E-2 Treaty Investor Visa: run your business in the U.S.
The E-2 lets a citizen of a treaty country live in the United States while developing and directing a business they have invested in. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can come with you; spouses may work, and children can attend U.S. schools. Certain employees of a qualifying business may also be eligible.
To qualify, you must be a national of a country with which the U.S. maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation, invest a substantial amount of capital that is committed and at risk in a real, operating U.S. business, and own at least 50% of the business or have operational control of it.
Not every country qualifies. Russia, for example, is not a treaty country, so planning starts with your citizenship. The E-2 is not a green card, but it can be renewed for as long as the business continues to operate and qualify.
Planning to buy or start a business? Schedule a consultation with immigration attorney Galina Urman before you sign a purchase agreement or transfer funds.