Treaty Investor Visa
Investment in and direction of a US business by treaty country nationals.
Official Reference: USCIS.gov →
1What Is This Visa?
The E-2 visa allows nationals of treaty countries to enter the United States to invest in and direct a US business. Turkey is a treaty country with the US, making Turkish citizens eligible. The investment must be "substantial" relative to the total cost of the business, and the investor must be coming to develop and direct the enterprise. The business must be real and operating, not marginal.
2Who Is This Visa For?
- ✓Entrepreneurs starting or acquiring a US business
- ✓Turkish nationals with substantial capital to invest
- ✓Business owners who will actively direct and develop the enterprise
- ✓Investors whose business will generate more than enough income to support their family
- ✓Those seeking renewable, long-term US presence tied to business operations
3What This Visa Does NOT Allow
- ✗Passive investment without active management role
- ✗Investments in marginal enterprises (only enough to support investor)
- ✗Citizens of countries without E-2 treaty with the US
- ✗Speculative or uncommitted investments
- ✗Working for an employer outside the E-2 enterprise
4Common Mistakes & Risks
- !Investing amounts too low to be considered "substantial" for the business type
- !Not demonstrating the investment is "at risk" (e.g., keeping funds in escrow)
- !Creating a business that can only marginally support the investor
- !Failing to show active role in directing and developing the business
- !Assuming E-2 automatically converts to permanent residence
5Does This Lead to a Green Card?
E-2 does not directly lead to a green card. It's a renewable visa that can be held indefinitely but doesn't have dual intent provisions. E-2 holders seeking permanent residence typically need to pursue separate pathways such as employer sponsorship (if eligible), EB-5 investment, or family-based immigration.
6Strategic Notes
E-2 is highly attractive for Turkish entrepreneurs because Turkey has a treaty with the US. The visa can be renewed indefinitely as long as the business remains viable. However, the lack of a direct green card path means long-term planning should consider other permanent residence options. The investment requirement varies by business type but generally starts around $100,000 for small businesses.
7Legal Notice
This content provides general legal information only and does not constitute immigration advice. Immigration law is complex, changes frequently, and individual circumstances vary significantly. The information presented is referenced from official U.S. government sources but should not be relied upon for individual decision-making. Consult a licensed immigration attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
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At this stage, the following documents are typically required:
- • Service Agreement
- • NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement)
- • Independent Contractor Agreement