The E-2 visa is for nationals of treaty countries who invest in a United States business and come to the U.S. to develop and direct that business. It is a non-immigrant visa. The main focus of the application is on the investment and the applicant’s active role in managing the business.
There is no requirement under U.S. immigration law that an E-2 applicant must hold a business degree. It is not listed in the regulations, the Foreign Affairs Manual, or on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. An applicant can qualify for an E-2 visa without any formal education in business.
What officers do look for is whether the person has the ability to develop and direct the enterprise. This is a legal requirement under 8 CFR 214.2(e) and 9 FAM 402.9. An applicant’s work history, past business ownership, or industry experience can help meet this standard.
If you have managed a business, overseen staff, or handled financial decisions in the past, that can support your application. Even applicants with limited business backgrounds may qualify if the business model is realistic and their role in the business is clearly defined.
A business degree or formal training in entrepreneurship is not necessary, but it may be helpful. It can make the case stronger by showing that you understand how to operate a business. This is especially useful when the business is complex or involves a larger investment.
Still, real-world experience is often just as effective, if not more so, in showing that you are prepared to run the business. The government does not expect every investor to be highly educated. They expect the business to be viable and the applicant to be capable.
To date, U.S. immigration law does not impose an educational threshold for this visa. Officers are required to evaluate the full picture. Business education is one of many factors they may consider, but it is never a requirement.
Sources:
- 9 FAM 402.9 – E-2 Treaty Investors: https://fam.state.gov/FAM/09FAM/09FAM040209.html
- 8 CFR 214.2(e) – Title 8, Code of Federal Regulations: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-214/section-214.2
- USCIS: E-2 Treaty Investors: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/e-2-treaty-investors