Navigating the path to an E2 visa can be complex. Investors who want location-specific help can speak with our E-2 visa lawyer in New York about eligibility, investment evidence and the filing process.
Understanding the costs involved is a crucial part of the journey.
In this article, we’ll provide a detailed breakdown of the expenses and fees associated with obtaining an E2 visa. This will help you budget and prepare for the application process.
From government filing fees to legal expenses, we’ll cover all the costs you need to consider.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or business professional, this guide will provide clear and concise information.
By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of the financial requirements of the E2 visa process.
Your E-2 budget includes the investment in your U.S. business and the costs of preparing and filing the application. Government fees depend on whether you apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate or request a change or extension of status through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Planning for legal services, business plan preparation, travel and family applications helps you understand the overall cost.
Your business investment is separate from government application fees. There is no fixed minimum investment amount set by law; the amount you need depends on the business you plan to establish or purchase.
The E2 visa is a non-immigrant visa designed for investors and entrepreneurs. It allows individuals from treaty countries to operate a business in the United States.
Eligibility for this visa hinges on a substantial investment in a U.S. enterprise. The investment must be active and the investor must have control over the funds. Understanding the E2 visa is the first step towards grasping the costs involved in the application process.
To qualify for an E2 visa, applicants must meet several requirements. They must be a national of a treaty country and have invested or be in the process of investing a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business. The business must be real and operational, not a passive investment.
Key E2 visa requirements include:
For a visa application abroad, follow the U.S. embassy or consulate’s process, which generally does not require prior Form I-129 approval. If you qualify to change or extend E-2 status inside the United States, you apply through USCIS. That approval covers your status in the United States; any visa needed for future travel is obtained separately through a U.S. embassy or consulate.
These charges apply to the visa application. They are separate from your business investment and professional fees. All amounts are in U.S. dollars.
| Fee and amount | Who pays and when it applies | Official source and date checked |
|---|---|---|
| E visa application fee: $315 per applicant | Each E-2 visa applicant, including an eligible spouse or child, pays the non-refundable application fee. Follow the embassy or consulate’s instructions on when and how to pay. | Department of State fees 14 October 2026 |
| Visa issuance or reciprocity fee: varies by nationality | Each applicant pays an issuance fee if the E-2 reciprocity schedule for their nationality requires it. It is collected when the visa is issued, in addition to the application fee. | Country reciprocity tables 14 October 2026 |
U.S. law also provides for a separate visa integrity fee. Check your embassy or consulate’s current instructions to confirm whether it is being collected and the amount payable. This is separate from the application and reciprocity fees.
The table shows paper-filing fees for the main applicant’s E-2 request. Reduced fees apply to qualifying small employers and nonprofits. For these fees, a small employer generally has 25 or fewer full-time equivalent employees, including relevant affiliates and subsidiaries. Check the current USCIS instructions for fee reductions and online filing options.
| Fee and amount | Who pays and when it applies | Official source and date checked |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-129: $1,015; $510 for qualifying small employers or nonprofits | The investor or petitioning business pays when filing Form I-129 for an eligible E-2 change or extension of status, or another qualifying request. Applicants using only the consular process generally do not pay this fee. | USCIS fee regulation 14 October 2026 |
| Asylum Program Fee: $600; $300 for small employers; $0 for qualifying nonprofits | The Form I-129 petitioner pays this additional fee with the petition. The amount depends on whether the petitioner qualifies as a small employer or nonprofit. | USCIS fee regulation 14 October 2026 |
| Optional premium processing, Form I-907: $2,965 | The requester pays this additional fee if choosing premium processing for an eligible E-2 Form I-129 case. The service covers USCIS processing, not the embassy or consulate’s visa process. | DHS premium fee rule 14 October 2026 |
Check the USCIS Fee Calculator and current fee schedule before filing. Family application fees and the optional Employment Authorization Document fee are covered below.
Investors seeking local guidance can speak with our E-2 visa lawyer in Indiana. Spanish nationals can review our E-2 visa guidance for Spanish investors for country-specific application details.
E-2 Visa Legal Fees
Hiring an E2 visa immigration attorney can be a significant part of the E2 visa costs. While not mandatory, an attorney can provide valuable guidance and help avoid costly mistakes during the application process.
Legal fees depend on the complexity of your case and the support you need, including the review of your investment, source of funds and application documents. A written quote should explain the work covered and how family applications, business plan preparation and government charges are treated. Our team can help you understand the scope of support for your application and plan the overall budget.
There is no fixed minimum investment amount set by law for an E-2 visa. The Department of State’s E-2 investment guidance explains how the investment is assessed against the cost of purchasing or establishing the business, your commitment to its success and your ability to develop and direct it. The funds must be at risk and committed to the enterprise. Money held in an account for possible future use does not establish a qualifying investment.
Plan the investment around the actual cost of the business, including the purchase or start-up expenses and the funding needed to operate it. Keep this business budget separate from government fees and personal living expenses. If you are considering borrowing, review our guide to financing an E-2 investment before deciding how to fund the business.
Allow for housing, transportation, healthcare and other living expenses for you and your family. These will depend on your location, household size and lifestyle. Comparing costs in the places you are considering helps you plan the move and your first months in the United States. Keep personal reserves separate from the funds committed to your E-2 business.
Your business budget should cover rent, utilities, employee salaries and other operating expenses alongside the purchase or start-up costs. Allow for the period before the business generates enough income to cover its expenses. Keep records of how the funds are used and confirm which costs form part of the qualifying investment.
If you are considering a franchise, compare the initial franchise fee, premises, equipment, royalties and other ongoing charges with the cost of an independent business. Our E-2 franchise guide covers the visa considerations, while the Federal Trade Commission’s franchise buying guide explains the costs and disclosures to review before committing.
Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 may apply to accompany or join you. For applications at a U.S. embassy or consulate, each family member pays a separate visa application fee and any issuance charges that apply to their nationality. Family members already in the United States may qualify to change or extend their status through USCIS instead. Planning each family member’s application alongside your own helps you include the relevant fees in your budget.
| Fee and amount | Who pays and when it applies | Official source and date checked |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-539: $470 paper; $420 online where eligible | The family applicant pays when filing an eligible change or extension of status. Eligible family members may be included as co-applicants using Form I-539A with a paper application; the fee is per Form I-539, not automatically per person. | USCIS fee schedule 14 October 2026 |
| Optional Form I-765: $520 paper filing | An eligible E-2 spouse pays if choosing to apply for an Employment Authorization Document. See the explanation of spouse work rights below. | USCIS fee regulation 14 October 2026 |
Eligible E-2 spouses can work based on valid spouse status and appropriate employment-verification documents, such as an unexpired E-2S Form I-94 with an acceptable identity document. A spouse may choose to apply for an Employment Authorization Document as an alternative. E-2 child status does not authorize employment. The USCIS guidance on E nonimmigrant work evidence explains the documents an employer can accept.
E-2 Visa Business Plan Costs
An essential part of the E2 visa application is a comprehensive business plan. This document outlines your proposed business operations in the U.S., including financial projections and job creation plans.
You can prepare the business plan yourself or work with a professional who can help with market research, financial projections and the presentation of your business. The cost depends on the work required and whether preparation is included in your legal-services package. Confirm that the quote covers the research and revisions you need. A clear, well-supported plan helps explain how the business meets the E-2 requirements.
If you need to attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate, budget for transport, accommodation and any time away from work. The E-2 visa application process may also involve translation, document preparation and passport-return charges. Costs vary by location and provider, so check the instructions for your application and include these items in your budget. Wait until you receive the visa before making final travel arrangements.
How Processing Time Can Affect Your Budget
The processing times for E2 visa applications can also impact your overall costs. If your application takes longer to process, you may incur additional costs for accommodation or even lose potential business opportunities
For an eligible E-2 Form I-129 case, optional premium processing sets a shorter deadline for USCIS to take action. Approval still depends on meeting the E-2 requirements. The service covers USCIS processing; embassy review, interview appointments and passport return follow the consular process. Consider the fee alongside your business schedule and travel plans when deciding whether to request it.
In conclusion, the total cost of obtaining an E2 visa can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. These include government filing fees, legal expenses, the substantial investment requirement, consulate fees, and additional costs for dependents, among others.
It’s crucial to budget carefully and consider all potential expenses before beginning the application process. By doing so, you can avoid unexpected costs and ensure that your investment in the E2 visa is a sound one.
