The E-2 Visa allows nationals of treaty countries to invest in and operate a business in the United States. It is a non-immigrant visa, meaning it does not directly lead to a green card but can be renewed indefinitely as long as the business is active.

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• You must be a national of a treaty country.
• The U.S. investment enterprise must have the nationality of a treaty country. For an enterprise to have the nationality of a treat country, at least 50 percent of the business or entity must be owned by persons with the treaty country’s nationality.
• The investment in the U.S. must be substantial and sufficient to ensure the successful operation of the enterprise. Uncommitted or revokable funds in a bank account or similar security are generally not considered an investment.
• The U.S. enterprise must be a real and operating,  commercial enterprise .
• The enterprise must generate more income than just to provide a living to you and family, or it must have a significant economic impact in the United States.
• If you are the principal investor, you must be coming to the United States to develop and direct the enterprise. If you are not the principal investor, you must be coming to the U.S. to be employed in a supervisory, executive or possess specialized skills essential to the efficient operation of the U.S. enterprise.
• You must intent to depart the U.S. when your E-2 status expires.

Introduction:
The U.S. government wants to see active businesses, not passive investments.

Key Points:

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• Service businesses: consulting, restaurants, retail, franchises.
• Manufacturing or product-based companies.
• Online or tech startups (with proof of growth potential).
• Real estate investments (only if it’s an active business, like property management).

Conclusion:
Focus on active businesses that create jobs and have growth potential.

There is no fixed minimum set by U.S. law, but typically investments of $100,000–$200,000 or more are recommended to increase approval chances. The investment must be substantial, at risk, and sufficient to operate the business.

Validity depends on the applicant’s country of origin (often 2–5 years). It can be renewed as long as the business continues operating successfully.

Yes. Your spouse and children under 21 can join you. Spouses are eligible to apply for work authorization.

No. You are only authorized to work for the business in which you invested.

Introduction:
The E-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa, but it can open doors to permanent residency.

Key Points:

• E-2 visa itself does not directly lead to a green card.
• Possible transitions:
  EB-5 investor visa (larger investment, usually $800K+).
  Employment-based green cards (EB-2, EB-3).
  Family-based sponsorship.
• Some investors apply for EB-5 after growing their E-2 business.

Conclusion:
Think of the E-2 as a stepping stone toward permanent residency, not a direct path.

Introduction:
Yes, and this is one of the most attractive benefits for families.

Key Points:

• Children can attend U.S. public and private schools.
• They can enroll in U.S. universities at in-state tuition rates in some states.
• They cannot work while on E-2 dependent status.
• At age 21, they must change visa status.

Conclusion:
The E-2 visa provides excellent educational opportunities for your children.

Introduction:
The E-2 visa requires you to put real money at risk — but what about financing?

Key Points:

• Personal loans are acceptable if secured by your own assets.
• Business loans secured by the business itself usually don’t qualify.
• Investors must prove the funds are committed and at risk.
• Outside investors can participate, but you must maintain at least 50% ownership or control.

Conclusion:
Loans can help, but your personal financial commitment is the foundation of E-2 approval.

Introduction:
U.S. immigration requires proof that your investment comes from legal sources.

Key Points:

• Provide bank statements, tax returns, or business sale records.
• Gifts are acceptable if well-documented.
• Inheritance can also qualify if properly recorded.
• Avoid cash transactions without clear paper trails.

Conclusion:
Transparency is key. Every dollar invested should be backed by documented evidence.

Introduction:
Job creation is an important factor in E-2 approval and renewal.

Key Points:

• No exact number of employees is required.
• However, your business must not be “marginal.”
• Employing U.S. workers strengthens your application.
• A business that only supports you and your family may be denied.

Conclusion:
Hiring employees isn’t mandatory by law, but it’s strongly recommended for long-term success.

Introduction:
As an E-2 investor, you’ll need to understand how taxes work in the U.S.

Key Points:

• You’ll pay federal, state, and local taxes depending on your business location.
• Your business entity choice (LLC, corporation, partnership) impacts your taxes.
• E-2 visa holders are considered U.S. tax residents if they meet the substantial presence test.
• Tax treaties with your home country may reduce double taxation.

Conclusion:
Consult a U.S. tax professional to structure your business properly and avoid costly mistakes.

Introduction:
Business comes with risks, and USCIS considers this reality.

Key Points:

• If your business closes, you may lose your E-2 status.
• However, you can:
  Start another qualifying business.
  Apply for a change of status.
  Return to your home country.

Conclusion:
Failure doesn’t automatically end your U.S. journey — but you must act quickly to maintain status.

Introduction:
Both are investor visas, but they serve different purposes.

Key Points:

• E-2 Visa:
  Temporary visa (renewable every 2–5 years).
  Investment usually $100K–$200K+.
  Requires treaty nationality.
• EB-5 Visa:
  Direct path to a green card.
  Investment $800K–$1.05M+.
  No treaty nationality required.

Conclusion:
The E-2 is best for entrepreneurs seeking flexibility, while EB-5 is ideal for those pursuing permanent residency.

The EB-5 Program allows foreign investors to obtain a U.S. green card by investing in a U.S. business that creates jobs for American workers.

The minimum investment is $1,050,000, or $800,000 if the investment is in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA), such as a rural or high-unemployment area.

Your investment must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers within two years.

Yes. Investors and their immediate family (spouse and children under 21) can obtain conditional permanent residency, which can later be converted into permanent residency (a green card).

Processing can take 18–36 months or more, depending on USCIS backlogs and the investor’s country of origin.

The B1/B2 Visa is a temporary visitor visa that allows individuals to enter the U.S. for business (B1) or tourism/medical treatment (B2).

Typically, you can stay for up to 6 months per visit, depending on the approval given by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon entry.

No. The B1/B2 Visa does not permit employment. It is strictly for short-term business meetings, tourism, or medical treatment.

Validity ranges from 1 to 10 years, depending on your country of origin. You may enter the U.S. multiple times during its validity, but each stay is limited to the authorized period.

• B1 (Business): Attending meetings, conferences, contract negotiations, or short-term training.
• B2 (Tourism): Vacation, visiting family/friends, or medical treatment.