E-2 Treaty Investor Visa · Immigration Legal Services
No lottery. No annual cap. No employer sponsor. If you’re a national of a treaty country investing substantially in a U.S. business, the E-2 lets you live and work in the U.S. running it — renewable indefinitely.
Almost everything in business responds to effort and capital, but not immigration.
H-1B and the green card lottery are defaults — what your employer files, what your classmates did. They run on a standardized lottery for everyone, and do not consider what an individual can actually build in America.
The E-2 has no cap and no lottery. You don’t need an employer to sponsor you — you invest in a business you own and direct, and you renew in two-year increments for as long as it operates. For investors and founders who qualify, it is one of the most flexible pathways available.
The E-2 visa is awarded based on your investments and your business plan, not luck
Known as the treaty investor visa, the E-2 is for nationals of roughly 80 treaty countries who invest a substantial amount in a real, operating U.S. business — a company they start, a business they buy, or an existing enterprise they take a controlling stake in.
Instead of a lottery, it’s granted on evidence: proof that your capital is committed and at risk, that the business is real and operating, and that it will grow beyond supporting just you and your family. Officers want to see the business add to the U.S. economy, typically by creating American jobs.
There’s no fixed investment threshold
The real question isn’t “Is my number big enough?” It’s “Is my investment substantial for this business, and can I prove it will grow?”
Examples of substantial E-2 investments
$85,000 to launch a financial services company
$100,000 to purchase a landscaping business outright
$100,000 investment in a liquor store
$250,000 investment in a veterinary clinic
$1M into a $15M tech startup — a smaller share, still a substantial amount
Six requirements every E-2 investor must meet
The E-2 is document-driven. There are no criteria to pick and choose from — you and your business must satisfy all six of the following.
Small inconsistencies across your business plan, bank records, and ownership documents are what cause delays and denials. Most of the work is presenting all six clearly and consistently.
1
Treaty country
You must be a citizen of a country with a treaty of commerce and navigation with the U.S. — about 80 qualify, and the list changes, so confirm your status before applying.
2
Substantial investment
Proportional to the cost of buying or creating the business, and enough to ensure it operates successfully. Inheriting a business does not count.
3
Real and operating enterprise
An active commercial enterprise producing goods or services. Passive holdings like real estate or stocks generally don’t qualify.
4
At-risk capital
Funds must be committed to a bona fide business and subject to partial or total loss if it fails. A guaranteed return won’t qualify.
5
Non-marginal business
The business must generate more than just enough income to support you and your family. Five years is the benchmark for showing income growth or hiring.
6
You develop and direct it
Usually at least 50% ownership. Less is sometimes accepted where you show operational control through a managerial role, bylaws, or other corporate means.
The exact steps for getting your E-2 visa
The E-2 process follows a clear path, though the timeline depends on how far along your investment already is. Here are the typical steps.
01
Manifest Quiz & Attorney Consult
1-3 days
Start with our free quiz. We’ll confirm your treaty-country eligibility within 1 business day. If you’re eligible, we’ll schedule your free consultation with an attorney who can assess your investment plan and recommend the best path forward.
02
Make the necessary investment
Varies by deal
You must commit your funds before applying — signing leases, purchasing equipment, or acquiring the business. Funds can sit in escrow until approval, but you must show you already have them and that they’re at risk.
03
Prepare documentation
3-6 weeks
Proof of nationality, evidence of the investment (wires, bank records, contracts), lawful source of funds, ownership documents, financial projections, and a business plan showing viability and growth.
04
File the application
4-6 weeks to prepare
Outside the U.S., you file through a consulate with Form DS-160 and DS-156E. Already in the U.S. in valid status, you may file Form I-129 with USCIS to change to E-2 status.
05
Attend the visa interview
Consulate dependent
Most applicants interview with a consular officer to explain the investment and the business plan, plus biometrics and any required medical exam.
06
Decision & renewals
Up to 2 years per stay
Approved E-2 stays run up to two years and renew indefinitely while the business remains active and meets the requirements. Visa validity itself is often 5 years, though it varies by country.
Disclaimer: Processing times are set by USCIS and the Department of State and are not guaranteed. Working with Manifest does not guarantee approval of your case.
Taking back control is the goal. Getting the details right is how you can improve your approval odds. The E-2 can earn you the freedom to build your own business in the U.S., on your own terms.
Manifest Law was founded by immigrants, with the purpose of addressing our shared frustrations
OUR QUALITY BAR
Only the Top 1% of Attorney Applicants Are Selected
Every Manifest attorney goes through a selective, multi-stage hiring process. When you engage us, you’re getting an attorney who was chosen for how they think and how they write — not just who was available.
INSTANT INSIGHTS
Real-Time Intelligence, Always Up-to-Date
We closely monitor trends in approvals and denials to stay ahead of evolving consular and USCIS expectations. Our attorneys receive ongoing training based on the latest adjudication patterns, so your case benefits from what’s working right now.
TOTAL TRANSPARENCY
Seamless communication, fast response times
Track your case preparation progress and receive real-time notifications and updates from your legal team via the Manifest portal. You always know where your application stands and what is needed next.
DEEP EXPERTISE
Multi-layer reviews with ex USCIS advisors
Every case goes through a structured, multi-level review process by experienced immigration professionals. On select plans, filings can be reviewed by former USCIS officers to pressure-test the case before it’s submitted.
Transparent Pricing
Our goal is simple: complete transparency. Every E-2 visa case is handled on a flat-fee basis — no hourly billing, no hidden charges, and no surprises. You’ll know exactly what’s included from day one, with the flexibility to choose the level of support that fits your needs.
Silver
$7,000
Your experienced attorney files your case, with clear communication and transparency every step of the way.
What’s included:
E-2 filing
Live case tracking
2-chair legal review
Guaranteed timelines personalized to your case*
Gold
$9,975
Looking for more peace of mind? Get a 60% money back guarantee*.
What’s included:
E-2 filing
Live case tracking
2-chair legal review
Guaranteed timelines personalized to your case*
Key Advantage:
60% refund or free refile*. Read T&Cs for details.
Platinum
$11,975
Looking for more peace of mind? Get an 80% money back guarantee*.
What’s included:
E-2 filing
Live case tracking
2-chair legal review
Guaranteed timelines personalized to your case*
Key Advantage:
80% refund or free refile*. Read T&Cs for details.
Business plan and incorporation support
Silver Plan: $1,000
Platinum & Gold Plan: Free
Many E-2 cases stall not for lack of capital, but because the business plan does not show a real, non-marginal enterprise. Add on our business plan and incorporation support to strengthen the core of your case.
Our clients love us because we genuinely want to help
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Lee Jay
7 reviews
4 months ago
I had the pleasure of working with Elizabeth for my E-2 visa submission, and I could not be more satisfied with the experience. Despite the complexity of my case, Elizabeth was extremely proactive in identifying solutions and guiding the process in a way that produced the best possible outcome. Whenever questions or concerns arose, she responded promptly and thoughtfully, which helped keep my case moving forward without unnecessary delays.…
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Wolfgang Werder
1 review
3 months ago
We worked with Manifest Law on our E-2 visa and had a very strong experience from start to finish. They were professional, responsive, and highly organized. The entire process was clearly structured and they explained exactly what was needed at each step. Our E-2 visa was approved without issues. If you want a law firm that knows the process and executes efficiently, Manifest Law is a solid choice. Highly recommended.
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Ankit Raheja
2 reviews
6 months ago
When I started exploring the Immigration Journey, I had the credentials but no clarity on how to position them effectively. Manifest changed that completely with their advice and consulting. They took the time to understand my unique profile, identified gaps, and created actionable strategies to strengthen my case — with concrete opportunities lined up that directly enhanced my evidence portfolio.…
A few minutes tells you whether the E-2 is a fit for your investment, and what taking control could look like. No commitment.