What is an E-2 treaty investor visa?

The E-2 treaty investor visa is a US nonimmigrant visa that allows nationals of treaty countries to enter and work in the United States based on a substantial investment in a real, operating US business. The investor must own at least 50% of the business or have operational control. E-2 visas can be renewed indefinitely as long as the business remains operational.

How much money do I need to invest for an E-2 visa?

There is no minimum investment amount set by law. However, Rupert Law recommends investing at least $100,000 USD for a basic business, or more for businesses requiring higher startup capital. The investment must be substantial relative to the total cost of the business and must be at risk in the commercial sense.

Which countries qualify for the E-2 visa?

The E-2 visa is available to nationals of countries that maintain a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States. Major treaty countries include Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Germany, France, Mexico, South Korea, and many others. A full list of treaty countries is maintained by the US Department of State.

How long does an E-2 visa last?

E-2 visa validity depends on the applicant's nationality. For Canadian nationals, the typical validity is five years. For many other nationalities, it is two years. The visa can be renewed indefinitely as long as the business remains operational and meets the original investment requirements.

Can my spouse work on an E-2 visa?

Yes. E-2 dependent spouses (E-2S visa holders) can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which allows them to work for any US employer in any field — not just the treaty investor's business. This is one of the significant benefits of the E-2 visa category.

How long does the E-2 visa application process take?

Timelines vary by consulate and by how quickly the investment and supporting documents come together. After the application package is submitted, interview scheduling procedures differ from consulate to consulate, and once the visa is approved the passport with the visa affixed is typically returned within 3 to 5 business days.

Do I need a business plan for an E-2 visa?

Yes, a business plan is a core part of most E-2 visa applications. Consular officers draw most interview questions from the business plan, including questions about the business concept, the amount invested, hiring plans, and five-year financial projections, so it should be conservative, specific, and reviewed carefully before the interview.

E2 Visa Lawyer

Q: What is the difference between an E-2 visa and an E-1 visa?

The E-2 visa is for treaty investors who invest a substantial amount of capital in a US business. The E-1 visa is for treaty traders who engage in substantial trade between their home country and the United States. Both require treaty country nationality, but the E-2 focuses on investment while the E-1 focuses on ongoing international trade.

E2 Visa Requirements

Helping investors through the E2 visa process

The United States welcomes investors from Treaty countries through our E2 treaty investor visa program. The program is designed for nationals of treaty countries who want to invest in and manage a business in the United States.

Ownership

Substantial Investment

Real and Operational

Business Viability

Videos

Reviews

E1 Visa Requirements

The E-1 Visa is designed for individuals or companies from treaty countries who engage in substantial trade between their home country and the United States. This visa option allows qualified foreign nationals to enter and work in the U.S. based on trade activities.

If you’re from a treaty country and your business trades goods, services, or technology with the United States, the E-1 Visa could be your path to living and working in the U.S. To qualify, you must show substantial, continuous trade between your country and the U.S., with most of that trade happening between the two nations. The key is a true two-way exchange of products, services, or technology flowing in both directions.

Trade with US

Substantial Trade

True Exchange

Popular Treaty Visa Countries

E2 Visa Blog

Interviewing an E2 visa consular officer: Anna Kerner Anderson

Interviewing an E2 visa consular officer: Anna Kerner Anderson Angie Rupert: Hi everybody! it’s Angie Rupert from Rupert Law...

E-2 Visa in Canada: Toronto Interviews, Wait Times, and Why Not Vancouver

New E-2 visa interviews for Canadians happen in Toronto, not Vancouver or Calgary. Learn current Toronto wait times and when other consulates can be used.

E-1 and E-2 Visa Updates: Summer 2026

U.S. immigration has not had the friendliest year in the headlines. So I want to lead with the most important...

How will I spend a “substantial” amount for a service-based business?

This is a question I get all the time. Honestly: All. The. Time. The great news? I’ve successfully helped many...

About Us

Angie Rupert is an E2 investor visa attorney based in Los Angeles, California. She has had the pleasure of helping clients from all over the world get E2 visas in order to run businesses here in the United States. She is the founder of Rupert Law, one of the few law firms in the US that focuses almost exclusively on E2 visas.

As a result of the firm’s laser focus, Ms. Rupert is well-versed on even the most unusual or complicated cases. E2 investors and entrepreneurs can rest assured knowing that Ms. Rupert has the experience they deserve.

In addition to her depth of experience with E2 visas, Ms. Rupert offers unparalleled client service. She insists on frequent and open communication, and she provides exceptional client focus and care every step of the E2 visa process.

Unlike many attorneys, Ms. Rupert understands the ups and downs associated with starting a successful business. In addition to founding Rupert Law, she built a full-service marketing firm that offered comprehensive traditional and digital marketing strategies to a variety of industries including legal, health care, education and finance. Ms. Rupert’s marketing background benefited businesses ranging from start-ups to $100 million revenue companies.

Education

Loyal Law School, Juris Doctorate. Kansas State University, B.A.

Boards & Commissions

Former Member, Board of Governors, Loyola Law School

Community Service

Tutor, Adult Literacy Program, Los Angeles Public Libraries. Volunteer Attorney, Los Angeles County Bar Association Immigration Project

Contact Us Today

"*" indicates required fields

Name*

Email*

Phone

I am a citizen of: **