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E2 Visa
If you’re a citizen of a treaty country looking to move to the United States and own a business, the E2 visa may be your best route.
Build Your Future Through E2 Visa Franchise Opportunities
The E2 visa is a popular U.S. investor (also known as a treaty investor) visa designed for entrepreneurs who want to start or invest in a U.S.-based business.
Through IFBC’s extensive network of vetted franchise opportunities, we help eligible candidates explore viable franchise options that align with E2 requirements.
Are you interested in learning more about the E2 visa and franchise opportunities through IFBC?
*A consultation fee applies exclusively to our E2 visa advisory services.
What is an E2 Visa?
The E2 is a non-immigrant visa that allows individuals from treaty countries to live and work in the U.S. by investing in and operating a bona fide business.
A bona fide company is a real company that produces a product or service and it is profitable.
Highlight:
- Valid for three months to five years (depending on the country of origin)
- Renewable as long as the business remains active
- Available for both new businesses and franchise investments
Investment as an Individual
This path is for entrepreneurs who are personally investing in a U.S. business. As the individual investor, you take on the central role in launching, managing, or developing the business.
Investment by a Foreign Business
In this case, the investment is made by a foreign-owned company rather than an individual. It's commonly used by businesses looking to expand their operations into the U.S. market. While the company acts as the investor, ownership must ultimately be traced back to individuals from a treaty country.
E-2 Visa is a Smart Business Immigration Choice
Fast Renewable Entry
E-2 visas are typically granted for up to five years and can be renewed indefinitely as long as your business remains operational and viable.
No Fixed Investment Threshold
While there is no set minimum investment amount, your investment must be substantial enough to establish or grow a viable business.
Bring Your Family
As the principal E2 visa holder, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 are eligible for E2 visas. Your spouse can also be authorized to work in the U.S., and your children may enroll in school.
Work in Any Eligible Industry
You have the flexibility to choose a franchise that aligns with your skills and goals, whether it's in food service, retail, fitness, or other services.
Countries Eligible for E2 Visa
Only nationals of treaty countries are eligible.
Eligibilty Criteria for E2 Visa
Nationality requirement:
- If the applicant is an individual, they must be a national of a country that maintains a valid investment treaty with the United States.
- If the applicant is a business entity, at least 50% of the company must be owned by nationals of a treaty country.
Bona Fide Business Investment:
- The investor must make or be in the process of making a substantial investment in a bona fide business.
- Passive investments (e.g., owning undeveloped land or holding stock) do not qualify.
Active Involvement in Business:
- The investor must be actively involved in the business, either by owning at least 50% or by having a controlling interest in the company.
- They must participate in day-to-day operations or hold a substantive management role.
Marginality Requirement:
- The business must have the capacity to generate more than minimal income. It should support the investor and their family and contribute economically.
- New businesses are exempt from this requirement initially but must meet it within five years.
Intent to depart:
- The investor must demonstrate an intent to return to their home country once their E2 status concludes. A specific departure date isn’t required, but the intent must be credible.
E2 Employee Eligibility (if applicable)
- If a company is applying for an E2 visa on behalf of an employee, the employee must:
- Be a national of the same treaty country as the company, and
- Hold an executive, managerial, supervisory, or specialized knowledge position essential to the business.
E2 Visa Minimum Investment Amount
The U.S. government does not set a fixed minimum for E2 visa investments. Instead, the investment must be substantial enough to:
- Purchase an existing business, or
- Cover start-up costs (equipment, setup, operations) for a new business.
Proportionality Test
To evaluate whether your investment is substantial, immigration officers use the Proportionality Test. This compares the amount you’ve invested and the total value of the business (either its purchase price or, in the case of a start-up, the total cost to launch it).
For lower-value businesses (e.g., $100,000 or less), your investment should cover nearly 100% of the business’s total value to be considered substantial.
For high-value businesses (e.g., $10 million), a lower percentage (such as 50%) may still be considered substantial due to the larger absolute amount.
You have to show that your investment is serious, committed, and sufficient for the business to function and grow.
Disclaimer:
- IFBC does not offer legal services. All E2 visa cases are handled in collaboration with licensed immigration attorneys.
- We do not guarantee visa approval. Our role is to provide business support and trusted resources.