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 must meet several criteria in order to qualify for an E-2 visa. These criteria include:

a. Showing that "substantial" investment or funds are available and committed to the investment;

b. The investment must be in an active business as opposed to passive investment such as purchasing a home;

c. At least 50% of the business must be owned by an alien from a country which has a treaty with the United States;

d. The investment must create enough profit to provide a living for more than just the alien and his/her family.

 There is no minimum amount of investment necessary to obtain an E-2 visa, and whether an amount will be considered "substantial" depends on the type of business involved, the number of jobs created the alien's personal assets, etc. In most cases, the investment must be at least $100,000.

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 cause 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.