Your Coordinated Team
Mehdi Yavari
Viamora
Mahmoodreza Zarinchang Shirazi
Partner Representative · Mahmoodreza Zarinchang
United States
E-2 Treaty Investor
pathwayContent.e-2-treaty-investor.statusNote
The E-2 Treaty Investor visa allows a qualifying treaty-country national to enter the United States to develop and direct a U.S. enterprise in which substantial capital has been invested. It can support a new business, an acquisition or, in appropriate cases, a franchise, but it is not available to every nationality.
At a Glance
Key requirements summary
- Minimum investment or capitalization
- No fixed statutory minimum. The investment must be substantial relative to the cost of buying or establishing the business, and it must be irrevocably committed and exposed to commercial loss.
- Net worth or available funds
- No fixed net-worth threshold, but the investor must prove lawful source, possession, control and a clear path of funds.
- Ownership requirements
- Applicant normally holds ownership or operational control of the enterprise.
- Third-party involvement
- No designated endorser. A U.S. embassy or consulate (or USCIS for an in-status change) evaluates treaty nationality, proportionality, source of funds, viability and control.
- Operating obligations
- Maintain the operating enterprise and qualifying ownership or control, with renewals requiring continuing eligibility and intention to depart when status ends.
- Key restrictions
- Only nationals of treaty countries qualify. Status is tied to the E-2 enterprise, passive or marginal businesses do not qualify, and intent remains nonimmigrant.
Commercial Eligibility
Suitable business profiles
The investor must hold citizenship of an E-2 treaty country, and the U.S. enterprise must also have treaty-country nationality, generally because at least 50% is owned by qualifying treaty-country nationals. The applicant invests a substantial amount in a real, active, non-marginal U.S. business and will develop and direct it.
Planning Document
Detailed five-year business plan demonstrating a real, active, operating and non-marginal enterprise.
A new or early-stage enterprise normally requires a detailed five-year business plan showing the capacity to produce more than a minimal living or make a meaningful economic contribution.
What the document must demonstrate
- Investment proportionality
- Source and path of funds
- Ownership and treaty-country nationality
- Operations and non-marginality
- Revenue and job-creation capacity
Viamora Services
What Viamora prepares for United States
U.S. Market & Industry Research|Competitor analysis, market sizing, and commercial positioning for the proposed U.S. investment enterprise.
Business Model / Acquisition Analysis|Target-market assessment, revenue model, and enterprise acquisition or startup analysis.
Commercial Strategy|Go-to-market planning, competitive positioning, and growth strategy for the U.S. enterprise.
Investment & Financial Planning|Investment documentation, financial projections, and cost analysis demonstrating proportional substantiality.
Business Plan Development|Comprehensive E-2 business plan addressing investment structure, operating model, marginality, and commercial capacity.
Implementation & Growth Planning|Implementation schedules, operational planning, and growth milestones for the U.S. enterprise.
Recommended package
Full Market Entry Package or Business Consulting Partnership
The complete business plan, plus a professional online presence, support letters and business network connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this pathway*
Who qualifies for the E-2 treaty investor route?
What does substantial and at risk mean here?
How long can E-2 status last?
Discuss This Pathway*
Speak with Viamora about business planning and preparation for this pathway.
* Viamora is a business advisory firm. References to pathways on this site refer to business establishment routes. We do not provide immigration advice or legal counsel.
Professional Services & Representation Disclaimer
For United States, Viamora provides the applicable business consulting services. Mahmoodreza Zarinchang participates in marketing, referral, coordination, or administrative support for this destination and is not presented as the regulated immigration or legal representative for United States. Where regulated representation is required, it must be separately provided by an appropriately authorized professional.