The E-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that permits foreign citizens of treaty countries to enter the United States legally upon investing a substantial amount of capital in a US-based business enterprise.
Plus, specific employees of a qualifying E-2 enterprise may also enter the United States under E-2 status. However, only citizens of certain countries can apply for an E-2 visa.
In this article, you will discover the countries eligible as E-2 visa treaty countries for immigration purposes.
Which Countries Have E-2 Visa Treaty with the USA? – An Introduction
As provided by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, a treaty country is a “country with which the United States maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation, or with which the United States maintains a qualifying international agreement, or which has been deemed a qualifying country by legislation.”
Besides being a national of a treaty country, foreigners applying for E-2 classification must invest a substantial amount of capital in a “bona fide” US enterprise.
In this context, the term “bona fide” (lit. good faith) refers to a real, active, and operating enterprise involved in commercial activities for profits. Additionally, the enterprise must meet all applicable legal requirements established in its jurisdiction.
USCIS does not establish a fixed amount when referring to a “substantial” amount of capital, providing that the investment must be “substantial in relationship to the total cost of either purchasing an established enterprise or establishing a new one.”
Plus, applicants must prove the legitimacy of the funds used as investments, demonstrating to the USCIS that the funds have not been obtained (directly or indirectly) from criminal activity.
Which Countries Have E-2 Visa Treaty with the USA? – In Detail
Europe
The European continent encompasses the majority of countries classified under E-2 status. Accordingly, eligible nationals of these countries are free to apply for an E-2 visa with USCIS.
- Albania
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Ireland
- Italy
- Kosovo
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macedonia
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Romania
- Serbia
- Slovak Republic
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
Africa
Ten African countries are part of the highly selected list of E-2 nations to maintain treaties of commerce and navigation with the United States.
- Cameroon
- Congo (Brazzaville)
- Congo (Kinshasa)
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- Liberia
- Morocco
- Senegal
- Togo
- Tunisia
Americas
Several countries spread all over North, Central, and South America have treaties of commerce and navigation with the United States, which enables eligible nationals to apply for E-2 visas.
- Argentina
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Ecuador
- Grenada
- Honduras
- Jamaica
- Mexico
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Suriname
- Trinidad & Tobago
Asia
As the world’s largest continent, Asia is home to several countries with which the United States maintains treaties of commerce and navigation, as well as other qualifying international agreements.
- Japan
- Georgia
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Bangladesh
- China (Taiwan)
- South Korea
- Mongolia
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Singapore
- Sri Lanka
- Thailand
Middle East
The Middle East is a strategic spot in the world’s geopolitical and economic landscape. Hence, the United States maintains treaties of commerce and navigation with specific countries in the region since 1954.
- Israel
- Bahrain
- Jordan
- Oman
- Turkey
Oceania
The only country in Oceania to maintain E-2 treaties of commerce and navigation with the United States is Australia. As the 12th largest economy in the world, Australia is one of the most important commercial partnerships for the United States, especially considering its strategic position in the Pacific region.
Do You Want to Apply for an E-2 Visa? – Consult with Jurado and Associates P.A. Today
At Jurado and Associates, P.A., we have a team of well-versed immigration lawyers to help you attain the American dream. Waste no time – call Attorney Romy B. Jurado today at (305) 921-0976 or email Romy@juradolawfirm.com to schedule a consultation.
