Free Tool
E-2 Visa Cost
Calculator
Calculate the cost of E-2 treaty investor visa for entrepreneurs and investors from treaty countries starting or buying a US business.
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
Key Benefits
- • No annual cap or lottery
- • Renewable indefinitely (2-5 years per stay)
- • Spouse can work (EAD)
- • Control your own business
- • Process takes 2-4 months typically
Limitations
- • Must be from treaty country
- • No direct path to green card
- • Must maintain substantial investment
- • Business must be "real and operating"
- • Investment must be "at risk"
Cost Calculator
E-2 requires citizenship from a treaty country. Check USCIS website for full list.
Reasonable investment for many service-based businesses.
Cost Breakdown
Government Fees (2025)
DS-160 Visa Application Fee$315
Total Government Fees$315
Legal & Professional Fees (Estimated)
Attorney Fees (standard level)$7,500
Professional Business Plan$2,500
Total Legal/Professional Fees$10,000
Total Visa Processing Cost
Valid for up to 5 years
$10,315
Plus Your Investment
Your planned investment of $100,000 is separate from visa processing costs. Total capital needed: $110,315
E-2 Investment Requirements
"Substantial" Investment
- No fixed minimum, but typically $100,000+ for service businesses
- Must be proportional to total cost of business (substantial test)
- Investment must be "at risk" - committed to the business
- Funds must come from lawful source (must document origin)
Business Requirements
- Must be "real and operating" enterprise (not passive investment)
- Must generate more than enough income for just your family
- You must own at least 50% or have operational control
- Business should create jobs for US workers (highly beneficial)
Common E-2 Businesses
• Restaurants• Retail stores• Franchises• Tech startups• Consulting firms• E-commerce• Healthcare practices• Real estate agencies• Import/Export
Important Considerations
- • No Green Card Path: E-2 does not directly lead to permanent residency. Consider EB-5 or transition to other visa categories.
- • Marginality: Business cannot be "marginal" - must have capacity to generate significant income and create US jobs.
- • Renewals: E-2 can be renewed indefinitely as long as business remains operational and you maintain control.
- • Spouse Work Authorization: E-2 spouses can apply for EAD to work for any US employer.
- • Children: Can attend school but cannot work. Status ends at age 21.