E-2 visas are for owners and investors in businesses in the United States. The E-2 is a non-immigrant visa that may be granted for substantial investments in the U.S. An investment have to meet several criteria in order to qualify for an E-2 visa. These criteria include:

Eligibility Critetia:

» Showing that "substantial" investment or funds are available and committed to the investment;
» The investment have to be in an active business as opposed to passive investment such as purchasing a home;
» At least 50% of the business have to be owned by an alien from a country which has a treaty with the United States;
» The investment have to create enough profit to offer a living for additional than just the alien and his/her family.
» There is no at the very least amount of investment required to receive an E-2 visa, and no matter if an amount will be deemed "substantial" is based upon on the type of business involved, the number of jobs created the alien's personal assets, etc. In most cases, the investment have to be at least $100,000USD.

Employees of E-2 companies may be granted E-2 visas if they are or will be engaged in duties that are executive, managerial, or supervisory in nature. If employed in a minor capacity, the employee may be granted E-2 visa if he or she has special qualifications that make the services to be rendered essential to the enterprise.

The spouse and children (unmarried and under 21) of E-1 or E-2 visa holders are entitled to the same E-1 or E-2 classification as the principal.