Treaty visas for entrepreneurs
E-1 & E-2 visas

Two ways to build your future in America.

The E-1 and E-2 visas allow eligible entrepreneurs, investors, and international companies to live and work in the United States through qualifying trade or business investment.

Free eligibility check
Business owners celebrating a ribbon-cutting ceremony
Choose your route

Trade or invest: what is the difference?

Both are temporary, nonimmigrant visas based on treaties with the United States, but they qualify through different business activity.

E-1

Treaty Trader Visa

Established cross-border companies

For nationals of treaty countries whose U.S. enterprise conducts substantial, ongoing trade primarily between the United States and their treaty country.

Core requirements
  • Substantial, continuous trade is already taking place
  • More than 50% of international trade is with the treaty country
  • Trade may include goods, services, technology, or banking
  • The applicant directs the enterprise or holds an essential role
Discuss your E-1 options
E-2

Treaty Investor Visa

Founders, buyers, and owner-operators

For nationals of treaty countries investing a substantial amount of capital in a real, active U.S. business they will develop and direct.

Core requirements
  • Capital is committed and placed at commercial risk
  • The investment is substantial relative to the business
  • The business is active, operating, and more than marginal
  • The applicant will develop and direct the enterprise
Discuss your E-2 options
At a glance

Which visa fits your business?

The right route depends less on preference and more on the activity your business can document.

QuestionE-1E-2
Qualifying basisSubstantial tradeSubstantial investment
Business stageOperating trade historyNew or existing business
Capital focusNo investment testFunds committed at risk
Primary evidenceInvoices and transactionsSource, path, and use of funds
Your roleDirect or essentialDevelop and direct
Miami skyline at sunset framed by palm trees
What both visas offer

A practical path for you and your family.

Renewable status

Both visas may be renewed as long as the qualifying business and treaty requirements continue to be met.

Family can join you

A spouse and unmarried children under 21 may accompany the principal visa holder to the United States.

Built around your business

Your company, trade activity, investment, and role form the foundation of the visa application.

Treaty nationality required

You and the qualifying enterprise must meet the nationality rules of an eligible U.S. treaty country.

What it entails

From eligibility to application.

  1. 01

    Confirm treaty eligibility

    Verify your nationality, ownership structure, and the treaty category available to you.

  2. 02

    Build the business case

    Document qualifying trade for E-1 or commit and deploy investment capital for E-2.

  3. 03

    Prepare the evidence

    Organize corporate records, financial documents, business plans, contracts, and proof of your role.

  4. 04

    Apply and interview

    Submit the visa package through the appropriate U.S. consular process and prepare for your interview.

Not sure where you fit?

We assess your citizenship, current trade, available capital, business goals, and timeline to identify the strongest route.

Book a strategy call
Next step

Find out if you qualify — in 60 seconds.

Free 30-minute strategy session with a Launch America advisor. No obligation.

Free written assessment