Program Description: The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa allows nationals of countries with which the United States maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation to enter and work in the U.S. by investing a substantial amount of capital in a bona fide U.S. enterprise. The investor must own at least 50% of the enterprise and come to the U.S. solely to develop and direct its operations.

Visa Duration: Qualified treaty investors are allowed a maximum initial stay of two years. Extensions may be granted in increments of up to two years with no statutory limit on renewals, provided the qualifying investment continues.

Eligibility: The applicant must be a national of a treaty country, have invested or be actively in the process of investing a substantial amount of capital in a real and active commercial enterprise in the U.S., and be coming to the U.S. to develop and direct the investment enterprise. The investment must not be in a marginal enterprise.

Investment Requirement: The investment must be substantial and proportional to the total cost of the enterprise. The business must have the present or future capacity to generate more than a minimal living for the investor and family within five years.

Family Members: Spouses and unmarried children under 21 may accompany or join the E-2 visa holder. Spouses of E-2 nonimmigrants are eligible for employment authorization incident to status and do not need to obtain a separate EAD to work.

Last Verified: March 2026