The E-2 visa allows nationals of treaty countries to establish, invest in, and actively manage a U.S. business they control. For those launching a new enterprise, understanding the broader startup environment in the United States can help shape a stronger and more credible application.
A Busy Startup Pipeline
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Business Formation Statistics, more than 5 million business applications were filed in 2023 for Employer Identification Numbers. Approximately 150,000 of those were classified as high-propensity employer applications, which show intent to hire staff. The Census projects that around 28,300 of these will become active employer startups within four quarters.
Global Leader in Startup Ecosystems
The United States remains the leading startup ecosystem globally, according to StartupBlink’s global index. Cities like San Francisco, New York, Austin, and Boston consistently rank as top destinations for new ventures. These hubs attract funding, talent, and accelerator support across sectors such as technology, health sciences, and clean energy.
What It Means for E-2 Applicants
- Opportunity: A large volume of business activity provides a strong base for launching.
- Support: Founders benefit from capital access, mentoring networks, and supportive infrastructure.
- Differentiation: An E-2 application should show that the business is real, structured, and positioned to operate.
E-2 Visa Qualification Criteria
- Active and Real Enterprise: The business must be more than an idea. Evidence like contracts, leases, and purchases supports this.
- Substantial Investment: The applicant must commit a meaningful amount of personal funds and show that the money is at risk.
- Develop and Direct: The investor must have a controlling role in business decisions and daily operations.
- More Than Marginal: The business should aim to generate more than just enough income for the investor and must show the potential to create jobs.
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau – Business Formation Statistics: https://www.census.gov/econ/bfs/index.html
- U.S. Census Bureau – Business Formation Statistics (Monthly Report): https://www.census.gov/econ/bfs/current/index.html
- USCIS – E-2 Treaty Investors: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/e-2-treaty-investors
- Travel.State.Gov – Treaty Trader and Investor Visas: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/employment/treaty-trader-investor-visa-e.html
- StartupBlink – U.S. Startup Ecosystem: https://www.startupblink.com/startup-ecosystem/united-states