An “investment visa” typically refers to the employment-based immigrant visa categories that allow foreign nationals to enter and reside in the U.S. based on a significant investment in a U.S. business. The three main investment visa categories are the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, the E-1 Treaty Trader Visa, and the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa. Here’s an overview of each:

1. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program:
   • The EB-5 program is designed for foreign nationals who make a qualifying investment in a new commercial enterprise that creates or preserves jobs for U.S. workers. To qualify for the EB-5 program, the investor generally needs to invest a minimum amount of capital and create or preserve a certain number of full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers.
   • There are two types of EB-5 investments: direct investment in a new commercial enterprise or investment through a USCIS-designated Regional Center, which is a third-party-managed investment project. The minimum investment amount varies depending on whether the investment is in a targeted employment area (TEA) or a non-TEA. Please visit our EB-5 investment visa pages for details.
     • • • Am I eligible for an EB-5 visa?
         • What are the requirements for an EB-5 visa?
2. E-1 Treaty Trader Visa:

• • • The E-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa category available for nationals of countries with which the US has a treaty of commerce and navigation. It is designed for individuals engaged in substantial international trade between their country of nationality and the United States. While it is not an investment visa per se, it may involve trade-related investments.
      • • What are the requirements for an E-1 Visa?

1. E-2 Treaty Investor Visa:
   • The E-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa category available to nationals of countries with which the United States has a treaty of commerce and navigation. To qualify, an individual must make a substantial investment in a U.S. enterprise and be coming to the U.S. to develop and direct the enterprise.
     • • The investment must be actively at risk, and the investor must have control of the funds.
       • The amount considered “substantial” is not specifically defined by law, but it should be sufficient to ensure the success of the enterprise. There is no fixed minimum investment amount, and the investment is evaluated in proportion to the total cost of establishing or acquiring the enterprise.

What are the requirements for an E-2 visa?