E-1
VS
E-2 Investor
Type
Nonimmigrant visa
Nonimmigrant visa
Description
Treaty Traders
Treaty Investors
Profiles that typically qualify
International traders, Export managers, Import managers, Trade specialists, International marketing managers, International sales managers, Commodities traders, Shipping coordinators
Entrepreneurs, Business owners, Investors
Requirements
Both you and the trading firm must be nationals of a treaty country.
Your primary purpose for entering the U.S. must be to engage in substantial trade activities between the U.S. and the treaty country.
Over 50% of the company's international trade must occur between the U.S. and the treaty country.
Trade with the U.S. must be significant and ongoing.
You must hold an executive, supervisory, or essential role within the company.
You and at least 50% of the business owners must be nationals of the same treaty country.
You must direct or control the business through either 50%+ ownership or a high-level director or managerial role.
The investment must be substantial and at risk, with the legal source of funds documented.
Funds must be the investor's personal assets, and the investment must be in a commercial enterprise (i.e., a business that sells products or services).
The business must be profitable and ideally create at least one U.S. job within the first five years.
Pros
Enables businesspersons from treaty countries engaged in substantial trade with the U.S. to relocate themselves or key staff to the U.S.
Renewable indefinitely, offering long-term business and residence opportunities in the U.S.
Spouses can obtain work authorization, improving family well-being and financial flexibility.
Renewable indefinitely, allowing long-term business opportunities in the U.S.
Highly flexible and can be used for almost any type of business.
Cons
Requires extensive documentation to prove substantial trade activities.
Trade must primarily occur between the U.S. and the treaty country, which could limit expansion opportunities into other markets.
Requires a substantial upfront investment, with funds at risk (no set minimum, but typically over USD $100,000).
Some consulates have long wait times for E-2 application interviews.
Requires committing investment funds before receiving approval.
Sponsorship
Not required in the traditional sense
Not required
Validity period
2 years
5 years1
Renewable
Indefinitely, in 2-year increments
Indefinitely, 5-year increments2
Without premium processing
4-6 months
2-4 months
With premium processing
15 business days
15 business days3
Can spouse work
Yes
Yes
Disclaimers
-
1, 2Shorter for some nationalities.
3Available only for change of status, not for consular processing.
Type
E-1
Nonimmigrant visa
E-2 Investor
Nonimmigrant visa
Description
E-1
Treaty Traders
E-2 Investor
Treaty Investors
Profiles that typically qualify
E-1
International traders, Export managers, Import managers, Trade specialists, International marketing managers, International sales managers, Commodities traders, Shipping coordinators
E-2 Investor
Entrepreneurs, Business owners, Investors
Requirements
E-1
Both you and the trading firm must be nationals of a treaty country.
Your primary purpose for entering the U.S. must be to engage in substantial trade activities between the U.S. and the treaty country.
Over 50% of the company's international trade must occur between the U.S. and the treaty country.
Trade with the U.S. must be significant and ongoing.
You must hold an executive, supervisory, or essential role within the company.
E-2 Investor
You and at least 50% of the business owners must be nationals of the same treaty country.
You must direct or control the business through either 50%+ ownership or a high-level director or managerial role.
The investment must be substantial and at risk, with the legal source of funds documented.
Funds must be the investor's personal assets, and the investment must be in a commercial enterprise (i.e., a business that sells products or services).
The business must be profitable and ideally create at least one U.S. job within the first five years.
Pros
E-1
Enables businesspersons from treaty countries engaged in substantial trade with the U.S. to relocate themselves or key staff to the U.S.
Renewable indefinitely, offering long-term business and residence opportunities in the U.S.
Spouses can obtain work authorization, improving family well-being and financial flexibility.
E-2 Investor
Renewable indefinitely, allowing long-term business opportunities in the U.S.
Highly flexible and can be used for almost any type of business.
Cons
E-1
Requires extensive documentation to prove substantial trade activities.
Trade must primarily occur between the U.S. and the treaty country, which could limit expansion opportunities into other markets.
E-2 Investor
Requires a substantial upfront investment, with funds at risk (no set minimum, but typically over USD $100,000).
Some consulates have long wait times for E-2 application interviews.
Requires committing investment funds before receiving approval.
Sponsorship
E-1
Not required in the traditional sense
E-2 Investor
Not required
Validity period
E-1
2 years
E-2 Investor
5 years1
Renewable
E-1
Indefinitely, in 2-year increments
E-2 Investor
Indefinitely, 5-year increments2
Without premium processing
E-1
4-6 months
E-2 Investor
2-4 months
With premium processing
E-1
15 business days
E-2 Investor
15 business days3
Can spouse work
E-1
Yes
E-2 Investor
Yes
Disclaimers
E-1
-
E-2 Investor
1, 2Shorter for some nationalities.
3Available only for change of status, not for consular processing.