You have built something. Or you are ready to build something. And you want to do it in the United States, not just as a business owner, but as someone who actually lives here, works here, and puts down real roots.<\/p>\r\n
The E-2 Treaty Investor visa makes that possible.<\/p>\r\n
At Prosperity Immigration Law<\/a>, our Houston E-2 Treaty Investor visa lawyers have helped entrepreneurs from across Latin America, Europe, and beyond navigate the E-2 process, from evaluating the investment to building the petition to planning for long-term status.<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSchedule a Consultation\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n\t\t \u00abVery professional, excellent service. Luis made my application process smooth and uncomplicated. I highly recommend him and his team.!<\/i>\u00bb – A. N.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote><\/li>\t\t \u00abI highly recommend Luis Hess if you need any type of visa. He is very experienced in the area and gives a personal and professional service prior, during, and after the process. It was a pleasure working with him.<\/i>\u00bb – J. M.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote><\/li>\t\t \u00abIntelligent, professional, honest, loyal – these are the first words that come to mind when thinking about Luis F. Hess. His determination to do right by his clients knows no bounds. I’ve seen him grow his practice from the ground up. If you’re in need of an immigration attorney, I can’t imagine anyone better than Luis F. Hess.\u00bb – B. H.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<\/blockquote><\/li>\t\t \u00abGreat experience! Luis and his team delivered beyond our expectations. The process was fast, very well prepared, and successful. I would recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who will guide you through the process with confidence.\u00bb – B. G.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<\/blockquote><\/li>\t\t\t<\/ul>\r\n The E-2 is a nonimmigrant visa<\/a> category established under U.S. immigration law for foreign nationals who are investing a substantial amount of capital in a bona fide U.S. enterprise. It is tied to bilateral treaties of commerce and navigation between the United States and the investor’s home country.<\/p>\r\n The E-2 does not require a minimum investment amount set by law, does not require the creation of a specific number of jobs, and does not lead directly to a green card. What it does offer is flexibility: a renewable, long-term status that allows the investor to live in the United States while actively running their business.<\/p>\r\n\t The initial E-2 visa is typically granted for up to two years. It can be extended in two-year increments an unlimited number of times, as long as the investor continues to meet all eligibility requirements and the business remains active and operational.<\/p>\r\n\t There is no statutory cap on E-2 visas. You do not enter a lottery. You do not wait for a quota to open. You apply, you qualify, and you are approved, or not, based entirely on the merits of your application.<\/p>\r\n To apply for an E-2 visa, you must be a national of a country that has a qualifying treaty of commerce and navigation, or a comparable international agreement, with the United States. The State Department maintains the current list of qualifying countries<\/a>, and it is updated periodically.<\/p>\r\n A few large economies, including China, India, Brazil, and Russia, do not currently have qualifying E-2 treaties with the United States. This means nationals of those countries are not eligible for this visa category regardless of the investment amount. If your country is not on the list, our attorneys can help you identify alternative pathways<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n There are five core requirements for E-2 Treaty Investor<\/a> status. Each must be clearly documented in your application, and weakness in any one area can lead to delays, Requests for Evidence, or denial.<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t The application process depends on whether you are currently inside or outside the United States.<\/p>\r\n Most E-2 investors apply for their visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country or country of residence. The process involves completing Form DS-160, the standard nonimmigrant visa application. As well as, Form DS-156E, the Treaty Trader and Investor supplement.<\/p>\r\n The quality of the supporting documentation package, including the business plan, source of funds evidence, investment documentation, and corporate records , is often what separates approved applications from denied ones. <\/p>\r\n A consular officer will review everything you submit and may ask detailed questions about the business and the investment at the interview.<\/p>\r\n If you are already in the United States on a lawful nonimmigrant status, you may be able to change your status to E-2 by filing Form I-129, the Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker with USCIS, rather than leaving the country to apply at a consulate.<\/p>\r\n Note that some nonimmigrant statuses are not eligible for change of status to E-2, and that a USCIS approved change of status does not automatically provide you with an E-2 visa stamp for future travel.<\/p>\r\n If you leave the US after a USCIS approved change of status, you will need to apply for the visa at a consulate before you can reenter. Your attorney can help you navigate this distinction. <\/p>\r\n Business immigration, the E-2 in particular, is central to what we do. Our attorneys have guided investors from Latin America, Europe, and beyond through the E-2 process, including complex cases involving franchise acquisitions, new business startups, and investors navigating the process from outside the United States.<\/p>\r\n We understand that for most E-2 applicants, this is not just an immigration matter, it is a major financial commitment and a life decision. <\/p>\r\n We treat it that way. <\/p>\r\n We take the time to understand your business, your investment structure, and your long term goals before we build your petition.<\/p>\r\n Our team works in both English and Spanish, and we serve clients from our offices in The Woodlands and Houston as well as clients based internationally who are preparing to make the move to Texas.<\/p>\r\n Whether you are just beginning to explore the E-2 visa or need help with a renewal, an employee visa, or planning for permanent residency, we are here to help. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\t\t
\u00abOutstanding representation! Everyone at this office is a genuine pleasure to deal with. Kind, caring, and extremely professional. I highly recommend this firm.\u00bb – A. N.<\/em>\r\n<\/blockquote><\/li>\t\t
\u00abI give thanks to Luis Hess and the team for being so helpful and patient through this journey, which seemed like forever, but was only a year since we started our case! Big thanks to you guys, I recommend 100%\u00bb – E. G.<\/em>\r\n<\/blockquote><\/li>\t\t
\r\n\t\t\tWhat Is the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa?\t<\/h2>\r\n\t
\r\n\t\t\tWhich Countries Qualify for the E-2 Visa?\t<\/h2>\r\n\t
\r\n\t\t\tThe E-2 country list is broader than the E-1 list and currently includes well over 80 countries. Many major economies qualify, including much of Latin America, Western Europe, and parts of Asia and the Middle East. Some notable examples include Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, among many others.\t<\/h5>\r\n\t
\r\n\t\t\tE-2 Visa Requirements: What You Need to Qualify\t<\/h2>\r\n\t
\r\n
\r\nThe investment must also be committed to the business and at risk funds that are actively deployed, not just sitting idle in a bank account.This means that your capital should already be used, or in the process of being used, for real business expenses such as: equipment, lease agreements, inventory, or staffing.<\/li>\r\n
\r\n • Personal savings
\r\n • Proceeds from the sale of property, a business, or other assets
\r\n • Inheritance or gifts, with proper documentation of the transfer
\r\n • Business income, with supporting tax and financial records
\r\n • Loans secured by personal assets\r\nClear, well documented financial records are essential, especially if the funds have moved across multiple accounts or countries.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\tHow to Apply for an E-2 Treaty Investor Visa\t<\/h2>\r\n\t
\r\n\t\t\tApplying From Outside the US\t<\/h3>\r\n\t
\r\n\t\t\tApplying From Inside the US\t<\/h3>\r\n\t
\r\n\t\t\tWhy Work With Prosperity Immigration Law\t<\/h3>\r\n\t
\r\n\t\t\tFrequently Asked Questions About the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa\t<\/h2>\r\n\t\t\t\t\tHow much money do I need to invest to qualify for an E-2 visa?<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t