Why the E-2 Visa?
The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa is one of the most flexible paths to living and working in the United States. Unlike other business visas, there is no annual quota, no lottery, and no specific minimum investment amount set by law. The Jerz Group handles the entire application process, including development of your comprehensive business plan.
Live and work in the US: The E-2 allows you to reside in the United States while actively managing your business. Initial visa validity is typically 2 to 5 years depending on your nationality, and it can be renewed indefinitely as long as your business continues to operate.
Spouse can work: Your spouse receives automatic work authorization and can work for any US employer. No separate work permit application required.
No minimum investment: There is no fixed dollar amount required by law. The investment must be "substantial" relative to the total cost of the business. We help you structure an investment that meets adjudication standards.
No annual quota: Unlike the H-1B or other visa categories, the E-2 has no cap. You can apply any time of year without competing in a lottery.
Renewable indefinitely: As long as your business remains operational and you continue to meet requirements, you can renew your E-2 status without limit.
Path to business ownership: The E-2 is designed for entrepreneurs who want to own and operate a real US business, whether starting from scratch, buying an existing company, or investing in a franchise.
Who This Is For
Entrepreneurs from treaty countries who want to start, buy, or invest in a US business and actively manage it.
Franchise investors looking to operate a proven business model in the United States.
Business owners expanding to the US who want to establish and direct American operations.
Families seeking US residency through business ownership, with spousal work rights and schooling for children.
Investors who missed the H-1B lottery or do not qualify for other visa categories but have capital to invest.
The Process
Our team manages the entire E-2 application from business planning through visa approval. Your role is to provide documentation and attend your consular interview. We handle everything else.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
We assess your situation, verify treaty country eligibility, evaluate your investment plans, and determine the optimal business structure for your E-2 application.
Step 2: Business Plan Development
We develop a comprehensive business plan that meets E-2 adjudication standards. This includes market analysis, financial projections, job creation plans, and operational strategy. The business plan is the centerpiece of your application.
Step 3: Source of Funds Documentation
We help you compile and organize documentation proving the legitimate source of your investment capital: bank statements, business sale records, inheritance documentation, or other qualifying sources.
Step 4: Business Setup
We guide you through US entity formation, business bank account setup, and committing your capital to demonstrate it is irrevocably at risk. The business must be real and operational before filing.
Step 5: Application Preparation
We prepare your complete DS-160 application package, compile all supporting evidence, and ensure every document meets consular requirements.
Step 6: Consular Filing and Interview
We coordinate your filing with the US consulate or embassy, prepare you for the visa interview with detailed briefing on what to expect, and support you through the adjudication process.
Step 7: Approval and Entry
Upon visa approval, we brief you on maintaining E-2 status, renewal requirements, and ongoing compliance obligations.
Requirements
The E-2 visa has specific eligibility criteria. We verify all of these during your initial consultation.
Treaty country citizenship: You must be a citizen of a country that maintains a treaty of commerce with the United States. Over 80 countries qualify, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Canada, Japan, Australia, Spain, Italy, and most of Western Europe. We confirm your eligibility before proceeding.
Substantial investment: Your capital must be substantial relative to the total cost of the business. There is no fixed minimum, but typical investments range from $100,000 or more depending on the business type. Lower-cost businesses require a higher percentage of total investment.
Capital at risk: The investment must be irrevocably committed and at risk. Funds sitting in a bank account do not qualify. You must demonstrate that capital has been spent on business operations: equipment, lease, inventory, franchise fees, or other real expenses.
Ownership and control: You must own at least 50% of the business or maintain operational control as the principal investor.
Not a marginal enterprise: The business must have present or future capacity to generate income significantly beyond providing a minimal living for you and your family. Job creation for US workers strengthens your case.
Intent to depart: The E-2 is a non-immigrant visa. You must demonstrate intent to leave the US when your status ends, though the visa is renewable indefinitely.
What's Included
This is a full-service E-2 visa package. Here is exactly what The Jerz Group handles on your behalf:
Initial consultation and eligibility review: We assess your treaty country status, investment capacity, and business plans before you commit.
Comprehensive business plan: Full business plan development including executive summary, market analysis, competitive landscape, marketing strategy, operational plan, management structure, and 5-year financial projections. This is the most critical document in your application.
Source of funds documentation: We help compile and organize proof of legitimate capital sources to satisfy adjudicator scrutiny.
Entity formation guidance: Advice on US business structure, state of incorporation, and corporate setup.
Application preparation: Complete DS-160 application, document compilation, and evidence organization.
Consular filing coordination: We manage the filing process and appointment scheduling with your US consulate or embassy.
Interview preparation: Detailed briefing on what consular officers will ask, how to present your case, and what documents to bring.
Ongoing compliance guidance: Post-approval support on maintaining status, renewal timing, and reporting requirements.
You provide your documents and attend the interview. We handle the strategy, planning, and paperwork.
Timeline
| Milestone | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Initial consultation and eligibility | 1 week |
| Business plan development | 2-4 weeks |
| Source of funds documentation | 1-2 weeks |
| Business setup and capital commitment | 2-4 weeks |
| Application preparation | 1-2 weeks |
| Consular processing and interview | 2 weeks to 4 months |
| Visa issuance | 1-2 weeks after approval |
Total timeline from engagement to visa approval is typically 3 to 6 months depending on consulate wait times and document readiness.
Important Notes
Treaty country required: You must be a citizen of an E-2 treaty country. Major qualifying countries include: United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Canada, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Mexico, Argentina, and most of Western Europe. Notable exclusions include China, India, Brazil, and Russia.
Investment must be at risk: Capital cannot be speculative or uncommitted. You must demonstrate real expenditure on business operations before filing.
Visa validity varies by country: Depending on reciprocity agreements, initial visa validity ranges from 2 to 5 years. Most European countries receive 5-year visas.
Not a path to green card by itself: The E-2 does not directly lead to permanent residency. However, you can maintain E-2 status indefinitely while pursuing other immigration pathways.
Premium processing available: If applying through USCIS for change of status, premium processing provides a decision within 15 business days for an additional fee.
Renewal requires active business: To renew your E-2, the business must still be operational and meeting the original qualifying criteria.
Other US Visa Options
Looking for a different path to the United States? We also handle:
O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa: For individuals with exceptional achievements in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.
L-1A Intracompany Transfer Visa: For executives and managers transferring from a foreign company to US operations.