Certain temporary and permanent U.S. visas are available to foreign nationals who invest in the United States.  Contrary to a common misconception, an investment of $500,000 is not the minimum investment amount to obtain any U.S. visa.  The amount of investment varies by visa type.  Certain investors may obtain a U.S. visa through investments of a much lower amount than $500,000.

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The E2 visa allows admission to the United States to nationals of Treaty Countries who invest a substantial amount of capital in a United States business. Certain employees of Treaty Investors or of a qualifying organization may also be eligible for this classification. The general requirements for E-2 eligibility are as follows:

 

• The investor, either a person, partnership or business, must have the citizenship of a Treaty Country (if a business, at least 50 percent of the business must be owned by nationals of Treaty Country);

• The investment must be substantial, with irrevocable investment funds or assets. It must be sufficient to ensure the successful operation of the enterprise;

• The investment must be a real operating enterprise, not a paper organization, or speculative or idle investment;

• The investment must generate significantly more income than that sufficient to sustain a living for the applicant and his/her family;

• The applicant must have control of the funds and the investment must be at commercial risk;

• The applicant must develop and direct the enterprise from within the United States;

• If the applicant is not the principal investor, the applicant must be an essential employee, who is employed in a supervisory, executive, or highly specialized skill capacity.

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DURATION OF VISA

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Persons who qualify for E-2 status are allowed a maximum initial stay in the U.S. of two years. These persons may then be eligible for an unlimited number of two-year visa extensions.

 

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FAMILY VISA ELIGIBILITY

 

Spouses and minor children (under the age of 21) of E-2 visa holders may seek E-2 visa classification as dependents. This classification generally allows spouses and minor children to accompany E-2 visa holders during the entirety of their stay in the United States. Spouses of E-2 visa holders may also apply for work authorization.  There is no restriction as to the type of work they may perform.

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