Question 1

Do I need a local attorney in Renton for E-2?

Accepted Answer

Immigration law is federal, so you can work with any licensed U.S. immigration attorney regardless of where you are located. Watson Immigration Law is based in Seattle and serves clients throughout the Pacific Northwest including Renton, as well as clients across the United States and internationally. We offer virtual consultations and handle cases remotely.

Question 2

How long does E-2 processing take for Renton applicants?

Accepted Answer

Processing times are the same regardless of where you are located — 2–8 weeks at most U.S. consulates. Some consulates offer expedited processing.. USCIS processes petitions at service centers, not by the applicant's location. For consular interviews (E-2, L-1), processing times depend on the specific U.S. consulate, typically 2–8 weeks.

Question 3

Which countries qualify for the E-2 visa?

Accepted Answer

The U.S. has E-2 treaties with over 80 countries, including the UK, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and many others. Notably, India, China, Brazil, and Russia do not have E-2 treaties. If your country is not on the treaty list, EB-5 or other visa categories may be alternatives.

Question 4

How much do I need to invest for an E-2 visa?

Accepted Answer

There is no statutory minimum investment. USCIS and consular officers use a 'proportionality test' — the investment must be substantial relative to the total cost of establishing the enterprise. For a business requiring $500,000 in total capital, an investment of $300,000+ would typically be considered substantial. For lower-cost businesses, a higher percentage of the total is required. In practice, $100,000–$200,000 is often a reasonable starting point.

Question 5

Can I buy an existing business for an E-2 visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Purchasing an existing U.S. business is a common E-2 strategy. The business must be a bona fide commercial enterprise (not marginal), and the purchase price must represent a substantial investment. Franchise businesses are also commonly used for E-2 purposes.

Question 6

Can E-2 lead to a green card?

Accepted Answer

The E-2 itself does not lead directly to a green card — it is a non-immigrant visa. However, E-2 investors often pursue parallel green card strategies, such as EB-5 (using the business as the qualifying EB-5 enterprise if it meets the requirements), EB-1C (multinational manager/executive), or sponsoring employees for green cards. We help clients structure their immigration strategy to keep green card options open.

E-2 Visa Attorney in Renton, WA

E-2 in Renton

Am I eligible for E-2?

Frequently Asked Questions

Speak With an Immigration Attorney