Invest in a U.S. business. Live where you build it.
Immigration Wins helps entrepreneurs from treaty countries start, buy or run a business in the United States on an E-2 investor visa, and bring their families with them.
The fastest practical route for business owners
There is no annual cap and no lottery. If your country has a treaty with the U.S. and you put real money into a real business, the E-2 lets you run it from here.
No set minimum
The law sets no dollar figure. The investment has to be substantial for the type of business you are buying or building.
Renewable
Visas are issued for up to five years depending on your country, and you can keep renewing as long as the business keeps operating.
Family included
Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 come with you. Your spouse can work for any employer, and your children can attend school.
Any industry
Restaurants, franchises, logistics, retail, tech, services: buy an existing company or start a new one.
What a consulate looks for
Treaty nationality
You must be a citizen of an E-2 treaty country, and at least 50% of the business must be owned by citizens of that same country. Living there is not enough.
A substantial investment
Funds you control, committed to the business and at risk of loss, and large enough relative to what the business costs to start or buy.
A real, operating enterprise
An active business producing goods or services, not idle land, stocks or a bank account.
More than marginal
The business must have the capacity to do more than support you and your family, typically by creating jobs or meaningful income.
You develop and direct it
You hold at least 50% ownership or operational control through a managerial position.
A lawful source of funds
We document where every dollar came from: savings, sale of property, a business, a gift or a loan secured by your own assets.
Quick E-2 screen
Four questions, under a minute. It is a first look, not legal advice.
Nothing you enter here is sent anywhere.
From first call to visa stamp
Most of an E-2 case is preparation. We build the file a consular officer can approve the first time.
Strategy consultation
We review your nationality, budget, business idea and family, and tell you plainly whether the E-2 fits or what would fit better.
Structure the investment
Company formation, ownership, escrow or purchase terms so the funds are committed and at risk the right way.
Build the evidence
Business plan with hiring projections, source-of-funds tracing, lease, licenses and the paper trail behind every transfer.
File where it is fastest
A visa application at the U.S. consulate in your country, or a change of status with USCIS if you are already here lawfully.
Interview preparation
A mock interview on your business, your numbers and your role, so you walk in confident.
Renewals and family
We track your expiration dates and handle renewals, spouse work authorization and children's visas as the business grows.
Three ways clients use the E-2
Buy an existing business
A gas station, restaurant, motel or franchise with a track record. We coordinate with your broker and closing attorney so the purchase works for the visa.
Start something new
Launch a company from scratch. The business plan and committed funds carry more weight here, and we build both with you.
Already in the U.S.
On a student, visitor or work visa with a business ready to go? A change to E-2 status may be possible without leaving the country.
Citizens of these countries can apply. Not on the list? Ask us about the alternatives.
Show all 80 countries
Source: U.S. Department of State treaty list. Treaties can change; we confirm your country's current status at consultation.
The rest of your family's immigration
Once you are here, we stay with you, from green cards to citizenship.
Family green cards
Spouses, parents and children of U.S. citizens and residents, through adjustment in the U.S. or consular processing.
U.S. citizenship
Naturalization filings, interview and civics-test preparation, and certificates of citizenship.
Employment-based
H-1B petitions, PERM labor certification and employer-sponsored green cards.
Work permits & travel
Work authorization, advance parole, extensions and changes of status, and green card renewals.
Self-sponsored
Paths that do not need an employer or relative to sponsor you, reviewed case by case.
Victims of crime & abuse
Confidential help with U visas and VAWA self-petitions for survivors and their families.
E-2 questions we hear every week
How much do I need to invest?
There is no legal minimum. Officers apply a proportionality test: the less the business costs, the higher the share of that cost you are expected to invest. Many successful cases fall in the low six figures, but the right number depends on your business. We will give you a realistic range at consultation.
Can my spouse work?
Yes. Spouses of E-2 investors are authorized to work incident to their status, for any employer, and their I-94 record shows it. Children under 21 can attend school but cannot work on E-2 status.
How long can I stay?
Visas are issued for up to five years depending on your country's reciprocity schedule. Each entry generally admits you for two years, and you can renew for as long as the business keeps operating and you keep directing it.
Does the E-2 lead to a green card?
Not directly. The E-2 is a nonimmigrant visa. Many owners later qualify for a green card through family, employment or a separate investor category, and we plan for that early.
Can I use borrowed money?
Loans secured by the business's own assets do not count toward the investment. Funds borrowed against your personal assets, such as a home, can count. Gifts can count too, if properly documented.
My country is not on the list. What now?
You may still have options, including a treaty nationality you already hold through a parent, or other visa categories. Since 2023, a citizenship bought through an investment program also requires three years' domicile in that country. Call us before you commit any money.
Book an E-2 strategy consultation
Tell us about your plans. We will reply within one business day.
Sugar Land, Texas 77478Consultations in person, by phone or video