Treaty Investor Visa

E-2 Investor Visa for Pakistani and Treaty-Country Investors

The E-2 visa lets citizens of treaty countries, including Pakistan, live and work in the U.S. by investing a substantial amount in a U.S. business they develop and direct. It is a renewable temporary visa, not a green card, and your spouse can work.

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1961

Year Pakistan gained E-2 treaty status

$0

Fixed minimum investment

2 yrs

Per admission, renewable

One Firm, Every U.S. Pathway

Case strategy, evidence and filing support from profile review to final decision.

Overview

What is the E-2 treaty investor visa?

The E-2 visa is for nationals of countries that have a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States. Pakistan has held E-2 treaty status since 1961, so Pakistani citizens can apply.

You must invest a substantial amount in a real, operating U.S. business and come to the U.S. to develop and direct it. There is no fixed minimum; the investment must be substantial relative to the cost of the business.

E-2 is a temporary visa that can be renewed as long as the business continues to qualify. Many E-2 investors later pursue a green card through EB-2 NIW or EB-5.

Eligibility

Who qualifies for E-2 Treaty Investor Visa?

These are the core requirements USCIS or the U.S. consulate will look for. We review every one of them with you before anything is filed.

  • Citizenship of an E-2 treaty country, such as Pakistan
  • A substantial investment, already committed and at risk
  • A real, operating U.S. business (not passive investment)
  • The business must not be marginal: it should do more than support your family
  • You must develop and direct the business (at least 50% ownership or operational control)
  • A credible business plan
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Key Benefits

Why choose E-2 Treaty Investor Visa?

01

No fixed minimum

Investment is judged against the cost of your business, not a set amount.

02

Live and work in the U.S.

Run your business with your family in the U.S.

03

Spouse can work

E-2 spouses are authorized to work.

04

Renewable

Renew as long as the business qualifies.

05

Apply from Pakistan

Apply at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad.

06

Bridge to a green card

Build an NIW or EB-5 case while operating your business.

How It Works

How the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa process works

A clear, step-by-step process with one team guiding you from your first assessment to the final decision.

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1. Business and budget review

We assess your business idea, investment level and treaty eligibility.

2. Business plan

A detailed plan showing operations, hiring and growth.

3. Invest and document

Funds committed to the business, with source-of-funds evidence.

4. Application package

DS-160 and supporting E-2 documents prepared to embassy standards.

5. Interview preparation

We prepare you for your interview at the U.S. Embassy.

6. Green card planning

We map a path from E-2 to EB-2 NIW or EB-5.

1 min read

E-2 is one of the most practical U.S. options for Pakistani business owners. This page covers treaty eligibility, investment, the business plan and how E-2 can lead to a green card through EB-2 NIW for entrepreneurs or EB-5.

Key takeaways

  • Pakistan has had E-2 treaty status since 1961.
  • No fixed minimum: the investment must be substantial for the business.
  • The business must not be marginal.
  • Your spouse can work.
  • E-2 is temporary but can lead to NIW or EB-5.

What counts as a "substantial" investment?

Quick answer

USCIS and consulates use a proportionality test: the lower the total cost of the business, the higher the share you must invest. The funds must be committed and at risk.

Total business costTypical expectationWhy
Lower-cost businessClose to the full cost investedShows real commitment
Mid-size businessA large majority investedBalances risk and financing
High-cost businessA smaller share can qualifyAbsolute amount is still large

What is the marginality test?

Quick answer

A marginal business only supports you and your family. A qualifying E-2 business has the capacity to generate more than a minimal living or to make a significant economic contribution, often through hiring U.S. workers.

  • Plan to hire U.S. employees
  • Revenue projections beyond your own salary
  • Real operating activity, not passive holdings
  • Funds committed and at risk
  • Detailed five-year business plan
  • Lawful source of investment funds
Planning an E-2 business?

Tell us your idea and budget. We'll check whether it qualifies and how to build toward a green card.

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Can E-2 lead to a green card?

Quick answer

Not directly. But many E-2 investors build a green card case through EB-2 NIW (as entrepreneurs with a nationally important business) or EB-5 (by increasing their investment).

PathHow it worksFits when
EB-2 NIWSelf-petition based on your business endeavorYour business addresses a national need
EB-5Invest $800,000 or more, create 10 jobsYou can invest at EB-5 levels

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Official sources

Written by

Syed Muhammad Shamuel Shees

Founder and Lead Immigration Consultant

Phoenix Immigration Consulting Services LLC is an immigration consulting firm, not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. Information on this page is general and may change; always confirm current rules on uscis.gov and travel.state.gov. Filing a petition or application does not guarantee approval.

Worth comparing

Could EB-2 NIW Be a Better Fit?

If you have an advanced degree or strong professional experience, the EB-2 National Interest Waiver can lead straight to a green card, with no employer sponsor and no lottery. Many of our clients file NIW alongside, or instead of, a temporary visa.

Explore EB-2 NIW Free NIW Assessment
  • No job offer or employer sponsor
  • No lottery and no labor certification
  • Permanent residence, not a temporary visa
  • Spouse and children under 21 included
FAQ

E-2 Visa Questions

Can Pakistani citizens get an E-2 visa?

Yes. Pakistan has held E-2 treaty status since 1961, so Pakistani citizens can apply.

What is the minimum investment for E-2?

There is no fixed minimum. The investment must be substantial in proportion to the total cost of the business, and the business must not be marginal.

Is E-2 a green card?

No. E-2 is a renewable temporary visa. Many investors later apply for a green card through EB-2 NIW or EB-5.

Can my spouse work on E-2?

Yes. Spouses of E-2 investors are authorized to work in the U.S.

How long can I stay on an E-2 visa?

Each admission is generally up to two years, and you can keep extending as long as the business continues to qualify.

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