E-2 Treaty Investor Visa Attorney
Start or acquire a business in the United States with an E-2 treaty investor visa. We guide entrepreneurs and investors from treaty countries from business planning through approval.
What Is the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa?
What this means for you
Build your American business — and live here to run it. The E-2 lets treaty-country investors start or buy a U.S. company, bring their family, work alongside a spouse with an EAD, and renew indefinitely while the business operates.
The E-2 visa lets a citizen of a treaty country invest a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business and come to develop and direct it. There is no annual cap or lottery, and the initial stay runs up to five years.
It is built for active entrepreneurs — not passive investors. The investment must be in a real, operating commercial enterprise that you will actually run, and that can support your family and contribute to the U.S. economy.
The Atlas advantage
Work directly with your attorney
Same-day response guarantee
Flat fees, no surprises
Three Ways to Invest
Most legitimate, active businesses can qualify. The three most common E-2 structures are:
Start a New Business
Launch your own enterprise.
- A solid business plan and substantial capital.
- Full control over concept and growth.
- Strong fit for founders and innovators.
Acquire an Existing Business
Buy proven operations.
- Established revenue and existing employees.
- Operational infrastructure already in place.
- Lower marginality risk.
Franchise Investment
Invest in a proven model.
- Established branding and systems.
- Built-in training and support.
- Clear, documented startup costs.
Not sure your country or your investment qualifies? We'll review it and tell you straight.
E-2 Visa Requirements
Every E-2 case must satisfy four core requirements that USCIS and consular officers examine closely — here is what each demands and how we help you meet it:
Treaty Country Nationality
You must be a citizen of a country with a treaty of commerce and navigation with the U.S., and the business must be majority-owned by treaty nationals.
How we help: We confirm treaty eligibility and structure ownership so the nationality requirement is clearly satisfied.
Substantial Investment
You must invest a substantial amount of capital, proportional to the cost of the business — often $100,000–$200,000 or more.
How we help: We document the source of funds and show the investment is irrevocably committed and at risk.
More Than Marginal
The business must have the present or future capacity to generate more than a minimal living — or make a significant economic contribution.
How we help: We build financial projections and a job-creation plan that meet the marginality standard.
A Real, Active Enterprise
The investment must be in an active commercial enterprise that you come to develop and direct — not a passive holding.
How we help: We evidence active operations and your controlling, directing role in the business.
The E-2 Visa Process Step by Step
From first strategy session to launch, we guide investors through every stage:
- 1
Strategy & Treaty Check
We confirm your nationality qualifies, evaluate the business, and map the strongest E-2 strategy.
- 2
Business Plan & Investment
We help structure a substantial, at-risk investment and build the business plan officers will scrutinize.
- 3
Filing
We prepare the petition for consular processing abroad or a change of status with USCIS.
- 4
Approval & Launch
On approval you enter to develop and direct your business; we plan renewals and spousal work authorization.
Why Trust Atlas Immigration Law with Your E-2
E-2 cases are won on the strength of the business plan and the documentation of a substantial, at-risk investment. That is exactly where we focus. Our team removes the guesswork:
Work directly with your attorney
No call centers, no handoffs — the lawyer building your case is the one you talk to.
Flat fees, known up front
You agree on the full cost before we start. No hourly billing, no surprises.
Same-day response
Questions during your case get a reply the same business day.
From source-of-funds tracing to financial projections and job-creation plans, we build the case that shows your enterprise is real, substantial, and viable — and we plan the renewals that keep you operating for years.
Qualifying Treaty Countries
E-2 visas are available to citizens of countries with a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States. Common treaty countries include:
- United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland.
- Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Philippines, Australia.
- Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Israel, Turkey.
And many more — contact us to verify whether your country has an E-2 treaty with the United States.
Your Business Plan Is the Case
A comprehensive business plan is essential for E-2 approval. It shows officers that your investment is substantial, your business is viable, and you will create U.S. jobs. A strong plan includes:
- Executive summary and business concept.
- Market analysis and competitive landscape.
- Organizational structure and staffing plan.
- Five-year financial projections.
- Job-creation timeline and growth strategy.
- Source-of-funds documentation.
Common Questions
E-2 Visa FAQs
There is no fixed minimum investment amount. USCIS requires a "substantial" investment proportional to the total cost of the business. For most businesses, investments between $100,000 and $200,000 are considered substantial, though smaller investments may qualify for lower-cost businesses.
Ready to invest in your American dream?
Let's discuss your E-2 treaty investor options and build a strategic plan for your U.S. business. It's completely free.