Investment Visas

In the ecosystem of startups and business acquisitions, "Love Money" is a classic launching pad. However, what constitutes a gesture of affection for your family is often perceived as a red flag by USCIS. In 2026, financing your E-2 visa through a family loan is entirely possible, provided you do not confuse a helping hand with "administrative blur." Here are the three golden rules to ensure your file doesn't end up in the rejection bin. 1. The family loan must be a personal

In the worlds of tech and investment, cryptocurrency has become an asset like any other. Yet, for USCIS and other U.S. immigration authorities, Bitcoin can still look a lot like Monopoly money. Can you use your crypto gains to finance your American dream under an E-2 visa in 2026? The answer is YES , but prepare yourself for a financial colonoscopy. Crypto gains Traceability: The "Source of Funds" Nightmare The linchpin of any E-2 visa is proving that your funds were legally

Here is the translation into English, maintaining the sophisticated, slightly ironic, and expert tone of The Deltin Law Firm . E-2 substantial Investment in 2026: is $100,000 enough? " For 100,000, you get nothing anymore. " This phrase, often heard in real estate or luxury circles, has begun to haunt the hallways of U.S. immigration. However, when it comes to the E-2 visa, a $100,000 investment has never been a rule set in stone, but rather a "comfort zone" for immigration o

American real estate has always held a special fascination for French and European investors. However, one question frequently arises: Can you obtain an E-2 visa simply by purchasing properties in the United States? The short answer is no, if the investment is purely passive. But the answer becomes a resounding YES if you structure your activity as a genuine real estate services business. Passive Investment vs. "Active" Management The E-2 visa is an entrepreneur's visa, not a

The E-2 Visa: Transforming Your Influence into a U.S. Enterprise For many content creators and influencers, the United States represents the ultimate market. However, securing the "Talent" visa (O-1) can often feel like an uphill battle, requiring proof of international awards or major distinctions. What if the solution wasn't to prove you are a "star," but to demonstrate that you are an entrepreneur ? This is where the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa  comes into play. Why the E-2 i

Buying an American business is an exciting milestone, but it can be a minefield for the uninformed investor. Within the framework of an E-2 visa , this process takes on a strategic dimension: your success depends not only on the profitability of the business but also on its compliance with strict immigration criteria. This is where Due Diligence  becomes essential. Securing the "Non-Marginality" of Your Project One of the most common grounds for E-2 visa denials is "marginali

With the rise of hybrid work, many entrepreneurs are asking: is it possible to hold an E-2 visa  while managing a U.S. business remotely or from abroad? While modern flexibility is the trend, U.S. immigration rules remain strict on one point: the investor must "direct and develop" their enterprise. The "Direct and Develop" Obligation Under the E-2 Visa The very foundation of the E-2 visa  is that the investor comes to the United States to actively lead their investment. Unlik

Traditionally, the E-2 Visa  is associated with the purchase of furniture, inventory, or commercial leases. However, in 2026, the economy is increasingly digitized. For many entrepreneurs in tech, luxury, or services, the core value brought to the United States lies in intangible assets . Can you obtain an E-2 visa without investing $100,000 in physical equipment? The answer is yes, provided you adhere to very strict evidentiary rules. 1. The "Substantial" Investment Rule and

The E-2 Visa  is often described as the "gold standard" for entrepreneurs. However, it remains a non-immigrant visa: it does not lead directly to permanent residence . For those aiming for permanent settlement, the question is not if  you can obtain a Green Card, but when  and how . If your goal is to transition quickly to an EB-1 (Extraordinary Ability) or EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) visa, your strategy must be carefully planned from the very first day of your E-2 se

The consular interview is the final and often most stressful step of the immigration process. For any entrepreneur, this 10 to 15-minute appointment at the embassy is the moment to prove your project is solid. The consular officer will rely heavily on your business plan  to validate your eligibility for the Visa E-2 . Here are the 10 essential questions to help you master your interview and secure your project in the United States. 1. Investment and Source of Funds One of the

Obtaining an E-2  visa as a consultant can seem complex: few tangible assets, a great deal of expertise, and an activity often perceived as too “solo.” Yet a well-structured, credible, and professionally presented business plan can turn this challenge into a real opportunity. Here is how a consultant can build a business plan that will convince U.S. authorities. 1. Building a Business Plan That Counters the Perception of a “Marginal” Activity 1.1 Clarify your positioning to p

Dreaming of a new life in Paris, the vineyards of Bordeaux, or the tech hubs of Lyon? Moving to France is an exciting venture, but the administrative journey begins with understanding long stay visas . If you plan to remain in France for more than 90 days, you must transition from a simple tourist status to a formal residency path. Navigating the French consulate's requirements can be daunting. Here is a guide to the most common long stay visas for France  to help you choose

Relocating to the United States under an E-2 Investor Visa  is one of the most ambitious projects a French entrepreneu r can undertake. Beyond the business strategy, the success of the project relies heavily on family integration. How does work authorization work for spouses? What is the reality of schooling for children? As a U.S. immigration attorney—and a former E-2 visa expatriate myself—I would like to share the key points to help you plan your family’s relocation. Spous

Obtaining an E-2  visa as a consultant can seem complex: few tangible assets, a great deal of expertise, and an activity often perceived as too “solo.” Yet a well-structured, credible, and professionally presented business plan can turn this challenge into a real opportunity. Here is how a consultant can build a business plan that will convince U.S. authorities. 1. Building a Business Plan That Counters the Perception of a “Marginal” Activity 1.1 Clarify your positioning to

Acquisition or Creation: Two Different Approaches Specificities of Acquiring an Existing Business Purchasing an operational business presents unique characteristics for your E-2 visa application. You inherit a verifiable financial history, an established customer base, and already-functioning operational processes. U.S. authorities can rely on documented past revenues to assess the economic viability of your investment. An existing business typically generates revenue quickly

Are you an E-2 visa holder planning to travel abroad? While this visa offers great flexibility, re-entering the United States carries overlooked risks that can jeopardize your status. Here's what every E-2 investor needs to know before crossing the U.S. border. Understanding E-2 Visa Re-entry Rules The E-2 visa allows investors and employees of foreign companies to work in the United States. Contrary to popular belief, holding a valid E-2 visa does not automatically guarant

Opening a juice bar in the United States attracts many foreign investors. The concept is appealing — health, nature, and wellness — and the startup costs remain relatively low compared to other types of food businesses. However, what looks simple on paper can become far more complex when it comes to meeting the requirements of the E-2 investor visa. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) evaluates each E-2 case based on strict criteria: The business must not be

One of the biggest misconceptions about the E-2 visa is that a commercial lease is mandatory. Many entrepreneurs abandon their plans believing they must commit to expensive office space before approval. Let's clarify what you really need. The Short Answer: No, It's Not Required There is no law stating that E-2 visa applicants must have a commercial lease. Immigration authorities require evidence of a real, operational business with genuine U.S. ties. A commercial lease is on

The digital economy has transformed how we do business, and many foreign entrepreneurs wonder: can I get an E-2 visa for an e-commerce or online business? The short answer is yes—but there are important requirements you must meet. Understanding the E-2 Visa The E-2 treaty investor visa allows nationals from treaty countries to enter the United States to develop and direct a business in which they have invested substantial capital. While traditionally associated with brick-and

Opening a juice bar in the United States attracts many foreign investors. The concept is appealing — health, nature, and wellness — and the startup costs remain relatively low compared to other types of food businesses. However, what looks simple on paper can become far more complex when it comes to meeting the requirements of the E-2 investor visa . The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) evaluates each E-2 case based on strict criteria: The business must not b