How Long Does It Take to Get an E2 Visa?

• FRONT JANUARY 22, 2025 / IN BLOGS, E2 INVESTOR VISA, TR

Ergül Çeliksoy, Immigration Lawyer, CK Law Firm

Are you planning to start your own business in the US or start a new life by taking over a business? The E2 investor visa may be the right visa to make this dream a reality. This special visa, available to citizens of countries like Turkey that have trade and investment agreements with the US, offers an opportunity for entrepreneurs who contribute to the US economy. One of the most frequently asked questions about this visa is, “How long does it take to obtain an E2 visa?” I've also outlined the critical details of the E2 visa under the following headings:

• What is an E2 Visa and Who Can Apply?
• What are the requirements for obtaining an E2 visa?
• Where to Apply for an E2 Visa?
• How Many Years Does It Take to Get an E2 Visa?
• Can I get a Green Card with an E2 Visa?
• A New Beginning in America

Along with these topics, I'll delve into the details of the E2 visa. If you have any questions about these topics, you can always reach me in the comments section of this blog or on our website. Alternatively, if you'd like to connect with me directly, you can reach me through my LinkedIn account.

What is an E2 Visa and Who Can Apply?

The E2 investor visa is a visa granted to entrepreneurs who want to start a business in the US or invest in an existing business and work there. This visa is granted not only to the investor but also to their spouse and children under the age of 21. The children are given the opportunity to continue their education, while the E2 visa holder's spouse is also granted the right to work.

Selecting a suitable business for the E2 visa is one of the most important steps in the process. The business must have a sustainable model and make a meaningful contribution to the US economy. Therefore, it is considered an active investment rather than a passive one. For example, while purchasing real estate and generating rental income provides sufficient income for your living in the US, it does not contribute significantly to the US economy and therefore is not accepted for the US E2 visa.

What are the requirements for obtaining an E2 visa?

The primary requirement for an E2 investor visa is that you be a citizen of a country with an investment agreement with the United States. Since Turkey is a party to this agreement, Turkish citizens can apply for an E2 visa. According to USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services), other important criteria are as follows:

1. Making a Meaningful and Risky Investment

Applicants must make a “significant” investment in a business to be established or acquired in the U.S. The amount of this investment will vary depending on the type and scale of the business. However, the investment is expected to be large enough to not only cover minimum operating expenses but also to operate the business actively and sustainably.

• The investment must be provided entirely from personal capital.
• USCIS requires the investment to be genuine and at risk. For example, if the business is used solely as collateral, the investment will not be considered sufficient.

2. The Invested Business Must Be Real and Active

Invested business:

• It must be a genuine, for-profit business.
• The business model invested in must be designed to provide economic contribution.
• Passive investments (for example, generating income by buying and renting out real estate) are generally not suitable.

3. The business must contribute to the US economy.

USCIS expects the business to benefit not only the investor but also others. Generally, the business must be capable of employing U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

4. Applicant Must Be Active in Business Management

An applicant for the US E2 investor visa must not only be a capital investor but also an active manager of the business. USCIS expects the investor to have a significant role in the day-to-day operations of the business. Simply managing the business in a non-managerial role is not sufficient.

According to USCIS, the above requirements must be fully met to apply for an E2 visa. When these requirements are met, the applicant has a high chance of achieving their dreams by starting a business in the United States. Seeking support from a professional immigration attorney is crucial for ensuring a smoother process.

Where to Apply for an E2 Visa?

Those wishing to apply from Türkiye generally conduct their procedures through US consulates in Türkiye. However, you can also apply from within the US through a change of status. We are frequently asked which application method will yield the most favorable results. However, it's not entirely possible to say that one option is better. Let's first examine the processes together:

• Consular Applications: Applications made through the consulate are generally quicker and the process can be completed within 2–3 months on average.
• Applications from within the United States: Applications for change of status are evaluated by USCIS and processing times may take up to 4–6 months.

If you're having trouble deciding which method is best for you, you can always contact us. However, based on our experience, if you don't have an active business history in Türkiye, it may be better to change your status within the US. I say this because your past experience is also very important during your visa interview at the consulate. However, because the application is personalized, making a decision based solely on this criterion wouldn't be wise.

How Many Years Does It Take to Get an E2 Visa?

While the duration of an E2 visa varies depending on where the application is made, the same variable also affects how long the visa will be granted. In general terms:

• Consulate Applications: While the results are finalized in 2–3 months on average, the E2 visa period is usually granted for 5 years.
• Applications for Change of Status: While it takes an average of 4–6 months, the period granted for a visa is generally 2 years.

You can extend your visa as long as your business continues to operate. You also have the option to extend it for periods of time when you enter and exit the country. This means you can continue to develop your business in the US by renewing your visa. You can follow the latest developments and access all news content on our news page.

Can I get a Green Card with an E2 Visa?

This is another frequently asked question. An E2 visa doesn't directly grant permanent residency in the United States. Therefore, an E2 visa doesn't automatically grant a Green Card. However, once you start doing business in the United States with an E2 visa, you can consider other avenues for permanent residency. For example, if you make a large investment as an investor, you can apply for an EB-5 investor visa.

A New Beginning in America

The E2 investor visa is an opportunity to realize your dreams by starting a business in the United States. However, the process can be complex. Details such as the E2 visa requirements, application period, and business plan should be carefully considered. With professional consulting, you can complete this process more easily and quickly.

If you need more information about the E2 visa application process or its duration, you can contact us through the CK Law Firm official website or contact me through my LinkedIn account for detailed guidance. Starting a business in the US with an E2 investor visa is no longer a dream!