Nonimmigrant visa

Nonimmigrant visa

Treaty Investors

Members of Internationally Recognized Entertainment Groups

Entrepreneurs, Business owners, Investors

Band members, Orchestra members, Circus performers, Dance troupes

• 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.

• The group must be internationally recognized in its field.

• At least 75% of the group’s members must have been with the group for a minimum of one year.

• The purpose of the visit to the U.S. must be to perform as a group.

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

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

• Allows internationally recognized entertainment groups to perform in the U.S.

• Simplifies the process with a single petition for the entire group.

• Adjusts the stay duration based on the group’s engagement schedule.

• 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.

• Visas are available for essential support personnel, such as sound and lighting technicians.

• 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.

• Stay is limited to one-year increments, which is shorter than other visa categories.

• Requires proof of international recognition (not just national), setting a higher eligibility standard compared to some other visas.

• Spouses and dependents do not receive work authorization.

• Renewal requires evidence of ongoing performance engagements.

Not required

Required

5 years¹

Duration of the event, up to 1 year, renewable in 1-year increments

Indefinitely, 5-year increments²

1-year increments

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.

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