Business E-2 Visa for investments
The United States investor visa is issued to foreign entrepreneurs who decide to conduct business in this country. It is one of the most sought-after and accessible ways to move to the United States. In 2023, over 54,000 U.S. business visas of this type were issued, which is a 20% increase from the previous year.
The minimum threshold for obtaining the document is not set but is around $100,000 based on the experience of immigration lawyers. The initial period of stay is limited to 2 years, but this term can be extended.
The visa validity depends on the applicant’s country. Citizens of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom receive permits for 5 years, Switzerland for 4 years, Norway for 3 years, and Denmark for 18 months. The applicant has the right to extend the duration if the business continues to operate and generate profit.
It is important to note that this programme is only available to citizens of certain countries, unlike the EB-5 business visa to the USA. The minimum investment amount for the EB-5 visa starts at $800,000. This document provides a green card by investment and allows you to receive USA citizenship in 5 years.
In the future, it is possible to transition to the EB-5 visa if you are ready to invest a substantial amount in the development of your business. This USA citizenship by investment programme is suitable for those who not only want to do business but also wish to obtain permanent residence in the USA. The EB-5 is a way to get a green card. You can read more about this type of visa in the relevant section. If you plan to obtain U.S. citizenship by investment, EB-5 residence visas will eventually open up such an opportunity.
Requirements for E-2 to the USA
To apply for an E-2 business visa to the USA, you must meet the following requirements:
- Citizenship: The applicant must be a citizen of a country with which the United States has a treaty of commerce and navigation.
Note: If the country of origin is not on the list, an applicant may apply for an E-2 visa if, for example, they have a second passport from a treaty country obtained through investment. In such a case, additional proof may be required to show that the applicant has resided in that country for at least 3 years at any time before applying.
- Investment: The applicant must finance a bona fide enterprise. The exact amount is not specified, but for an E-2 visa in the USA, the minimum investment typically starts from $100,000. These funds should be directed towards creating a new enterprise, purchasing an existing business, or opening a franchise.
- Control over the company: The applicant must own at least 50% of the enterprise or have operational control through a managerial position. This proves that the applicant is relocating solely to develop their own business.
- Legality of investment funds: Prove that the money was obtained legally.
- Risk: Investments must be subject to commercial risk.
- Job creation: While not explicitly required, it is advisable to anticipate creating several jobs.
Investor expenses in the USA – from $100,000
| Expense Item | Amount |
|---|
| Direct investments |
Usually from $100,000 |
| Processing fee for the non-immigrant visa application |
$315 |
| Reciprocity fee |
Depends on the country with which the treaty is signed. Ranges from $0 to $5,592 |
| Biometric services fee |
$85 |
| Medical examination |
$200–$500 depending on the country of origin |
| Payment for Form I-129 (not required if you are not changing status) |
$1,015 + additional fees |
| Form I-907 – request for premium processing – document submission (optional) |
$2,805 |
| Total | $104,000–$110,000 |
|---|
Countries whose citizens can obtain an E-2 visa to the USA
The visa is available to citizens of countries that have signed a treaty of commerce and navigation with the USA. Among them are:
- Austria
- Belgium
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Grenada
- Israel
