Investor Visas (E-2 / EB-5)
Dreaming of living legally in the United States and running your own business?: The E-2 investor visa can be a great option. It lets you invest in a real, operating business and, in return, live and work in the U.S. with your family (spouses and children under 21 may qualify as dependents under family member E-2 investor visas).
Unlike other categories, the E-2 visa USA is designed for entrepreneurs from countries that have a qualifying treaty with the United States. It doesn’t provide permanent residence on its own, but it opens many doors if you’re ready to build and grow a company.
At Lorenzo Law Group / Immigration Lawyers, we’ll help you understand the benefits, the E2 visa requirements, and how to assemble a strong filing. You’ll get clear, straightforward guidance from an experienced E2 visa lawyer so you know exactly what to expect.
What Is the E-2 Investor Visa For?
The E-2 investor Visa lets you live in the United States when you make a substantial investment in a real, operating business. It’s a strong option if you want to launch a startup or expand your company in the U.S. (often searched as **e2 visa** or **visa e2**).
With this visa, you can:
- Enter and live in the U.S. lawfully.
- Manage and work in your own business.
- Bring your spouse and unmarried children under 21 (eligible as dependents under family member E-2 investor visas).
- Renew indefinitely as long as your business stays active and viable.
The E-2 visa USA doesn’t provide direct permanent residency, but it’s an excellent gateway for committed entrepreneurs and investors.
To qualify for an E-2 investor visa, you must meet these core E2 visa requirements.
- Treaty nationality: You’re a citizen of a country that has an E-2 treaty with the United States.
- Substantial investment: You’ve made (or are actively making) a significant investment in a real, operating business.
- Ownership or control: You own at least 50% of the enterprise or have operational control.
- Funds at risk: Your capital is committed and subject to potential loss—not just promised for the future.
- Non-marginal enterprise: The business is projected to generate more than minimal income for you and your family (e.g., meaningful profit or job creation).
Many applicants are already in the U.S. in valid B-1/B-2 status and file a change of status to E-2 without leaving the country. (Searches like e2 visa, visa e2, or e2 visa usa often point to this path.)
The E-2 investor visa has several advantages, especially if you’re thinking about moving to the U.S. to grow your business:
- You can live and work legally in the United States while you run your business.
- Your spouse can apply for work authorization, and your children can attend public or private schools.
- You can renew the visa indefinitely, as long as your business continues operating and meeting the requirements.
- You don’t need a multimillion-dollar investment. Although there’s no fixed amount, many approvals start around $100,000 USD, depending on the type of business.
- You don’t need prior U.S. experience—only to show you can manage the business.
How does the investor visa application process work?
Applying for the E-2 investor visa can seem complex, but with the right guidance it becomes much easier. Here’s the step-by-step process:
This process can take weeks or months, depending on whether you change status in the U.S. or go through consular processing, and on how complete your packet is. With support from an experienced immigration professional, your chances of success increase significantly.
What are the requirements for the E-2 visa?
The E-2 visa requirements are designed to make sure your business is real and that you’re genuinely committed. Here’s a quick summary:
Valid nationality
You must be a citizen of a country that has an E-2 treaty with the United States (many applicants file a change of status from valid B-1/B-2).
Substantial investment
There’s no official minimum, but many approvals start around $100,000 USD, depending on the business.
Real, operating business
No shell companies. The enterprise must be active or about to open.
Ownership or control
You must own at least 50% or have day-to-day operational control.
Lawful funds
Your investment must come from lawful, fully documented sources.
Funds at risk
Your capital must be committed to the business—not merely an intent to invest.
More than minimal income
The business should be able to create jobs or generate profit beyond your own support.
If you’re wondering what the E-2 visa requirements are, the key is to show commitment, viability, and transparency.
For the E-2 visa, how much do you need to invest?
One of the most common questions is: How much do you need to invest for the E-2 visa? The answer is: it depends on the type of business you want to start or buy.
There is no exact legal minimum. What is required is that the investment is:
- Substantial in relation to the business you will operate.
- Sufficient for the business to function properly.
- Real and committed, meaning the funds are already invested or in the process of being invested.
Examples:
- If you’re opening a restaurant or a retail store, a higher investment is expected.
- If it’s a small online or consulting business, the investment may be lower.
Additionally, you should cover other costs such as:
- Commercial lease (if applicable)
- Equipment or inventory purchases
- Legal fees and permits
- Initial advertising
- Staff (in some cases)
The government wants to see that you’re not opening a “paper” company, but a real, active business with the capacity to grow. That’s why each case is evaluated individually.
Do E-2 visas authorize employment in the United States?
Yes, E-2 visas allow you to work in the United States, but there are conditions to keep in mind.
- You, as the principal investor, may work legally—but only for the business you created or purchased. You can’t work for another employer or change industries without authorization.
- Your spouse may apply for a work permit, called an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Once approved, they can work for any employer in the U.S. or even start their own business.
- Your children under 21 may attend public or private school, but they are not work-authorized under E-2.
- You, the investor, don’t need a separate permit. Your right to work is included with E-2 investor status.
- Your spouse must file a separate application after arriving in the U.S.; once approved, they receive an employment authorization card. This process can take a few weeks, but it’s entirely possible.
With the E-2 investor visa, you can work in your own business from day one. Your spouse can also work if they apply correctly, which makes the E-2 a strong option for entrepreneurial families.
Can I apply for adjustment of status with an E-2 to get permanent residence?
The E-2 investor visa is a nonimmigrant visa. That means it doesn’t lead directly to permanent residence (Green Card). However, there are ways to pursue adjustment later, depending on your situation and goals.
What options exist to seek permanent residence with an E-2?
Switch to an EB-5 visa
It’s an investor visa with a path to residency. It requires a much larger investment (minimum $800,000 USD in most cases) and meeting other requirements. If your business grows and creates jobs, you might qualify.
Apply for an EB-2 with a National Interest Waiver (NIW)
If you have exceptional skills or your business has a positive impact in the U.S., you may apply without a job offer.
Receive a job offer from an employer
In that case, you could adjust your status through an employment-based petition.
Family-based adjustment
If you marry a U.S. citizen or have an immediate relative who can petition for you, this path may also be possible.
Can the adjustment be done inside the U.S.?
- In most cases, yes—if you are already in the country in valid E-2 investor status and meet the requirements for another category.
- In other cases, you must leave the country and complete processing at a U.S. consulate.
It’s important to remember that the E-2 requires you to maintain an intent to depart the U.S., so if you plan to adjust status, do it with a well-thought-out legal strategy.
Lorenzo Law Group / Immigration Attorneys: Hispanics helping Hispanics!
The E-2 investor visa is much more than permission to enter the United States—it’s a chance to bring your project to life, build your company, and create stability for your family. If you’re ready to invest and take this big step, Lorenzo Law Group / Immigration Attorneys is here to help. Contact us. We’ll review your case, guide you through the E-2 visa requirements, and support you at every stage of the process. This is your moment. Move forward with confidence and vision; start your American dream with help from our award-winning team.
