T

he E-2 Treaty Investor Visa is a non-immigrant U.S. visa designed for nationals of countries that have a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States. It allows investors and entrepreneurs to enter and reside in the U.S. to develop and manage a business in which they have made a substantial investment.

This visa is tailored to individuals who own at least 50% of the enterprise or who possess significant operational control over the business. The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa is popular among businesspeople looking to expand their operations into the U.S. or establish a new business presence. To qualify for the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa , applicants must demonstrate that their investment is substantial and at risk, meaning the funds are committed to the business and subject to potential financial loss if the enterprise fails.

Elegibility Requirements

Investment
Requirement

The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa requires a substantial investment in a bona fide U.S. business. The investment must be significant enough to ensure the successful operation of the enterprise and demonstrate the investor’s commitment. The funds must be “at risk,” meaning they are irrevocably committed to the business and subject to financial loss if it fails.

Nationality and
Ownership

The applicant must be a national of a country that has an active treaty of commerce and navigation with the U.S. Additionally, the applicant must own at least 50% of the business or hold a controlling position, ensuring they can direct its operations.

Temporary Nature and Renewability

The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa is a temporary, non-immigrant visa, typically issued for an initial period of up to five years (depending on the treaty). It can be renewed indefinitely as long as the business remains operational and the applicant continues to meet the visa’s requirements. However, the visa does not directly lead to permanent residency in the U.S.

Application Process

Grupo Sineva play a critical role in helping applicants navigate the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa application process by providing expertise, resources and strategic planning. Grupo Sineva assistance is particularly valuable for ensuring compliance with U.S. immigration requirements and optimizing the business’s potential for success. By leveraging our expertise, Grupo Sineva can simplify the complexities of the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa process, minimize errors and enhance the chances of a successful application. Here are several ways a Grupo Sineva can help:

  • Grupo Sineva can assist in drafting a detailed business plan, a crucial component of the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa application. This plan must outline the nature of the business, financial projections, job creation potential and the overall economic impact of the investment on the U.S. economy. The business plan must be professionally structured to align with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requirements.
  • Grupo Sineva also identify suitable industries or business opportunities based on the applicant's skills, experience, and market conditions.
  • Grupo Sineva can guide applicants in structuring their investment to meet the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa "substantial investment" requirement. This includes allocating funds appropriately, ensuring the money is "at risk," and demonstrating that the investment is sufficient to sustain the business's operations.
  • Grupo Sineva will also help secure financing or identify additional funding sources if necessary.
  • Grupo Sineva can assist in setting up the business in the U.S., including registering the entity, obtaining licenses and securing office space or other facilities.
  • Grupo Sineva may help applicants hire staff and develop operational strategies, which are important to show that the business is actively engaged and not merely speculative.
  • Grupo Sineva can also provide legal services, and provide specialized support in E-2 Treaty Investor Visa. Together, Grupo Sineva can ensure that the legal and business aspects of the application are fully aligned and compliant with immigration laws.
  • Grupo Sineva may also assist in compiling necessary documentation, such as proof of investment, financial records and business activity.
  • Post-approval, Grupo Sineva can provide continued support by advising on business growth strategies, compliance with visa conditions, and managing operations to ensure the business remains viable for E-2 Treaty Investor Visa renewals.
  • Grupo Sineva may also assist in compiling necessary documentation, such as proof of investment, financial records and business activity.

Processing Overview

Application Preparation

Our internal preparation process—which includes consultation, document collection and drafting—depends largely on how quickly the client provides the necessary information. On average, preparing a complete and well-documented application can take a few weeks.

Interview Scheduling

Once the petition is submitted, the wait time for an interview varies based on the specific consulate and the time of year. Some consulates may offer relatively quick appointments, while others could experience longer delays depending on demand and backlog.

Decision and Visa Issuance

Decisions are often made at the time of the interview or shortly thereafter. Once approved, the visa is typically issued and the passport returned within a reasonable timeframe, depending on the consulate’s internal processing capacity.

Request for Evidence (RFE)

While uncommon in consular cases—since the full application is presented in advance—RFEs may occur more frequently in change of status cases filed with USCIS. If issued, an RFE can introduce additional processing time. Our goal is to reduce this risk through thorough and strategic preparation.

Extension of Status

For clients renewing from within the United States, processing times for status extensions through USCIS can vary. Average timelines tend to span several months under standard processing, depending on USCIS workload and service center.

Testimonials

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Camilo Tello

I recommend their full relocation…

I recommend their full relocation package for anyone serious about moving to the U.S.

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Skins select

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I had zero experience in U. SI startups, but They guided me from day one.

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TAMAL STUDIOS

They know the visa system inside and…

They know the visa system inside and out.

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Gracias a su asesoría mi familia y yo pudimos a emigrar con tranquilidad y confianza

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Gracias a su asesoría nuestra familia pudo emigrar con tranquilidad y confianza

Eligibility Requirements for an E-2 Treaty Investor Visa

Nationality of a Treaty Country

Applicants must be nationals of a country that has a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States.

Substantial Investment

The applicant must have made or be actively in the process of making a substantial investment in a bona fide U.S. enterprise. While there is no fixed dollar amount, the investment must be significant enough to ensure the successful operation of the business and proportionate to the total cost of establishing or purchasing it.

Bona Fide Business

The business must be a bona fide enterprise, meaning it is a real, active and operating commercial or entrepreneurial undertaking. Speculative or passive investments, such as owning undeveloped land or stocks, do not qualify.

Ownership or Operational Control

The applicant must own at least 50% of the enterprise or possess operational control through a managerial position or similar role. This ensures that the applicant is responsible for the day-to-day management of the business.

Business Viability

The enterprise must not be marginal. It should generate more than just enough income to provide for the investor and their family and ideally create job opportunities for U.S. workers.

Intent to Depart

The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa is a non-immigrant visa, so the applicant must demonstrate intent to depart the U.S. when the visa status expires. However, the visa can be renewed indefinitely as long as eligibility requirements are met.

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