Nonimmigrant visa

Nonimmigrant visa

Treaty Investors

Internationally Recognized Athletes

Entrepreneurs, Business owners, Investors

Professional athletes, Coaches, Sports instructors, Athletic trainers, Professional gamers, Sports officials, Athletic teams

• 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.

• Demonstrate international recognition with significant sports achievements.

• Participate in top-level events or competitions.

• Enter the U.S. to compete or participate in high-profile sports events.

• Renewable indefinitely, allowing long-term business opportunities in the U.S.

• Highly flexible and can be used for almost any type of business.

• Facilitates entry for top athletes to compete in the U.S.

• Simplifies the process with team petitions for groups.

• Extended stay periods accommodate individual athletes' competition schedules.

• Flexible sponsorship options, including sponsorship by an agent—an individual or entity designated to act on your behalf—instead of a single payroll employer. This allows you to work for multiple employers and change employers easily.

• 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.

• Requires strict documentation of international recognition and significant achievements.

• Spouses and dependents do not receive work authorization.

• Renewal and extension processes require proof of continued eligibility and upcoming competitions.

Not required

Required

5 years¹

Up to 5 years for individuals and up to 1 year for teams¹.

Indefinitely, 5-year increments²

Up to 10 years for individuals and in 1-year increments for teams².

2-4 months

3-6 months

15 business days³

15 business days

Yes

No

^{1, 2}Shorter for some nationalities.

³Available only for change of status, not for consular processing.

^{1, 2}Validity and renewable options depend on the specific classification of the athlete or team.