Nonimmigrant visa

Nonimmigrant visa

Treaty Investors

Artists and Entertainers in Culturally Unique Programs

Entrepreneurs, Business owners, Investors

Cultural performers, Traditional artists, Folk musicians, Cultural exhibition participants, Ethnic dance instructors, Traditional cuisine chefs

• 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.

• Participate in events that promote or develop a unique cultural art form.

• The program must focus on a distinct cultural tradition.

• Aim to share, teach, or present unique cultural arts in the U.S.

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

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

• Enables cultural exchange by allowing unique artists and entertainers to perform in the U.S.

• Designed for individuals or groups showcasing traditional cultural performances.

• Renewal options accommodate ongoing cultural engagements.

• 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.

• The only category for artists and performers that does not require significant qualifications or achievements.

• 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.

• Spouses and dependents do not receive work authorization.

• Extensions require evidence of continued cultural activities.

• Limited duration of stay: the visa is granted for only one year, shorter than the three or five years offered by other visa categories.

Not required

Required

5 years¹

Duration of the program, up to 1 year

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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