E-2 visas issued to CBI countries

Dual nationals through CBI investment schemes often qualify for E-1 and E-2 visas under non-immigrant category. E-2 visas are the best alternative to EB-5 because of very fast processing times and low investment. EB-5 investment now raised to $900,000 effective from Nov 21.

The investment in the US must be substantial in relation to the type and size of the e-2 business often times a minimum of $150,000.

E visas are issued carry on substantial trade, including trade in services or technology, principally between the United States and the treaty country, or to develop and direct the operations of an enterprise in which the national has invested, or is in the process of investing a substantial amount of capital.

There are two types of E visa classifications:

• E1 trade classification allows nationals of a treaty country to be admitted to the United States solely to engage in international trade on their own behalf.
• E2 investor classification allows a national of a treaty country to be admitted to the United States when investing a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business. This visa is issued for two years with unlimited extensions.  E-2 applicants must apply for DS-160 form online and schedule for an interview. There is a $205 fee.

In 2018, a total of 41,181 E-2 visas issued worldwide of which 13,489 refused, according to state department. US since 2019 also collects social media information for visa vetting.

CBI + E-2 Treaty countries

These are the only countries in the world that has both the citizenship by investment program

E-2 Visas issued to CBI countries

These are the visas issued according State department FY 2018 report, specific to CBI countries.