Author: Jorge Rodriguez

How E-2 investors are taxed: residency under the substantial presence test, worldwide income, LLC vs C corporation, state rules, and planning before you arrive.

The E-2 visa requirements we check in every case: treaty nationality, a substantial at-risk investment, lawful funds, ownership, and a non-marginal business.

How E-2 renewal really works: I-129 extensions vs consular renewal, the documents officers check, the marginality test, employees, and what a weak year means.

How long an E-2 visa takes in 2026: 2 weeks to 4 months at a consulate, several months for a change of status, or 15 business days with premium processing.

The E-2 visa has no legal minimum investment. Most approved cases invest roughly $50,000 to $150,000 or more; the real test officers apply is proportionality.

The E-2 interview questions officers ask, grouped by what each one tests: your money trail, the business, marginality, and your role. Plus what to bring.

Our one-page E-2 treaty investor visa guide: who qualifies, how much to invest, how to apply, timelines, your family, renewals, and the mistakes behind denials.

India, China, Brazil, Vietnam, and Russia have no E-2 treaty. The two-step route: second citizenship in a treaty country like Grenada or Turkey, then the E-2.

Can borrowed money fund an E-2? Personal loans, home equity, and gifts can count; loans secured by the E-2 business itself generally cannot. The at-risk rule.

The E-2 has no employee quota and no hiring deadline, only the marginality rule. How many hires to plan for, why W-2 beats 1099, and what renewal will expect.

The full 2026 list of E-2 treaty countries, the major countries that do not qualify (India, China, Brazil, Russia, Vietnam), and options if yours has no treaty.

What an E-2 visa really costs in 2026: how much to invest, the $315 consular fee, USCIS and premium processing fees, setup costs, and how our flat fee works.