The E-2 visa mandates a significant financial commitment to a legitimate U.S. business. The invested capital must be substantial enough to ensure the enterprise’s viability and reflect the investor’s serious intent. Additionally, the funds must be irrevocably allocated and subject to financial risk, meaning they cannot be speculative or withdrawn without consequences.Qualified investors who meet provincial criteria gain a direct route to Canadian permanent residency.
Eligibility for the E-2 visa is restricted to nationals of countries that maintain a qualifying treaty of commerce with the U.S. Furthermore, the investor must hold a minimum of 50% ownership or possess decisive control over the business, ensuring active involvement in its strategic direction and daily operations.
As a non-immigrant visa, the E-2 is issued for an initial duration of up to five years, contingent on the treaty agreement with the applicant’s country. It remains renewable indefinitely, provided the enterprise continues to function successfully and all eligibility conditions are met. However, the visa does not offer a direct pathway to U.S. permanent residency.
The E-2 visa allows investors to establish, manage, or expand a business in the U.S., providing access to a thriving economy with vast growth opportunities.
There is no predefined investment threshold. The required amount depends on the business model, making the E-2 visa accessible to both small and large-scale investors.
Entrepreneurs can either launch a new business or invest in an existing one, offering flexibility across different industries and business sectors.
Unlike other visa programs, the E-2 visa is not subject to annual caps or random selection, ensuring a stable and predictable application process.
The E-2 visa typically has faster processing times than other U.S. visa categories, allowing investors to establish operations without unnecessary delays.
The applicant must be a citizen of a country that maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States. Only individuals from these designated treaty nations qualify for the E-2 visa.
A qualifying applicant must have already made or be in the process of making a significant financial investment in a legitimate U.S. business. While there is no predefined investment threshold, the capital injected must be substantial enough to ensure the enterprise’s successful operation and must be proportionate to its total cost.
The business in question must be a real and actively operating commercial entity. Passive or speculative ventures, such as undeveloped real estate holdings or stock investments, do not meet the eligibility criteria.
The investor must own a minimum of 50% of the enterprise or exert operational authority through a managerial or executive role. This ensures that the applicant has direct involvement in the company’s strategic and day-to-day management.
The enterprise must have the capacity to generate more than just minimal income for the investor and their dependents. The business should contribute to the U.S. economy, preferably by creating employment opportunities for American workers.
As the E-2 visa is a non-immigrant classification, the applicant must demonstrate intent to depart the U.S. upon visa expiration. However, the visa remains renewable indefinitely as long as the qualifying conditions continue to be met.
The investment funds must be irrevocably committed and placed at risk for potential loss. Applicants must provide verifiable proof that they have actively taken steps to establish or acquire the business.
The source of investment capital must be lawful. Applicants are required to submit documentation verifying the origin of the funds used for the business investment.
The investor must either be physically present in the U.S. to direct and develop the business or demonstrate readiness to enter and commence operations if applying from outside the country.
