The E‑2 Treaty Investor Visa allows Sri Lankan citizens to live and work in the United States by investing in a qualifying U.S. business. Sri Lanka is eligible under a treaty of commerce and navigation, effective May 1, 1993, as confirmed by the U.S. Department of State.
Why Sri Lankans are well positioned
Strong bilateral trade and investment
Sri Lanka and the United States maintain an active economic dialogue through the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA). According to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), both countries meet regularly to discuss investment, innovation, and private-sector growth. Their 2023 meeting emphasized cooperation in digital services, agriculture, clean energy, and logistics. These are sectors in which Sri Lankan entrepreneurs are already active.
“The two sides agreed to deepen bilateral engagement on promoting investment and business-enabling environments.” — USTR
U.S. Embassy and business support
The U.S. Embassy in Colombo processes E-2 visa applications and supports commercial ties in both directions. It offers resources for Sri Lankan businesses exploring U.S. opportunities, particularly those seeking growth in high-demand sectors.
Who can qualify?
To apply for an E‑2 visa, Sri Lankan nationals must:
- Be a citizen of Sri Lanka
- Invest a substantial amount in a U.S. business (commonly USD 100,000+)
- Direct and develop the business actively
- Own at least 50 percent of the company or hold operational control
- Show the business will generate real income and create jobs
- Demonstrate intent to return when the visa ends
Ideal business sectors
The most promising industries reflect both national strengths and global demand:
- IT and outsourcing services, which generated over USD 1.5 billion in Sri Lankan exports last year
- Tea and food products, with tea exports alone valued at USD 1.4 billion in 2024
- Clean energy ventures, supported by a USD 150 million World Bank program
- Healthcare and wellness services, aligned with TIFA priorities
- Franchise businesses, including food, retail, and education
These sectors meet E-2 visa standards and allow Sri Lankan entrepreneurs to apply their expertise in U.S. markets.
Sources
- U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) – Sri Lanka TIFA Overview
https://ustr.gov/countries-regions/south-central-asia/sri-lanka - U.S. Embassy Colombo – TIFA Council Meeting Statement (14th TIFA, 2023)
https://lk.usembassy.gov/joint-statement-on-the-14th-u-s-sri-lanka-trade-and-investment-framework-agreement-tifa-council-meeting/ - Sri Lanka Export Development Board – ICT/BPM Sector Performance
https://www.srilankabusiness.com/national-export-strategy/nes-ict-bpm-progress.html - Sri Lanka Export Development Board – Tea Export Data
https://www.srilankabusiness.com/tea/ - Xinhua News Agency – 2024 Tea Export Performance
https://english.news.cn/20250130/77c0956786584cb9b5a9ebf9ffdaa185/c.html - World Bank – Clean Energy Support for Sri Lanka (2025)
https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2025/06/20/world-bank-group-to-support-sri-lanka-s-clean-energy-transition-with-150-million-program