E-2 INVESTORS AND ESSENTIAL WORKERS

The influx of investment from foreign countries is one of the most important contributors to the success of any nation’s economy. The E-2 investor visa allows foreign investors to come to the United States based on investment in a U.S business. Certain employees of such a person or of a qualifying organization may be eligible for this classification. As part of the U.S immigration policy, this enables the foreign investors and essential workers from countries that have treaties with the United States to visit under their own distinct visa/ status.

Nationals of qualifying Treaty countries who have made a significant investment in the United States may qualify for E-2 Treaty Investor status. Like the E-1 visa, there is no set minimum level of investment which may qualify for E-2 status, but the lower the investment the less likely one is to qualify. Again, the level of investment must be sufficient to justify the treaty national (or his/her employees) presence in the United States. The investment must be in an operating business – simply buying property or stocks and bonds does not qualify. Also, a substantial part of the investment must have been made before applying for E-2 status.