By E2VisaShop Editorial Team | May 2025
As of May 30, 2025, the U.S. Department of State has implemented a new fee structure for non-immigrant visa categories, including a substantial increase in the application fee for the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa. The cost of applying for an E-2 visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate has officially risen from $205 to $315—a 53.7% increase.
For entrepreneurs and foreign nationals building businesses in the United States under this investor visa category, the updated fee structure warrants attention. It doesn’t just affect budgeting—it also prompts a reevaluation of how applicants structure their timelines, payment logistics, and visa strategies moving forward.
Understanding the Fee Shift
The E-2 visa program allows nationals of treaty countries to invest in and direct operations of a business in the U.S. While there is no fixed minimum investment requirement, most successful applicants invest between $75,000 and $250,000, depending on the nature of the business.
So where does the fee hike fit into that framework?
“In relative terms, the increase is minor,” notes the advisory team at E2VisaShop.com, a U.S.-based consultancy specializing in business planning and E-2 visa support. “But for family-based applications and budget-sensitive investors, every additional dollar needs to be planned for.”
If a family of four applies together, the total consular fee outlay is now $1,260, up from $820—an increase that must be paid before any visa interviews can be scheduled.
Adjusting Strategy: What to Consider in 2025 and Beyond
1. Budget Buffering
Applicants on the lower end of the investment scale—say, under $100,000—should now plan to set aside an additional $1,000 to $2,000 to cover incidental costs, including government fee increases, international bank transfer charges, and possible rescheduling.
2. Family Applicants
Each dependent—spouse and children—must pay the same $315 consular fee. That means higher upfront cash obligations for families, especially those applying from countries with weaker currencies or facing foreign exchange restrictions. A common strategy is to schedule all interviews for the same day and consolidate payments where possible to minimize banking costs.
3. Consular vs. USCIS Filings
Inside the U.S., E-2 status changes processed via USCIS (Form I-129) are not subject to the $315 consular fee. However, USCIS filings carry their own processing and biometrics charges—and those fees are expected to rise again in 2026. For many, consular processing remains the faster, more predictable route, especially when guided by a seasoned professional.
4. Renewals and Reinvestments
Businesses planning long-term U.S. operations should now include two or more renewal cycles in their five-year pro forma to show financial resilience. Investors should also factor in multiple $315 fees if reapplying for themselves or dependents.
Why the E-2 Still Holds Its Value
Despite the uptick in fees, the E-2 remains a standout option for entrepreneurs looking to enter the U.S. market. Compared to the EB-5 investor visa or L-1 intracompany transfers, which can carry government fees and legal costs totaling tens of thousands of dollars, the E-2 remains relatively lean and flexible.
Applicants enjoy direct ownership and day-to-day control of their business, no job creation quotas, and unlimited renewals as long as the business remains operational and profitable.
As stated on E2VisaShop.com:
“The E-2 visa is still one of the most entrepreneur-friendly paths to building a life and business in the U.S. A $110 increase in filing fees doesn’t change its core advantage: control over your own future.”
Key Takeaways for Investors
- Plan for the New Fee: All DS-160 applications filed on or after May 30, 2025, will be charged $315 per applicant.
- Update Your Budget Models: Reflect the new fee in business plans, source-of-funds affidavits, and pro forma financial statements.
- Use Fixed-Fee Support: E2VisaShop.com offers a complete service package —meaning your only variable is the government fee, not professional costs.
- Document Clearly: Fee payments should be itemized and recorded in your investment summary when submitting evidence to the consular officer.
Final Word
In an immigration environment marked by rising costs and tightening scrutiny, the E-2 visa continues to offer clarity, structure, and control for foreign entrepreneurs. The 2025 fee update may be a footnote in the process—but it’s one that savvy investors should anticipate, absorb, and move beyond.
For more information or to begin your E-2 visa application journey, visit E2VisaShop.com.