How to apply for an E-2 visa? Complete guide

The E-2 visa is a popular option for founders, franchisees, and investors from treaty countries who want to live and work in the United States by investing in and directing a business. Unlike other work visas that require employer sponsorship, the E-2 allows you to build your own enterprise and maintain control over your immigration status through your investment.

If you'd like to check if you're eligible for this visa, visit our complete E-2 visa guide.

Once you've met the investment requirements, the next step is applying for your E-2 visa. Most applicants go through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad, though some who are already in the United States can change status through USCIS without leaving the country.

This guide walks you through both application paths and addresses the common question about transitioning from E-2 status to a green card.

For details on investment amounts and documentation, see our E-2 investment requirements guide.

E-2 visa application process overview

The E-2 application goes from preparing your documentation to attending an interview and receiving your decision. Understanding each step in advance can help you plan your timeline and avoid common mistakes.

Step-by-step E-2 visa application process

1. Confirm eligibility: Verify you're a citizen of an E-2 treaty country and that your business meets the requirements
2. Prepare your investment: Commit funds to your business and gather source of funds documentation
3. Compile supporting documents: Business plan, financial projections, lease agreements, licenses
4. File your application: If you're going through consular processing, complete forms DS-160 and DS-156E. If you're applying through USCIS, also complete form I-129. If an attorney is representing you, you should also complete the G-28 form.
5. If consular, attend an interview: If you are applying through consular processing, you should book and attend to an interview.
6. Receive decision: If you opted for consular processing, the officer will let you know the decision in the interview. If approved, receive your visa and enter the United States. On the other hand, if you applied through USCIS, you will receive the Approval Notice.

The entire process typically takes 2 to 6 months depending on your preparation.

How much does a visa cost?Get a personalized price and timeline estimate based on your visa type and nationality.

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How to apply for an E-2 visa through consular processing.

Consular processing is the most common path for first-time E-2 applicants. You apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country or country of residence, attend an interview, and receive a visa stamp in your passport if approved.

Completing Form DS-160

The DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application is required for all E-2 consular applications. The form collects biographical information, travel history, and details about your intended activities in the United States. Complete it carefully, as errors or inconsistencies can cause delays.

After submitting the DS-160, you will pay the $315 visa application fee and schedule your interview appointment at your chosen U.S. consulate.

Completing Form DS-156E

In addition to the DS-160, E-2 applicants must also complete Form DS-156E (Nonimmigrant Treaty Trader/Investor Application). This form focuses specifically on your qualifying investment and business and it includes information about the company’s ownership structure, the amount invested, and the enterprise’s operations in the United States.

There is no separate filing fee for Form DS-156E. Form DS-156E is typically prepared and submitted directly to the consulate as part of your E-2 application package.

Required documentation

Bring comprehensive documentation to your interview. Consular officers have limited time to review each case, so organized, clearly labeled materials help present your case effectively. Tip: check the consulate’s official website for the E-2 filing guidelines.

Business documentation:

• Detailed business plan with financial projections
• Evidence of business registration and licenses
• Evidence showing that the business is operational
• Lease agreements or property purchase documents
• Client contracts or letters of intent
• Organizational chart showing your role

Investment documentation:

• Bank statements showing fund transfers to the business
• Receipts for equipment, inventory, and other purchases
• Escrow agreements if applicable
• Complete source of funds documentation
• Evidence of active investment

Personal documentation:

• Valid passport
• Passport-style photographs
• Educational credentials and resume
• Evidence of ties to your home country

The consular interview

The interview is your opportunity to present your case directly to a consular officer. Be prepared to explain your business clearly, describe your investment, and answer questions about your qualifications and intent.

Common interview questions include:

• What does your business do?
• How much have you invested?
• Where did the investment funds come from?
• How many employees do you plan to hire?
• What is your connection to your home country?

Answer honestly and directly. If you don't know something, say so rather than guessing. Bring supporting documents that address likely questions about your business viability and investment.

E-2 visa processing time: what to expect

E-2 visa processing times vary significantly depending on which consulate handles your application and how complex your case is. There's no guaranteed timeline, but understanding the factors that affect processing helps you plan appropriately.

Typical consular processing timelines

Some consulates in high-demand locations have longer wait times for interview appointments. Check your consulate's website for current scheduling availability before finalizing your timeline.

Factors that affect processing time

Several factors can extend your processing time beyond the typical range:

• Consulate workload: Some embassies process E-2 applications faster than others
• Administrative processing: Some cases are flagged for additional security review
• Document deficiencies: Missing or unclear documentation causes delays

To minimize delays, ensure your documentation is complete before applying and respond promptly to any requests for additional information.

Check your E-2 eligibility

Applying for E-2 through USCIS (change of status)

If you're already in the United States in a valid nonimmigrant status, you may be able to apply for E-2 status through USCIS without leaving the country. This process is called "change of status."

When USCIS filing makes sense

The USCIS path works best if you're already in the U.S. on another visa (such as B-1/B-2, F-1, or H-1B) and want to transition to E-2 without traveling abroad. You file Form I-129 with USCIS and wait for a decision.

Limitations of the USCIS path

USCIS processing times can be lengthy, often six months or more without premium processing. Additionally, if you leave the United States while your application is pending, it may be considered abandoned. If you travel frequently, consular processing may be more practical.

It’s also important to understand the limitations of a change of status. An E-2 approval through USCIS only grants status within the United States. If you later leave the country, your E-2 status does not allow you to reenter. You would need to apply for an E-2 visa at a U.S. consulate abroad before returning, effectively going through the consular process at that stage.

For this reason, change of status is often not recommended unless there is a specific strategic reason to pursue it. Most E-2 cases are processed through consulates, and USCIS is generally less accustomed to adjudicating E-2 petitions compared to consular officers who handle them regularly. In many cases, consular processing remains the more practical and predictable option.

Also note that USCIS approval gives you E-2 status but not a visa stamp. If you later leave the U.S. and want to return, you'll need to obtain an E-2 visa stamp at a consulate before reentering.

E-2 visa to green card: understanding your options

One of the most common questions from E-2 holders is whether they can transition to permanent residence. The E-2 is a nonimmigrant visa that doesn't directly lead to a green card, but several pathways exist for those who want to pursue permanent residence.

Why E-2 doesn't lead directly to a green card

The E-2 is not a “dual intent” visa like the H-1B. When you apply for E-2 status, you are affirming that your stay in the United States is temporary.

Pursuing a green card while in E-2 status does not automatically invalidate your current status. However, it can create challenges when renewing your E-2 or applying for a new visa at a consulate if your immigrant intent becomes evident. Because the E-2 requires temporary intent, consular officers may question whether you still qualify if you have taken concrete steps toward permanent residence.

However, this doesn't mean E-2 holders can never get green cards. You can maintain E-2 status while building toward a green card, as long as you time your applications carefully and maintain your nonimmigrant intent until you're ready to adjust status.

EB-5 immigrant investor program

The EB-5 is the most direct path from E-2 to permanent residence because it's also an investor category. You can potentially use the same or an expanded version of your E-2 business as the basis for an EB-5 petition.

EB-5 requirements:

• Investment of $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or $1,050,000 elsewhere
• Creation of at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers, which must be maintained during the two-year conditional residence period
• Direct path to green card for you and immediate family

The EB-5 investment threshold is significantly higher than most E-2 investments, but if your business has grown substantially, this pathway may become accessible.

Employment-based green cards

If you qualify based on your professional achievements, you may pursue employment-based green cards that don't require a specific investment amount.

EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability): For individuals who have risen to the top of their field. You can self-petition without an employer sponsor. This requires demonstrating extraordinary ability through evidence like awards, publications, or significant contributions to your field.

EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver): For professionals whose work benefits the United States. You can self-petition if your work has substantial merit and national importance. This pathway has become increasingly popular for entrepreneurs and business owners.

EB-2/EB-3 with employer sponsorship: If a U.S. employer is willing to sponsor you, you can pursue these categories through the PERM labor certification process. This requires the employer to test the labor market and file a petition on your behalf.

Strategic timing considerations

The key to transitioning from E-2 to a green card is timing. You can maintain E-2 status while pursuing an I-140 immigrant petition, especially if visa backlogs mean you won't be able to adjust status for several years. The risk increases when you file Form I-485 (adjustment of status) or actively pursue consular processing for an immigrant visa.

E-2 visa renewal and maintaining status

E-2 status can be renewed indefinitely as long as your business continues to operate and you continue to meet the visa requirements. Understanding the renewal process helps you maintain your status long-term.

Renewal requirements

To renew your E-2 status, you must demonstrate that your business is still active, you're still directing the enterprise, and the business continues to meet the substantial investment and non-marginality requirements. Stronger renewal cases show business growth, job creation, and ongoing investment.

Renewal process

The renewal process is similar to the initial application. Most E-2 holders renew through consular processing by scheduling a new interview and presenting updated documentation. You can also file Form I-129 with USCIS to extend your status without traveling.

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