E-2 U.S. Visa Program: Your Key to US Immigration

About The E-2 U.S. Visa Program

The E-2 visa is a temporary residency visa for investors from countries that have a Treaty of Commerce and Navigation with the U.S., such as Grenada, Turkey, and Montenegro. The E-2 visa allows investors, along with their spouses and children under 21, to live, study, and work anywhere in the U.S.

The processing time for the E-2 visa is typically under 1 year, and the requirements are simpler compared to some other visa types. It is an ideal option for families looking to quickly move to the U.S. so that their children can start their education.

Time to Residency

3 years

Minimum Investment

200.000 USD

Type of Investment

Invest in a business in the U.S

Visa-free Countries

Freedom of movement between Vietnam and the U.S.

Benefits of the E-2 U.S. Visa

The entire family has the freedom to live, study, and work anywhere in the U.S.
Children will receive free education at public schools from elementary through high school, equivalent to the benefits of U.S. citizens.
No global income tax obligations like U.S. permanent residents, if residing in the U.S. for less than 120 days per year
Freedom to travel between Vietnam and the U.S. without restrictions

Advantages of Holding an E-2 U.S. Visa

Approval within 6 months, allowing for a swift implementation of your immigration plans to the U.S.
Simpler requirements for proving the source of funds compared to many other visa types
No language skills required.
No age restrictions.
Freedom to choose the type of business, operate the business yourself, or select an existing E-2 business with a professional management team to assist, reducing the pressure of managing the business.

Conditions for the E-2 U.S. Visa

Must have resided continuously for at least 3 years in Grenada, Turkey, or Montenegro
Must be 18 years old or older (although there is no specific upper age limit, applicants should be of an age appropriate to manage a business in the U.S. and maintain the E-2 visa).
Must meet health requirements and have a clean criminal record.
Must use citizenship from Grenada, Turkey, or Montenegro to invest in the U.S., with a recommended investment amount of $200,000.

Process for Obtaining an E-2 U.S. Visa

Step 1: Invest and obtain citizenship from Grenada, Turkey, or Montenegro.
Step 2: Choose a business in the U.S. that you wish to own and conduct due diligence on that business.
Step 3: Once the business is selected, proceed with the transfer of ownership.
Step 4: Create and complete a business plan according to E-2 visa requirements, ensuring that the plan meets the program’s standards.
Step 5: Submit the E-2 visa application for review and issuance of the temporary immigrant visa for the U.S.

Documents for Applying for an E-2 U.S. Visa

Investment Documents: Includes documents related to the investment, investment agreements, and evidence proving the legal source of the investment funds.
U.S. Company Documents: Documents about the business you intend to invest in or own in the U.S.: business license, purchase or transfer agreements, and business plan.
Personal Documents: Passport, birth certificate, marital status certificate, and other personal documents.
Financial Proof: Documents proving financial capability, including financial statements, bank records, and asset documentation.
Proof of Citizenship: Confirmation of citizenship from a country that has a Treaty of Commerce with the U.S., such as Grenada, Turkey, or Montenegro.

(Submit the application and attend the interview at the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam.)

Second Citizenship: E-2 U.S. Investment Visa Consulting

Second Citizenship is one of Vietnam’s leading immigration advisory firms, specializing in assisting Vietnamese investors in accessing the U.S. E-2 Treaty Investor Program, a visa that allows individuals to live and operate a business in the United States without a fixed minimum investment requirement.

Since Vietnam does not currently have an E-2 treaty with the U.S., we provide expert guidance on obtaining a second citizenship from eligible countries such as Grenada or Turkey, enabling investors to legally qualify and apply for the E-2 visa quickly and efficiently.

Our team of experienced professionals at Second Citizenship will accompany you through every step, from selecting the most suitable citizenship program, evaluating safe and viable business projects, to completing all visa procedures, ensuring the highest chance of success. Contact us today for a free consultation and begin building your ideal plan for U.S. residency through investment!.

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Frequently asked questions about the U.S. E-2 investor visa Program

How much capital is required to qualify for the E-2 visa?

There is no fixed minimum investment amount, but the USCIS requires the investment to be “substantial” relative to the nature and scale of the business, and sufficient for it to operate successfully. In practice, the investment amount typically ranges from USD 150,000 to 250,000, and the investor must demonstrate real financial risk — meaning the funds have already been invested or are irrevocably committed, not just intended.

Does the E-2 visa lead to a Green Card?

Not directly. The E-2 is a non-immigrant visa, allowing investors to live and work in the U.S. as long as their business remains active. However, some investors later transition to EB-5 or EB-1C categories after running a successful business for several years, to obtain permanent residency (Green Card) if the company meets the required conditions and growth criteria.

How can Vietnamese investors apply for an E-2 visa if Vietnam has no treaty with the U.S.?

Vietnamese citizens cannot currently apply for the E-2 visa directly. However, they can acquire a second citizenship from a treaty country such as Grenada or Turkey. Once they obtain citizenship from one of these countries, they become eligible to apply for the E-2 visa, enabling them to invest, live, and work legally in the United States.