • Start or Buy Your Own U.S. business
  • Children May Attend Any U.S. School
  • Manage & Operate Your Business
  • Allows 2 Joint Investors in One Business
  • Bring Your Spouse & Minor Children
  • Unlimited E-2 Visa Renewals

E-2 APPROVAL FOR HUNDREDS OF BUSINESSES

More Businesses

Consulting

Gas Station

Homecare

Restaurant

Pharmacy

Wholesale

Auto Repair

Real Estate

Dental Practice

Apparel

Cafe

Fast Food

E-Commerce

Tutoring Service

Import/Export

Apparel/Clothing

More Businesses
Find Out If A
Business Qualifies

Contact Us

How are we different?

Our exclusive focus allows us to provide in-depth knowledge, experience, and tailored solutions to our E-2 clients. In other words, we give real answers to a variety of business, visa, logistical challenges that go beyond manuals and regulations.

Real
Strategies

that hundreds of clients have used for E-2 approval

Actual Knowledge & Experience

all team members have real E-2 experience and knowledge

Step-By-Step Guidance

detailed instructions (how to’s & tips) that go beyond a generic checklist

Referral Network

access to our private network of referrals who understand how to work with E-2 clients

Categories
E-2 Visa Basics & How Tos

E-2 Visa Requirements & How To Apply

Get Insider Tips from a former US Justice Department Attorney
  • Top 12 Must Know Questions & Answers
  • Common Mistakes to Avoid E-2 Denial
  • E-2 Process Made Easy (step-by-step)
  • E-2 Timeline (how long the process takes)
  • Checklist: Common Expenses for E2 Investors (to maximize visa approval)

Gain insights into who is eligible to apply for the E-2 visa, the business requirements—such as the minimum investment amount and percentage of ownership—necessary to meet the visa criteria, as well as guidelines on demonstrating the legal sourcing of investment funds.

Additionally, we cover the basic procedures involved in the application process.

Contact us if you have any questions.

E-2 APPROVAL FOR HUNDREDS OF BUSINESSES

More Businesses

Consulting

Gas Station

Homecare

Restaurant

Pharmacy

Wholesale

Auto Repair

Real Estate

Dental Practice

Apparel

Cafe

Fast Food

E-Commerce

Tutoring Service

Import/Export

Apparel/Clothing

More Businesses
Find Out If A
Business Qualifies

Contact Us

How are we different?

Our exclusive focus allows us to provide in-depth knowledge, experience, and tailored solutions to our E-2 clients. In other words, we give real answers to a variety of business, visa, logistical challenges that go beyond manuals and regulations.

Real
Strategies

that hundreds of clients have used for E-2 approval

Actual Knowledge & Experience

all team members have real E-2 experience and knowledge

Step-By-Step Guidance

detailed instructions (how tos & tips) that go beyond a generic checklist

Referral Network

access to our private network of referrals who understand how to work with E-2 clients

Categories
E-2 Visa Basics & How Tos

How Much Should I Invest?

What’s the minimum investment you can make while still ensuring E-2 visa approval?

The law does not specify a specific minimum amount because there are so many businesses that exist with it’s own purchase or startup cost.

Even though the U.S. Immigration doesn’t set a clear black and white minimum investment for the E-2 visa requirements, in practice we see an investment of $100,000 USD or more for most types of businesses be sufficient.

What about $70,000 to $90,000? That’s close enough right?

An investment less than $100,000 is definitely possible. However, your chances of receiving an E-2 visa DENIAL due to an insufficient investment becomes high the less you invest.

Don’t short change yourself. Put in the effort and real investment needed to show the visa officer that you mean business.

You don’t have to spend the full $100,000 if the business is a low-cost type of business.

Here is some good news, you do not actually have to spend the full $100,000. Working capital held inside the U.S. business bank account also counts towards the total investment.

For example, for a startup business, if it only costs $70,000 to startup this business (registering business, obtaining business licenses, renting business premise, furnishing, equipment, supplies, website, marketing, hiring U.S. workers, etc.), then the remaining $30,000 can be kept in as working capital in the U.S. business bank account. Although the total expenses were $70,000, the working capital of $30,000 could still be counted towards the total investment. The working capital must be held in the U.S. business bank account and not in a personal bank to count towards the total investment.

What if the business you want to start or purchase is very low cost and may not even reach $70,000 in expenses?

There are in deed some low costs businesses that are vary from $30,000 to $60,000. These are typically startup service based businesses such as a consulting or service business (e.g. marketing, business, accounting, IT, etc.).

Where a business is very low cost, it is important to get creative and find ways to boost the investment expense. Having a low cost business is not a strong and convincing argument for visa officers. A low investment has a high chance of visa denial becuase the visa officer would view the business as marginal (too small to succeed).

Ideas to increase investment expense (without it feeling like a waste of money):

  • Hiring U.S. workers and start payroll
  • Purchase larger inventory in advance
  • Purchase a business vehicle (not all vehicles will qualify)

For more ideas to increase investment expenses, contact us.

You might like:
E-2 Visa Frequently Asked Questions
Learn More.
Contact Us

E-2 APPROVAL FOR HUNDREDS OF BUSINESSES

More Businesses

Consulting

Gas Station

Homecare

Restaurant

Pharmacy

Wholesale

Auto Repair

Real Estate

Dental Practice

Apparel

Cafe

Fast Food

E-Commerce

Tutoring Service

Import/Export

Apparel/Clothing

More Businesses
Find Out If A
Business Qualifies

Contact Us

How are we different?

Our exclusive focus allows us to provide in-depth knowledge, experience, and tailored solutions to our E-2 clients. In other words, we give real answers to a variety of business, visa, logistical challenges that go beyond manuals and regulations.

Real
Strategies

that hundreds of clients have used for E-2 approval

Actual Knowledge & Experience

all team members have real E-2 experience and knowledge

Step-By-Step Guidance

detailed instructions (how to’s & tips) that go beyond a generic checklist

Referral Network

access to our private network of referrals who understand how to work with E-2 clients

Categories
E-2 Visa Basics & How Tos

How Long Does the E-2 Investor Visa Process Take?

Free Download

How long does it take to finish investing?

How long does it take to get the E-2 visa?

Find out here.

The 7 Stage E-2 Timeline

How long does it take to get the E-2 visa?

Once an E-2 application is submitted, the processing time typically spans between 2 to 6 months.

However, these durations vary based on the specific U.S. Embassy or Consulate where the application is submitted. These processing times are subject to constant change based on the workload and operations of each embassy or consulate.

E-2 Timeline

Applying at US Embassy Abroad versus Change of Status in the U.S.

E-2 APPROVAL FOR HUNDREDS OF BUSINESSES

More Businesses

Consulting

Gas Station

Homecare

Restaurant

Pharmacy

Wholesale

Auto Repair

Real Estate

Dental Practice

Apparel

Cafe

Fast Food

E-Commerce

Tutoring Service

Import/Export

Apparel/Clothing

More Businesses
Find Out If A
Business Qualifies

Contact Us

How are we different?

Our exclusive focus allows us to provide in-depth knowledge, experience, and tailored solutions to our E-2 clients. In other words, we give real answers to a variety of business, visa, logistical challenges that go beyond manuals and regulations.

Real
Strategies

that hundreds of clients have used for E-2 approval

Actual Knowledge & Experience

all team members have real E-2 experience and knowledge

Step-By-Step Guidance

detailed instructions (how to’s & tips) that go beyond a generic checklist

Referral Network

access to our private network of referrals who understand how to work with E-2 clients

Categories
E-2 Visa Basics & How Tos

What Businesses Qualify for the E-2 Visa?

Get Insider Tips from a former US Justice Department Attorney
  • Top 12 Must Know Questions & Answers
  • Common Mistakes to Avoid E-2 Denial
  • E-2 Process Made Easy (step-by-step)
  • E-2 Timeline (how long the process takes)
  • Checklist: Common Expenses for E2 Investors (to maximize visa approval)

Making a decision on what business to own is one of the first decisions in the E-2 visa journey.

Discover the pros and cons of buying a business, explore franchise options, learn about suitable business structures, understand purchase contract essentials, and get tips on securing necessary business licenses.

This resource provides essential insights. See below for details.

Contact us if you have questions.

E-2 APPROVAL FOR HUNDREDS OF BUSINESSES

More Businesses

Consulting

Gas Station

Homecare

Restaurant

Pharmacy

Wholesale

Auto Repair

Real Estate

Dental Practice

Apparel

Cafe

Fast Food

E-Commerce

Tutoring Service

Import/Export

Apparel/Clothing

More Businesses
Find Out If A
Business Qualifies

Contact Us

How are we different?

Our exclusive focus allows us to provide in-depth knowledge, experience, and tailored solutions to our E-2 clients. In other words, we give real answers to a variety of business, visa, logistical challenges that go beyond manuals and regulations.

Real
Strategies

that hundreds of clients have used for E-2 approval

Actual Knowledge & Experience

all team members have real E-2 experience and knowledge

Step-By-Step Guidance

detailed instructions (how tos & tips) that go beyond a generic checklist

Referral Network

access to our private network of referrals who understand how to work with E-2 clients

Categories
E-2 Visa Basics & How Tos

Is franchise business good for the E-2 visa?

Choosing a franchise business for the E-2 visa presents a compelling opportunity, especially for individuals entering unfamiliar industries seeking support or opting for a business system with a proven track record of success. In deciding whether a franchise business is the right fit, we've compiled a list of advantages and disadvantages based on experiences shared by E-2 investors.

Advantages of Franchise

Established Brand

Franchises come with recognized brand names. This recognition can attract customers more easily than a new, unknown business, increasing the chances of success for the franchisee.

Franchise Disclosure Documents Create Transparency

Franchise agreements include detailed disclosure documents that provide transparency regarding the franchise's financial performance, business model, obligations, and potential risks. This helps prospective franchisees make informed decisions.

Training & support

Franchisees usually receive comprehensive training and ongoing support from the franchisor. This includes guidance on various aspects of the business, such as operations, marketing, employee management, and customer service.

This is especially helpful for investors who have limited experience or qualifications.

Pre-developed Marketing

Franchises often have established marketing strategies and materials in place. This saves franchisees time and resources that would otherwise be spent on developing marketing campaigns from scratch.

Proven Track Record

Business model and blueprint for operations have been tried-and-tested, making it easier for franchisees to navigate challenges and replicate success. Leveraging a business model that has been refined over time minimizes the risks associated with untested strategies.

Set Operating Systems

Franchises provide a structured business model and established operational systems. This offers a clear roadmap on how the business should run, reducing the need for trial and error in establishing successful operations.

Exclusive Territory

Franchisees often have a designated and protected territory, ensuring that other franchisees under the same brand cannot encroach on their market. This can provide a competitive advantage in the local market.

Disadvantages of Franchise

Limited Accommodations to E-2 Investors

Not all franchises are E-2 visa friendly, as some franchises may be reluctant to deal with the added complexities of visa-related requirements and the potential waiting period for visa issuance.

However, there are some “E-2 Visa Friendly Franchises”. Franchise consultants who are experienced with the E-2 visa should be able to connect investors with franchise opportunities that are happy to work with E-2 investors.

Limited E-2 Visa Suitability

Not every franchise model meets the E-2 Visa Requirements.

*Our office reviews Franchise Disclosure Documents to evaluate franchise business model and for E-2 visa suitability.

Restricted Autonomy

Some franchises may require that supplies and equipment are purchased from exclusive vendors to ensure brand quality. This limitation can impact flexibility and cost control for the business owner.

Geographic Restrictions

Franchises typically define territories, restricting the operational area for each franchisee.

However, this can also be seen as an advantage to protect each franchisee from the same competition.

E-2 APPROVAL FOR HUNDREDS OF BUSINESSES

More Businesses

Consulting

Gas Station

Homecare

Restaurant

Pharmacy

Wholesale

Auto Repair

Real Estate

Dental Practice

Apparel

Cafe

Fast Food

E-Commerce

Tutoring Service

Import/Export

Apparel/Clothing

More Businesses
Find Out If A
Business Qualifies

Contact Us

How are we different?

Our exclusive focus allows us to provide in-depth knowledge, experience, and tailored solutions to our E-2 clients. In other words, we give real answers to a variety of business, visa, logistical challenges that go beyond manuals and regulations.

Real
Strategies

that hundreds of clients have used for E-2 approval

Actual Knowledge & Experience

all team members have real E-2 experience and knowledge

Step-By-Step Guidance

detailed instructions (how to’s & tips) that go beyond a generic checklist

Referral Network

access to our private network of referrals who understand how to work with E-2 clients

Categories
E-2 Visa Basics & How Tos

Treaty Countries (List)

The investor, whether an individual or business, must possess the nationality of the treaty country. The nationality of a business is determined by the nationality of the individual owners of that business. Below is a list of countries that have E2 investor treaty with the United States.

Albania Finland New Zealand
Footnote 13
Argentina France
Footnote 3
Norway
Footnote 6
Armenia Georgia Oman
Australia Germany Pakistan
Austria Grenada
Footnote 15
Panama
Azerbaijan Honduras Paraguay
Bahrain Ireland Philippines
Bangladesh  Israel
Footnote 11
Poland
Belgium  Italy Portugal
Bolivia
Footnote 12
Jamaica Romania
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Footnote 10
 Japan
Footnote 4
Senegal
Bulgaria  Jordan Serbia
Footnote 10
Cameroon  Kazakhstan Singapore
Canada  Korea (South) Slovak Republic
Footnote 2
Chile  Kosovo Slovenia
Footnote 10
China (Taiwan)
Footnote 1
 Kyrgyzstan Spain
Footnote 7
Colombia  Latvia Sri Lanka
Congo (Brazzaville)  Liberia Suriname
Footnote 8
Congo (Kinshasa)  Lithuania Sweden
Costa Rica  Luxembourg Switzerland
Croatia
Foonote 10
Macedonia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of (FRY) Thailand
Czech Republic
Footnote 2
Mexico Togo
Denmark  Moldova Trinidad & Tobago
Ecuador
Footnote 14
 Mongolia Tunisia
Egypt  Montenegro
Footnote 10
Turkey
Footnote 15
Estonia  Morocco Ukraine
Ethiopia  Netherlands
Footnote 5
United Kingdom
Footnote 9
Yugoslavia
Footnote 10

FOOTNOTES

  1. REPUBLIC OF CHINA (TAIWAN) – Pursuant to Section 6 of the Taiwan Relations Act, (TRA) Public Law 96-8, 93 Stat, 14, and Executive Order 12143, 44 F.R. 37191, this agreement which was concluded with the Taiwan authorities prior to January 01, 1979, is administered on a nongovernmental basis by the American Institute in Taiwan.  The People’s Republic of China (PRC) does not have an E-2 treaty with the United States.
  2. CZECH REPUBLIC AND SLOVAK REPUBLIC – The Treaty with the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic entered into force on December 19, 1992; entered into force for the Czech Republic and Slovak Republic as separate states on January 01, 1993.
  3. FRANCE – The Treaty which entered into force on December 21, 1960, applies to the departments of Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guiana and Reunion.
  4. JAPAN – The Treaty which entered into force on October 30, 1953, was made applicable to the Bonin Islands on June 26, 1968, and to the Ryukyu Islands on May 15, 1972.
  5. NETHERLANDS – The Treaty which entered into force on December 05, 1957, is applicable to Aruba and Netherlands Antilles.
  6. NORWAY – The Treaty which entered into force on September 13, 1932, does not apply to Svalbard (Spitzbergen and certain lesser islands).
  7. SPAIN – The Treaty which entered into force on April 14, 1903, is applicable to all territories.
  8. SURINAME – The Treaty with the Netherlands which entered into force December 05, 1957, was made applicable to Suriname on February 10, 1963.
  9. UNITED KINGDOM – The Convention which entered into force on July 03, 1815, applies only to British territory in Europe (the British Isles (except the Republic of Ireland), the Channel Islands and Gibraltar) and to “inhabitants” of such territory. This term, as used in the Convention, means “one who resides actually and permanently in a given place, and has his domicile there.” Also, in order to qualify for treaty trader or treaty investor status under this treaty, the alien must be a national of the United Kingdom. Individuals having the nationality of members of the Commonwealth other than the United Kingdom do not qualify for treaty trader or treaty investor status under this treaty.
  10. YUGOSLAVIA – The U.S. view is that the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY) has dissolved and that the successors that formerly made up the SFRY – Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Slovenia, and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia continue to be bound by the treaty in force with the SFRY and the time of dissolution.
  11. ISRAEL – Signed into law on June 11, 2012. The treaty investor agreement with Israel became effective on May 01, 2019 permitting Israeli citizens to apply for the E-2 visa.
  12. BOLIVIA – The Bolivian government has given notice of termination, effective June 10, 2012, for the bilateral investment treaty between the United States and Bolivia. As of June 10, 2012, the treaty ceased to have effect except that it continues to apply for another 10 years after that date to covered investments existing as of June 10, 2012. Posts must request an advisory opinion from CA/VO/L/A if the applicant: (1) previously has not received an E-2 visa or acquired E-2 status in the United States, or (2) is applying on the basis of an investment in a different commercial enterprise than the enterprise identified at the time the applicant qualified for the last E-2 visa or (if no previous E-2 visa) the change of nonimmigrant status to E-2.
  13. NEW ZEALAND.  President Trump signed the KIWI Act in August 2018 adding New Zealand to the list of treaty countries eligible for the E-1 Trader and E-2 Investor Visas. The treaty investor agreement with New Zealand became effective on June 10, 2019 permitting New Zealand citizens to apply for the E-2 visa.
  14. ECUADOR.  The bi-lateral investment treaty between the United States and Ecuador was terminated, effective May 18, 2018.  The treaty ceased to have effect except that it continues to apply for another 10 years until May 18, 2028 to covered investments existing as of May 18, 2018. This means Ecuadorian nationals with qualifying investments in place in the United States by May 18, 2018 continue to be eligible to E-2 classification until May 18, 2028.  Only Ecuadorian citizens who are coming to the United States to engage in E-2 activity in furtherance of covered investments established or acquired prior to May 18, 2018 are eligible for the E-2 visa at this time.
  15. Congress passed the AMIGOS Act in December 2022 requiring individuals who acquired treaty nationality through Citizenship By Investment (CBI) programs such as Grenada or Turkey to have resided in the treaty country for at least 3 years before applying for the E-2 visa.

E-2 Visa & Change of Status Approval Stories

Buying or starting a business in a countries you don’t live in takes a lot of courage. We recognize this bravery and it inspires us everyday to ensure our clients have the optimal chance for E-2 visa approval. Here are some of our favorite client approvals:

$100,000
Investment

More

$120,000
Investment

Tutoring franchise business.

Total expenses: $90,000

Working capital: 30,000k

Our client had no background in teaching or tutoring.

The E-2 visa requires the applicant has qualifications to operate the business. However, she had a strong background in administration.

Since the tutoring franchise business model was based on hiring tutors and coordinating the tutors with students. Our client did not have to conduct tutoring sessions herself.

We focused on her strength as in administration and highlighted that qualifications were highly relevant in coordinating and matching tutors with students.

After a 15-minute interview with a visa officer, her E-2 application was approved. She received her passport with the E-2 visa 12 days after.

More
Find Out If The E-2
Visa Is Right For You

Contact Us

E-2 APPROVAL FOR HUNDREDS OF BUSINESSES

More Businesses

Consulting

Gas Station

Homecare

Restaurant

Pharmacy

Wholesale

Auto Repair

Real Estate

Dental Practice

Apparel

Cafe

Fast Food

E-Commerce

Tutoring Service

Import/Export

Apparel/Clothing

Find Out If A
Business Qualifies

Contact Us

How are we different?

Our exclusive focus allows us to provide in-depth knowledge, experience, and tailored solutions to our E-2 clients. In other words, we give real answers to a variety of business, visa, logistical challenges that go beyond manuals and regulations.

Real
Strategies

that hundreds of clients have used for E-2 approval

Actual Knowledge & Experience

all team members have real E-2 experience and knowledge

Step-By-Step Guidance

detailed instructions (how to’s & tips) that go beyond a generic checklist

Referral Network

access to our private network of referrals who understand how to work with E-2 clients