Visa | E-2
Allows unlimited extensions as long as the business remains operational.
Grants employment authorization for the spouse at any employer.
Allows dependent children to attend school in the United States.
What is the E-2 Visa?
The E-2 is a nonimmigrant visa category for investors from countries that maintain treaties of commerce and navigation with the US. It allows the investor to reside in the country to manage the business.
Since Brazil is not a treaty country, the E-2 is the ideal route for Brazilians with dual nationality, such as Italian or Spanish citizenship, who wish to start a business in the United States with legal certainty.
The central requirement is the investment of a substantial amount of capital in an active and bona fide enterprise. The visa allows unlimited extensions, provided the business continues operating and generating profits.
Who is the E-2 Visa for?
The E-2 is the ideal visa for entrepreneurs who hold citizenship from treaty countries, such as Italy or Japan, and wish to invest in their own business or a franchise in the United States.
It is the visa category that allows the spouse to receive unrestricted employment authorization. Dependent children may attend US schools until the age of 21.
The E-2 covers a wide range of investors, from small business owners to large investors who prefer to maintain direct operational control. Compared to the EB-5, the required investment amount is lower.
E-2 Visa Eligibility Criteria
Nationality requirement
The investor must hold citizenship from a country that maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States.
Substantial investment
The investment must be sufficient to ensure the successful operation of the business, proportional to the total value of the enterprise.
Ownership interest
The beneficiary must own at least 50% of the enterprise or demonstrate full operational and managerial control.
Profit-generating capacity
The investment must consist of capital placed in a commercial context, with the objective of generating profit through lawful means.
Don't wait any longer. Find out if you are eligible for the E-2 and accelerate your U.S. immigration. YOUSA will guide you all the way to your Green Card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the E-2 visa lead to a Green Card?
The E-2 is a nonimmigrant visa and does not offer a direct path to a Green Card. However, the investor may subsequently apply for permanent residence through other independent immigration categories, such as EB-2 NIW, EB-3, or EB-5, provided they meet the specific requirements of each classification.
What is the E-2 visa process like for Brazilians?
Since Brazil does not have a treaty of commerce with the US, Brazilians may only apply for the E-2 if they hold a second nationality from a treaty country (such as Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, or Japan). The application is filed through the consulate based on that second passport.
How to obtain the E-2 visa?’
The process requires making a substantial investment in a real and operational business in the US. The capital must be committed and at risk, and may be applied toward the establishment of a new business, the acquisition of an existing business, or operational setup. A comprehensive documentation package is then prepared for filing with the appropriate consulate, culminating in the investor's consular interview.
Citizens of which countries can apply for an E-2 visa?
Only citizens of countries that maintain treaties of Commerce and Navigation with the US. Among the most common for Brazilians with dual citizenship are Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Argentina, Paraguay, France, Japan, and Canada.
How long does the E-2 visa take?
Processing time varies depending on the consulate and current demand. On average, the document review may take several months, followed by the scheduling of the consular interview.
What is the cost of the E-2 visa?
The consular fee (MRV) is US$ 315 per applicant, and additional reciprocity fees may apply depending on the nationality. In addition, consideration must be given to the costs of business formation, business plan preparation, and specialized US immigration legal services, which are essential to properly structure the application and avoid denials due to insufficient evidence.
Understanding the Steps to Your Green Card
Eligibility Assessment
A precise evaluation of your profile, conducted at no cost to you, as part of our commitment to transparency. We assess whether you meet the rigorous criteria established by U.S. immigration law (USCIS) to apply for a Green Card.
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Meeting with a Specialist
We review every detail of your profile and analyze the specifics of your case to determine the best visa option for you. We answer your questions and manage expectations so you have full clarity and confidence before we begin building your case.
Legal Strategy Development
The legal expertise behind the Green Card process is what determines the strength of a case. We develop a detailed technical narrative focused on transforming your background and qualifications into persuasive arguments for review by the USCIS officer.
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Document Collection
We provide comprehensive support in organizing the evidence that truly carries weight in the U.S. immigration process. We work alongside you to ensure that the documentation presented accurately supports the legal argument developed for your case.
Filing the Application
This is the final stage of preparation. We consolidate the strategy and documentation into a robust dossier and formally file your U.S. immigration application with the relevant authorities, officially beginning your legal journey on American soil.
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Post-Filing Follow-Up
Our commitment is to provide full transparency on the progress of your journey toward the Green Card. We monitor every status update with USCIS and act swiftly on any additional requests, ensuring proactive case management through to the final decision.
Green Card in Hand
The definitive achievement of your U.S. immigration journey. The United States is no longer a dream but your new home. You and your family gain the right to live, work, and thrive in the country, with all the benefits of a global citizen.
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Join YOUSA's success cases. Have your profile assessed by our specialists and begin your legal life on American soil.Join YOUSA's success cases. Have your profile assessed by our specialists and begin your legal life on American soil.
Otavio Haverroth Silva
Attorney at law
We believe that connecting skilled immigrants is a transformative force for the development of the United States.
We are committed to your dream of living in the United States. Your U.S. immigration journey is what drives our everyday work.
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