The E-2 Treaty Investor visa is a nonimmigrant visa for nationals of countries that maintain a qualifying treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States. It lets you enter the U.S. to develop and direct a business in which you have invested (or are actively in the process of investing) a substantial amount of capital.
Israel joined the E-2 treaty on May 1, 2019. Israeli nationals are eligible to apply.
Who qualifies
To be eligible for an E-2 visa, you must:
- Be a national of a qualifying treaty country. Dual nationals may qualify through either citizenship.
- Invest a substantial amount in a bona fide U.S. enterprise. USCIS publishes no minimum dollar threshold. The investment must be substantial relative to the total cost of purchasing or establishing the enterprise — a proportionality test. A smaller enterprise can qualify with a smaller investment; USCIS evaluates each case individually.
- Own at least 50% of the enterprise, or hold a position of control (e.g., operational role in management).
- The enterprise must be real and active — not a passive investment or a marginal business solely supporting the investor's livelihood.
- The funds must be at risk, committed to the enterprise and subject to loss if the business fails.
Duration and extensions
The E-2 visa stamp validity depends on the State Department reciprocity schedule for your country. For Israeli passport holders, the current reciprocity schedule sets the visa validity at 24 months, multiple entry, no fee. Each period of admission into the U.S. is 2 years, indefinitely renewable as long as the enterprise remains active and you maintain qualifying investor status.
There is no cap on E-2 renewals. Many investors remain on E-2 status for a decade or longer.
Family members
- Your spouse receives E-2S dependent status and is employment authorized incident to status — no separate EAD application required. The spouse may still apply for an EAD card as proof of work authorization, but it is not a prerequisite for employment.
- Children under 21 receive E-2S status but are not eligible for work authorization under this category.
Employees
Qualifying treaty-national employees in executive, supervisory, or essential skills roles may also apply for E-2 employee visas, provided their employer holds E-2 status.
How to apply
From outside the United States: File Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application), pay the MRV fee, and schedule a consular interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. You will need to bring a comprehensive business plan, investment documentation, bank records, and proof of nationality.
From inside the United States (change of status): File Form I-129 (Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker) with USCIS. Allow several months for processing unless premium processing is used.
Key documents
- Valid passport (treaty-country national)
- Proof of investment funds (bank transfers, escrow, purchase agreements)
- Business plan with financial projections
- Evidence of ownership stake
- Evidence of prior business experience (helpful but not required)
Frequently asked questions
Is there a minimum investment amount? No. USCIS applies a proportionality test — the investment must be substantial relative to the total cost of the enterprise. There is no published dollar floor.
How long is the E-2 visa valid for Israelis? The visa stamp is valid for 24 months, multiple entry per the State Department reciprocity schedule for Israel. Your period of admission inside the U.S. is 2 years per entry and can be renewed indefinitely.
Can my spouse work in the U.S.? Yes. E-2S spouses are employment authorized incident to status — no EAD filing is required. They may optionally obtain an EAD card as documentation.
Can I get a green card through E-2? No. E-2 is a nonimmigrant visa and does not lead directly to permanent residence. Some investors pursue EB-5 or other immigrant pathways in parallel.
What if my business fails? Your E-2 status is tied to the active enterprise. If the business ceases operations, you are expected to depart or change status. Consult an attorney before winding down.
Official sources
- USCIS E-2 Treaty Investors: uscis.gov/e-2-treaty-investors
- State Department reciprocity schedule (Israel): travel.state.gov — Israel
- State Department treaty countries list: travel.state.gov — E-2 countries
Not sure if E-2 is right for your situation? Use the Path Finder to get a personalized route based on your profile and goals.
Last reviewed: June 12, 2026
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. E-2 eligibility is highly fact-specific. Consult a licensed immigration attorney before making investment or application decisions.
This content is for informational purposes only.