Everything you need to know about the U.S. E-2 Visa.
🔹 GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THE E-2 VISA
1. What is an E-2 Visa and who qualifies for it?
The E-2 Visa allows nationals of treaty countries to invest in and operate a business in the U.S. You must hold a passport from an eligible country and make a “substantial” investment in a bona fide enterprise.
2. How much money do I need to invest?
There’s no set minimum, but most successful applications start at $50,000–$100,000 depending on the business type and location. We guide clients on structuring investments to meet E-2 requirements.
3. Can my family come with me on an E-2 Visa?
Yes. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 qualify for E-2 dependent visas. Spouses can apply for work authorization.
4. Can I invest in a franchise or existing business?
Yes. We assist clients with franchise agreements and the purchase of existing businesses, ensuring the investment is compliant and active at the time of filing.
5. How long is the E-2 Visa valid?
It varies by country. Canadians and Germans often receive 5-year visas, while Argentinians and Spaniards get 2 years. All are renewable indefinitely as long as the business is operational and compliant.
🇨🇦 CANADIAN E-2 VISA FAQ
6. I’m Canadian—do I qualify for the E-2 Visa?
Yes. Canada has a strong E-2 treaty with the U.S. Canadians enjoy fast processing and multi-year E-2 visas.
7. I’m currently working in the U.S. on a TN Visa. Can I switch to an E-2 Visa?
Yes. Many Canadian clients change status from TN to E-2 without leaving the U.S. We handle the change of status process.
🇮🇳 INDIAN NATIONALS WITH TREATY PASSPORTS
8. India doesn’t have an E-2 treaty—how can I qualify?
Many Indian clients hold a second passport from Grenada, Turkey, or another E-2 treaty country. We help you structure your application based on your alternate citizenship.
9. Can my Indian spouse apply if I have a treaty passport?
Yes. If you hold the qualifying passport and make the investment, your Indian spouse and children can apply as dependents.
🇪🇺 EUROPEAN CLIENTS — GERMANY, SPAIN, ITALY
10. Do Germans, Spanish, and Italians qualify for the E-2 Visa?
Yes. These countries have favorable treaties. Germans and Italians often receive 5-year visas. Spanish nationals usually receive 2-year visas with multiple entries.
11. Can I manage a business remotely and still qualify?
No. The E-2 Visa requires you to be actively involved in the U.S.-based business. However, you can structure your business to allow eventual remote management after the visa is secured.
🌎 LATIN AMERICAN CLIENTS — ARGENTINA, BRAZIL, COLOMBIA
12. Do Argentine, Brazilian, or Colombian citizens qualify?
- 🇦🇷 Argentina and 🇨🇴 Colombia: Yes. Treaty countries with multi-entry 2-year visas.
- 🇧🇷 Brazil: Not directly. Brazilian clients often apply using dual nationality (Italy, Spain, etc.) or acquire a second passport from a treaty country.
13. What if I want to invest in a food, trucking, or beauty business?
We work with dozens of industries and help Latin American clients structure businesses that work with their skills, budget, and E-2 requirements.
💼 BUSINESS & STRUCTURE FAQ
14. What type of business qualifies?
Any legitimate, active business. Most common: retail, franchises, trucking, real estate services, food & beverage, beauty & wellness, fitness, and logistics.
15. Can I include my business expenses like rent, inventory, and payroll in the investment total?
Yes. Your investment can include all startup and operational expenses that are essential to launching and running the business.
🕒 PROCESS & TIMING
16. How long does the E-2 visa process take?
Change of status within the U.S.: 3–4 months
Consular process (interview abroad): 2–8 weeks depending on consulate
17. Can I start working once I file the application?
No. You can only work once the E-2 visa or change of status is approved.
🧾 DOCUMENTATION FAQ
18. Do I need a business plan?
Yes. A strong business plan is critical. We develop investor-grade plans tailored to the E-2 visa requirements.
19. Can I apply without a lawyer?
Yes. Lawyers are not allowed in the visa interview. We provide full application support without offering legal representation, keeping things affordable and efficient.
📞 GETTING STARTED
20. How do I begin my E-2 Visa journey with E2VisaShop?
Contact us directly to schedule a discovery call. We’ll walk you through the eligibility review, investment options, business planning, and full filing process. www.E2VISASHOP.com or www.Facebook.com/e2visabusiness
