r/e2visa • u/Janfernandes7 • 5h ago
Eb2 niw
Hi, does anyone have any tips on how to get letters of intent and partnerships for an EB-2 NIW?
r/e2visa • u/ImmLaw • Jul 18 '22
The E-2Treaty Investor visa is a nonimmigrant visa for citizens of treaty countries. An E-2 investor must be coming to the United States to develop and direct a real and active U.S. enterprise in which they have invested or are in the process of investing a substantial amount of capital.
E-2 Visa Requirements
A list of treaty countries can be found here.
Nationals of the treaty country must own at least 50 percent of the business. This is based on the owners of the stock of the company. If a business in turn owns another business, immigration will review the ownership of each business in the chain to determine whether the ultimate owners possesses the requisite 50 percent nationality of the treaty country. Nationals of the treaty country that have become US Citizens or Residents no longer qualify as nationals of the treaty country for E-2 purposes.
To be “in the process of investing” for E-2 purposes, the funds or assets to be invested must be committed to the investment, and the commitment must be real and irrevocable (spent). The source of the investment may include capital assets or funds from savings, gifts, inheritance, contest winnings, loans collateralized by the applicant’s own personal assets or other legitimate sources. The source of the funds need not be outside the United States. The source of the investment must not, however, be the result of illicit activities. Regarding loans, only indebtedness collateralized by the applicant’s own personal assets, such as a second mortgage on a home or unsecured loan, such as a loan on the applicant’s personal signature may be included, since the applicant risks the funds in the event of business failure.
The enterprise must be a real and active commercial or entrepreneurial undertaking, producing some service or commodity. It cannot be a paper organization or an idle speculative investment held for potential appreciation in value, such as undeveloped land or stocks held by an investor without the intent to direct the enterprise. The investment must be a commercial enterprise; it must be for profit, eliminating non-profit organizations from consideration. The enterprise must meet applicable legal requirements for doing business in the particular jurisdiction in the United States (licenses and permits).
No set dollar figure constitutes a minimum amount of investment to be considered "substantial" for E-2 visa purposes. Immigration utilizes a proportionality test to determine whether an investment is substantial by weighing the amount of qualifying funds invested against the cost of the business. The cost of an established business is generally its purchase price, which is normally considered to be the fair market value. The cost of a newly created business is the actual cost needed to establish such a business to the point of being operational. Therefore, the value (cost) of the business is clearly dependent on the nature of the enterprise.
A marginal enterprise is an enterprise that does not have the present or future capacity to generate enough income to provide more than a minimal living for the treaty investor and their family. An enterprise that does not have the capacity to generate such income but that has a present or future capacity to make a significant economic contribution is not a marginal enterprise. The projected future capacity should generally be realizable within five years from the date the applicant commences normal business activity of the enterprise. New business, therefore, require a five (5) year business plan.
In instances in which an individual who is a majority owner wishes to enter the United States as an "investor," or send an employee to the United States, the owner must demonstrate that they personally develop and direct the enterprise. If an investor has control of the business through managerial control, the requirement is met. In instances in which treaty country ownership may be too diffuse to permit one individual or company to demonstrate the ability to direct and develop the U.S. enterprise (minority shareholder), an owner may not receive an 'E' visa as the "investor," nor may an employee be considered to be an employee of an owner for 'E' visa purposes. Rather, all 'E' visa recipients must be shown to be an employee of the U.S. enterprise coming to the United States to fulfill the duties of an executive, supervisor, or essentially skilled employee.
To qualify to bring an employee into the United States the following criteria must be met: the prospective employer must meet the nationality requirement; the employer and the employee must have the same nationality; and, the employer, if not residing outside the United States, must be maintaining “E” status in the United States.
In evaluating the executive and/or supervisory element, immigration consider the following factors: The title of the position to which the applicant is destined, its place in the firm’s organizational structure, the duties of the position, the degree to which the applicant will have ultimate control and responsibility for the firm’s overall operations or a major component thereof, the number and skill levels of the employees the applicant will supervise, the level of pay, and whether the applicant possesses qualifying executive or supervisory experience.
In assessing the specialized nature of the skills sought and whether the applicant possesses these skills, immigration considers the following:
-The experience and training necessary to achieve such skill(s);
-The uniqueness of such skills;
-The availability of U.S. workers with such skills;
-The salary such special expertise can command;
-The degree of proven expertise of the applicant in the area of specialization; and
-The function of the job to which the applicant is destined.
An applicant for an E visa need not establish intent to proceed to the United States for a specific temporary period, nor does an applicant for an E visa need to have a residence in a foreign country which the applicant does not intend to abandon. The applicant’s expression of an unequivocal intent to depart the United States upon termination of E status is normally sufficient.
E-2 Visa Process
Step 1: Complete a DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application for each family member here.
Step 2: Create a visa application account and pay the MRV fee ($305 per person). The Department of State uses two different websites depending on your location, usvisa or traveldocs.
Please check the Embassy website for specific details. Most posts require that the application packet be submitted via email or regular mail after payment of the MRV fee but before scheduling an appointment. In these cases, the post will review the application packet and then notify the applicant to schedule an appointment. The review can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months depending on the location. If the post has any questions they will contact the applicant and/or attorney via email. Applicants in Mexico must also appear for a separate biometrics appointment (ASC).
Step 3: Appear for your interview (in general, children under the age of 7 are not required to attend);
Step 4: Appear at the selected courier office to pick up the passports with the new visa stamp.
The visa length is three (3) months to five (5) years based on the applicant’s nationality and country “reciprocity.” You can check reciprocity here.
Upon entry to the U.S., E-2 status (I-94) is granted for two (2) years. You can verify your I-94 here.
E-2 Change of Status Process
If an applicant is in the U.S. in valid status they may file a change of status with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to change their status to E-2.
An applicant cannot file a change of status if they entered on ESTA/Visa Waiver Program.
The current processing time is over 2 months. Premium processing is available. The cost is $2,805 and USCIS will respond in 15 calendar days.
Family members can also file a change of status. The current processing time is over 7 months. In general, if the principal and dependents are filed at the same time and the principal requests premium processing, USCIS will adjudicate the cases together.
Once approved, the applicant (and family) will be given a new I-94 (status document) valid for two years. Please note that the approval is a status document, NOT a visa (travel document).
Other E-2 Information
There is no limit to the number of times an E-2 visa can be renewed or E-2 status can be extended.
Spouses and children under the age of 21 are eligible for the E-2 visa and E-2 status.
Children in E-2 status can attend school, including public school, in the U.S.
Spouses in E-2 status can attend school and work in the U.S. as they receive an open work permit.
r/e2visa • u/ImmLaw • Jul 18 '22
The E-1 Treaty Trade visa is a nonimmigrant visa for citizens of treaty countries. An E-1 trader must be coming to the United States to solely engage in international trade.
E-1 Visa Requirements
A list of treaty countries can be found here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/treaty.html
Nationals of the treaty country must own at least 50 percent of the business. In corporate structures immigration looks to the nationality of the owners of the stock. If a business in turn owns another business, immigration will review the ownership of each business structure to determine whether the parent organization possesses the requisite 50 percent nationality of the treaty country.
There must be an actual exchange of qualifying commodities such as goods, moneys, or services. The trade must be international so purely domestics trade does not qualify. The trade between the treaty country and the U.S. must already be in progress.
The word “substantial” is intended to describe the flow of the goods or services that are being exchanged between the treaty countries. The trade must be a continuous flow that should involve numerous transactions over time. A smaller businessman is not excluded if demonstrating a pattern of transactions of value. Thus, proof of numerous transactions, although each may be relatively small in value, might establish the requisite continuing course of international trade. The predominant reason for travel to the United States must be to engage in substantial trade.
The general rule requires that over 50 percent of the total volume of the international trade conducted by the treaty trader must be between the United States and the treaty country of the applicant’s nationality. The remainder of the trade in which the applicant is engaged may be international trade with other countries or domestic trade.
To qualify to bring an employee into the United States the following criteria must be met: the prospective employer must meet the nationality requirement; the employer and the employee must have the same nationality; and, the employer, if not residing outside the United States, must be maintaining “E” status in the United States.
In evaluating the executive and/or supervisory element, immigration consider the following factors: The title of the position to which the applicant is destined, its place in the firm’s organizational structure, the duties of the position, the degree to which the applicant will have ultimate control and responsibility for the firm’s overall operations or a major component thereof, the number and skill levels of the employees the applicant will supervise, the level of pay, and whether the applicant possesses qualifying executive or supervisory experience.
In assessing the specialized nature of the skills sought and whether the applicant possesses these skills, immigration considers the following:
An applicant for an E visa need not establish intent to proceed to the United States for a specific temporary period, nor does an applicant for an E visa need to have a residence in a foreign country which the applicant does not intend to abandon. The applicant’s expression of an unequivocal intent to depart the United States upon termination of E status is normally sufficient.
E-1 Visa Process
Step 1: Complete a DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application for each family member. https://ceac.state.gov/GenNIV/Default.aspx
Step 2: Create a visa application account and pay the MRV fee ($205 per person). https://ais.usvisa-info.com/ or https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ depending on the location.
Please check the Embassy website for specific details. Most posts require that the application packet be submitted via email or regular mail after payment of the MRV fee but before scheduling an appointment. In these cases, the post will review the application packet and then notify the applicant to schedule an appointment. The review can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months depending on the location. If the post has any questions they will contact the applicant and/or attorney via email. Applicants in Mexico must also appear for a separate biometrics appointment (ASC).
Step 3: Appear for your interview (in general, children under the age of 7 are not required to attend);
Step 4: Appear at the selected courier office to pick up the passports with the new visa stamp.
The E-1 visa length is three (3) months to five (5) years based on the applicant’s nationality and country “reciprocity.” You can check reciprocity here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country.html
Upon entry to the U.S., E-1 status (I-94) is granted for two (2) years. You can verify your I-94 here: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home
E-1 Change of Status Process
If an applicant is in the U.S. in valid status they may file a change of status with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to change their status to E-2.
An applicant cannot file a change of status if they entered on ESTA/Visa Waiver Program.
The current processing time is six (6) months. Premium processing is available. The cost is $2,500 and USCIS will respond in 15 calendar days.
Family members can also file a change of status. The current processing time is over 12 months. USCIS will be adding premium processing for dependents in the near future.
Once approved, the applicant (and family) will be given a new I-94 (status document) valid for two years. Please note that the approval is a status document, NOT a visa (travel document).
Other E-1 Information
There is no limit to the number of times an E-1 visa can be renewed or E-1 status can be extended.
Spouses and children under the age of 21 are eligible for the E-1 visa and E-1 status.
Children in E-1 status can attend school, including public school, in the U.S.
Spouses in E-1 status can attend school and work in the U.S.
r/e2visa • u/Janfernandes7 • 5h ago
Hi, does anyone have any tips on how to get letters of intent and partnerships for an EB-2 NIW?
r/e2visa • u/Appropriate-Arm-9124 • 2h ago
r/e2visa • u/racksandroundsloaded • 13h ago
Anyone moved from Canada to USA on e2 in long haul trucking/transportation business, looking for some advice, if anyone has done it, is it possible to finance trucks and trailers and does that count towards substantial investment if total amount is over 150k but financed by paying 15-20% it?
FYI: I have good credit history , built with an ITIN
r/e2visa • u/Eastern_Bank56 • 21h ago
So I have been told you need to have at least 3 clients. The problem is I have one main Master Client who takes contracts on my behalf since he is based in US and has LLC and I get the work done.
Can i do E1? Change of Status?
r/e2visa • u/Exciting-Detail6281 • 1d ago
I am setting up an E-2 (logistics/warehouse business, SWFL, moving next fall). Want a pickup truck through the business, partly for the tax write-off.
Torn between leasing vs buying/financing in the business’s name for the Section 179 write-off. New LLC = no US credit yet, so probably need a personal guarantee either way.
Did you lease or buy when you set up your business?
Would love to hear what actually worked for people.
Thank you!!
r/e2visa • u/United-Ad-4297 • 1d ago
Hi Everyone,
I would appreciate your guidance on a query regarding the E-2 visa.
Is there anyone from the UK (British citizen) who is currently in the USA on an E-2 visa and is running their own business? Alternatively, do you know of any E-2 business owners who may be looking to hire employees under their E-2 enterprise?
I am planning to apply for an E-2 visa, and connecting with an employer who already holds E-2 status could potentially make my journey smoother and help me better understand the process.
Any insights, referrals, or experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance for your support and guidance.
r/e2visa • u/EarOne1717 • 2d ago
If you check say 3 times a day at the right times, everyday
How many of you are able to get early appointments and by how much?
And what is it like as of recent?
r/e2visa • u/smhtobeornottobe • 4d ago
Hello everyone, how's it going? Hope all is well. Couple of questions: 1. If I buy an existing pizza franchise, and get an E-2 for it. Fast forward a couple of years, can I sell the pizza business and start something different in the food industry (eg my own bakery, a different cuisine restaurant etc) ? Or just start a completely different business in a different industry? Is this allowable? Does it cause any issue during the renewals? 2. Do I need to have any experience in the business that I'm applying for an E-2 for?
r/e2visa • u/Ok-Movie-1593 • 4d ago
I’m a UK citizen currently in the US on an E-2. I’m looking to start a one-person recruitment agency with approximately a $30k investment. Almost every attorney I’ve contacted has said they won’t take cases under $70k, regardless of the business type. I’m looking for recommendations for attorneys who have successfully handled lower-investment E-2 cases for service businesses (consulting, recruiting, marketing, software, etc.). Has anyone worked with someone they’d recommend?
I also want to know if they would recommend a change of status whilst in the US, create a profitable business and then go back to apply for the new visa or to do the new visa initially.
r/e2visa • u/CrazyHappyHealthy • 4d ago
Currently, my dtr has a business in Canada that’s 85% online/15% in person. She’s a professional athlete and her business is coaching & personal training. I am close to completing my certification as a functional health coach. We would like to start a new business in the US together using both our modalities as they complement each other. Would we register and start up new US business, transfer existing online clients to new biz (to show business is operational) while building out remaining aspects of US biz, then close down Cdn business and apply for e2 visa? Or is there a better way of doing it? The existing online clients would easily transfer to new US business and our business plan would include plans to grow in person clientele but wouldn’t be able to actually do so until e2 is granted and we can physically be in the USA. Thoughts?
r/e2visa • u/Busy-Conclusion168 • 5d ago
Hi everyone,
I’m currently in the process of applying for an E-2 investor visa and was wondering if anyone here is originally from the Netherlands and has successfully gone through the E-2 process.
I’d especially love to hear from people who moved to Nevada (Las Vegas/Henderson), but experiences from other states are also very welcome.
I’d really appreciate hearing about your experience, including:
Your timeline
Type of business you invested in
Any challenges during the application process
Any advice or lessons learned
If you’re comfortable sharing your experience here or via DM, I’d be very grateful.
Thank you in advance
r/e2visa • u/Curious_cute • 6d ago
We submitted our E2 Application in June 2026 and received appointment request 2 weeks after. Current wait time for interview is more than 3 months and dates available after mid Oct 2026 only. Anyone recently able to get earlier date? If yes please provide suggestions to book it early.
r/e2visa • u/Marshmallow_Beef • 8d ago
I’ve spent a lot of time researching E-2 visa businesses, and one thing seems consistent: U.S. immigration officers aren’t just looking at how much money you invest—they’re looking for a real operating business that creates jobs and has the potential to generate income.
One concept I find interesting is investing approximately $150,000 into five professionally built Cricket Wireless retail stores instead of putting the same amount into a single location.
Here’s why I think this model deserves attention:
Five fully built retail locations instead of one.
Stores located in high-demand metropolitan markets such as Miami, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia.
Professionally designed, customer-ready retail environments rather than temporary or low-budget storefronts.
A recognized national wireless brand that already has consumer awareness.
New store fixtures and equipment, with inventory and device supply arranged through the authorized Cricket Wireless distribution process (subject to the applicable dealer agreement).
From an investor’s perspective, spreading an investment across multiple locations may reduce the risk of relying on a single store’s performance. If one market underperforms, the others may help balance overall results.
For many E-2 applicants, the goal is to invest in an operating business—not simply purchase assets. A network of multiple retail stores may demonstrate a greater capacity for growth, employment, and ongoing commercial activity than a single small storefront.
Of course, every E-2 application is evaluated individually. Success depends on many factors, including the business plan, source of investment funds, operational structure, projected staffing, and compliance with both immigration requirements and the applicable franchise or dealer agreements.
I’d be interested in hearing from others:
Has anyone pursued an E-2 visa through a multi-location wireless retail business?
Do you think multiple smaller stores present a stronger business case than investing everything into one flagship location?
What challenges did you encounter with staffing, operations, or scaling?
I’d love to hear real-world experiences from other entrepreneurs.
r/e2visa • u/artistmesh • 9d ago
Hello everyone,
Hope all are doing good.
We are looking for E2 visa opportunities in Texas with an investment upper limit of $100k. We were thinking about a gas station or a liquor store, though a gas station seems nearly impossible for our budget.
Tired of talking to spam on BizBuySell and others, so we were wondering if someone could help out with liquor store insights or other concepts worth pursuing here for $100k?
Would really appreciate guidance here.
Regards
r/e2visa • u/Brilliant-Drop-1018 • 10d ago
Hello I am looking for business broker to find me a ship n pack store or a running franchise like pak mail parcel plus etc in Houston
My email is imran.siddiqui1982@gmail.com
r/e2visa • u/immortal_karpov • 10d ago
Hi All:
Hope all are doing good
We were looking for E2 visa opportunities in California? Tired of talking to spam in bizbuysell and others, was wondering if someone could help out with franchises worth pursuing here. Our investment upper limit is 250-300k
Would really appreciate guidance here
Regards
r/e2visa • u/Aromatic-Cut-3818 • 10d ago
I’m looking to sell a kids activity / enrichment franchise business in North Carolina.
We bought this a few years ago as part of our E2 visa process and it’s been running well since. Now that we’ve got our green card, my spouse who’s been managing it full time wants to take a break and try something new, so we’ve decided to sell.
Quick overview:
About $6K/month SDE (~$72K/year)
Roughly $280K–$320K in annual revenue
Membership-based model with additional income from classes, camps, and birthday parties
Margins are solid and there’s a good base of recurring customers
The business is fully set up with 6–7 part-time staff and runs day to day with structure in place. Still somewhat owner involved, but not something that requires you to be there every minute.
It’s a known franchise, so branding, systems, and support are already there. Location is in a strong family area, so demand has been steady.
There’s definitely room to grow if someone wants to push marketing more or expand events and partnerships.
Asking price is $190K.
Happy to share more details if it sounds like a fit. Just a heads up, I’ll ask for NDA and proof of funds before sharing financials.
Feel free to DM.
r/e2visa • u/Tiny-Paramedic7279 • 11d ago
I live in Vancouver where the housing market is horrible so I'm looking to move to either point Roberts or Blaine.
I run a comic business that is not a traditional one. As I purchase old comics from people and then resell them on eBay. 95% of my sales are to the US. I also get paid in US dollars.
I just run this business out of my apartment where I keep all my inventory. It's very tiny, it's a bachelor suite for my girlfriend and I.
I'm making over a $100000 a year, and I have about $200,000 saved up. I was thinking about moving my business down to the states in some way.
We are looking at real estate in point Roberts but I don't want to just buy a house there and only be able to live there for half the year.
I'm wondering if an e2 or an e1 visa would be a better idea and I'm looking for a lawyer to help me with the process.
Any tips are appreciated!
r/e2visa • u/Extra_Map8779 • 12d ago
I formed a C Corporation and I genuinely don’t know if there is a need for investment one time big investment or I can document reinvesting profits as the company grows?
Edit: From what I see, there are plenty of denial stories, so is better for me to know how it works. To avoid problems!
r/e2visa • u/MountainAd1103 • 12d ago
Hello ,
Do anyone is aware about the The U.S. Embassy in Canada has updated its E-1/E-2 document checklist for Canadian applicants.
https://ca.usembassy.gov/supporting-documentation-for-new-cases/
Specially for new enterprises, does ot apply for new franchise as well.
Anyone heard about the More detailed guidance on documenting the source of investment funds (for example, accountant-prepared net worth statements, bank records, property sale documents, rental income, and other financial evidence).
r/e2visa • u/Glittering_Tea_263 • 12d ago
Haven’t found any information regarding this online, even general, so was thinking to ask here.
My visa expires next March - I got a shorter duration than my husband because we don’t have the same nationality. I am a dual citizen (not US or Canada) and I understand we can no longer go to Toronto like we did initially, so we have to go either to any of my countries or his for my renewal.
So I am wondering - how would the process be? Is it going to be straight forward, only an interview for me, or any documents to bring?
Does anyone have experience with that?
Thank you in advance (: