The E-2 visa is a great option for foreign investors looking to immigrate to the United States. By investing in a qualifying U.S. business, E-2 visa holders can live and work in the U.S. for up to 5 years at a time. When considering E-2 visa investments, there are some key requirements to keep in mind. The business needs to meet certain criteria related to investment amount, job creation potential, and more. Additionally, while all types of businesses technically qualify, some E-2 projects tend to work better than others for visa purposes.
E-2 Visa Minimum Investment Thresholds Vary by Nationality
The E-2 has minimum investment requirements that vary depending on the applicant’s country of citizenship. For example, the minimum for Chinese nationals is $100,000, while the minimum for UK citizens is only $50,000. When assessing potential E-2 investments, it’s critical to know the threshold for your nationality. Investing too little could lead to visa denial.
Job Creation Is Important for E-2 Visa Sustainability
While there are no strict job creation requirements under the E-2 visa, creating U.S. jobs does strengthen your case. Investments that have clear potential for steady job growth are ideal, as this helps demonstrate the business’s viability and contribution to the U.S. economy. For example, opening a small factory, storefront, or other operation with multiple employees is likely to be better received than a bare investment vehicle.
Owning a Majority of the Business Is Recommended
To quality for an E-2, you must make a substantial investment and play a central management role. While 100% ownership is not required, owning a majority stake makes it easier to prove you have the requisite control. Passive minority investments or those where you rely heavily on partners likely won’t qualify. Have a clear plan for running operations.
Bricks-and-Mortar Businesses Are Favored
The E-2 visa adjudicators tend to look more favorably on tangible, physical business investments within the U.S. So while e-commerce companies can qualify, investments in things like retail spaces, restaurants, factories, and offices may have an easier time getting approved, as they clearly employ U.S. workers and serve the local economy.
Consider Investing in a USCIS-Approved Regional Center
For simplicity and peace of mind, many E-2 investors opt to invest through one of the hundreds of USCIS-designated Regional Centers. These centers pool investor capital for qualifying projects like hotels, assisted living facilities, or small manufacturers. Takes care of compliance and jobs reporting, lowering risk.
When exploring E-2 visa investment options, carefully consider the visa’s core requirements around minimums, job creation, ownership percentage, and industry credibility. Regional Centers can ease the process. With smart planning, the E-2 presents exciting U.S. immigration and business opportunities.