Invest and Grow Your Business in the U.S. | E-2 Visa USA

An E-2 visa is a non-immigrant U.S. investor visa that allows nationals of treaty countries, including the United Kingdom, to invest in and actively manage a business in the United States.

The E-2 visa USA is designed for entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners who make a substantial investment in a real and operating U.S. company. It enables the visa holder to live and work in the United States while developing and directing the business.

For UK applicants, the E-2 visa USA from UK is particularly attractive because:

• There is no fixed minimum investment amount

• The visa can be renewed indefinitely

• Spouses are eligible to work in the U.S.

• Children under 21 can study in U.S. schools

Although the E-2 visa does not provide a direct path to a Green Card, it offers long-term legal residence in the U.S. as long as the business remains active and the investment continues to meet E2 visa requirements.

There is no minimum investment amount set by law for the E-2 visa, but the investment must be considered “substantial” under U.S. immigration regulations.

For UK investors applying for an E-2 visa USA, this means the investment must be:

• Proportionate to the type of business

• Sufficient to ensure the business can operate and generate income

• Fully committed and at commercial risk

In practice, most successful E-2 visa applications from the UK involve an investment of at least USD 100,000. However, many cases fall within the USD 150,000 to USD 250,000 range, depending on the sector, location, and business model.

The exact amount required will depend on the nature of the business and how convincingly the investment demonstrates the applicant’s financial commitment and the viability of the U.S. enterprise.

The total time to obtain an E-2 visa depends on the complexity of the case and the U.S. consulate where the application is filed. For UK applicants, the process typically takes between 6 and 10 weeks in total.

This timeline usually includes:

• Application preparation: around 4 to 8 weeks, during which all legal, financial, and business documentation is gathered and prepared.

• Consular review and interview: once the application is submitted, interview appointments are generally available on a regular basis at the U.S. Embassy in London, although availability may vary depending on demand.

• Visa issuance: after a successful interview, the E-2 visa is usually issued within 5 to 7 working days, with the passport returned by courier.

Working with experienced E-2 visa advisors can help streamline the process and reduce delays caused by incomplete or inconsistent documentation.

To apply for an E-2 visa, UK nationals must submit their application through the U.S. Embassy in London. The process involves preparing a comprehensive application that proves the investment, business structure, and compliance with E-2 visa requirements.

The main steps to apply for an E-2 visa USA from UK are:

1. Set up the U.S. business and investment
   Establish or acquire a U.S. company and commit a substantial investment that is at commercial risk.

2. Prepare the E-2 visa application package
   Compile all required legal, financial, and corporate documentation, including a detailed business plan.

3. Submit the application and pay consular fees
   The completed application is submitted to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for review, along with the applicable fees.

4. Attend the consular interview
   The applicant attends an interview at the U.S. Embassy in London, where a consular officer assesses the case and may request additional information.

5. Receive the visa
   If approved, the passport with the E-2 visa is returned by courier, typically within 5 to 7 working days.

Professional guidance is strongly recommended when applying for an E2 visa, as the process involves both immigration and business considerations.

The main difference between the E1 visa and the E2 visa lies in the type of economic activity that qualifies for each visa.

The E1 visa is a treaty trader visa. It is designed for nationals of treaty countries, including the UK, who enter the United States to carry out substantial trade between their home country and the U.S. The trade must be ongoing, international, and primarily between the treaty country and the United States.

The E2 visa, on the other hand, is a treaty investor visa. It allows UK nationals to enter the U.S. to invest in and actively manage a U.S. business in which they have made a substantial investment.

In summary:

• The E1 visa is based on international trade activities.

• The E2 visa is based on direct investment in a U.S. business.

Both visas:

• Are non-immigrant visas

• Are available to UK nationals

• Can be renewed indefinitely

• Allow spouses to work in the U.S.

However, the eligibility requirements and business structure differ significantly, so choosing the right visa depends on whether your U.S. activity is based on trade or investment.

You may be eligible for an E2 visa if you are a national of a treaty country, such as the United Kingdom, and you plan to invest in and actively manage a U.S. business.

In general, E2 visa eligibility applies to:

• UK citizens investing in a U.S. business

• Entrepreneurs and business owners starting or acquiring a U.S. company

• Investors who have made or are in the process of making a substantial investment

• Business owners who own at least 50% of the U.S. company or have effective operational control

• Key or specialised employees of an E2-qualifying business, where their role is essential to operations

To qualify for an E2 visa USA from UK, applicants must also demonstrate that:

• The business is real, active, and non-marginal

• The investment funds are at commercial risk

• The applicant intends to depart the U.S. when their E2 status ends

Meeting these criteria is essential to satisfy E2 visa requirements and secure approval.