E-2 vs EB-5: which US visa is right for you?
Two investor routes: the E-2 is a renewable non-immigrant visa for treaty-country nationals, while the EB-5 is a direct green card for a larger qualifying investment.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | E-2 Treaty Investor Visa (E-2) | EB-5 Immigrant Investor Green Card (EB-5) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Temporary | Permanent / PR |
| Who it's for | For nationals of treaty countries investing a substantial amount of capital in a US business they will direct. | For investors who invest a substantial amount in a US enterprise that creates at least 10 US jobs. |
| Government cost | ~US$315 visa fee (E category) | ~US$11,160 I-526 petition fee plus US$1,440 I-485; minimum investment US$1,050,000 (US$800,000 in targeted areas) |
| Processing time | ~Weeks to a few months (consular dependent) | ~2-4 years (varies by petition volume and priority dates) |
| Length of stay | Up to 2 years per entry, renewable indefinitely while the business operates | Permanent (conditional green card first, then permanent) |
| Where to apply | At a US embassy or consulate abroad (or change of status in the US) | Consular processing abroad or adjustment of status in the US |
| Work rights | Work for the treaty investment enterprise only | Full work authorization as a permanent resident |
| Pathway to PR | No direct green card route; some investors later pursue EB-5 or other immigrant categories. | Grants a 2-year conditional green card; file I-829 to remove conditions, then citizenship after 5 years. |
Which is right for you?
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa (E-2)
For nationals of treaty countries investing a substantial amount of capital in a US business they will direct.
Full E-2 guide →EB-5 Immigrant Investor Green Card (EB-5)
For investors who invest a substantial amount in a US enterprise that creates at least 10 US jobs.
Full EB-5 guide →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, E-2 or EB-5?
On indicative 2025-26 government costs, E-2 Treaty Investor Visa (E-2) is the lowest at ~US$315 visa fee (E category). Government fees change periodically - confirm before applying.
Which is processed faster, E-2 or EB-5?
Indicatively EB-5 Immigrant Investor Green Card (EB-5) is the quickest at ~2-4 years (varies by petition volume and priority dates). Actual timeframes depend on caseload and how complete your application is.
Which of these leads to permanent residence?
EB-5 is permanent. E-2: No direct green card route; some investors later pursue EB-5 or other immigrant categories. EB-5: Grants a 2-year conditional green card; file I-829 to remove conditions, then citizenship after 5 years.
What's the main difference between E-2 and EB-5?
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa (E-2) is for for nationals of treaty countries investing a substantial amount of capital in a US business they will direct. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Green Card (EB-5) is for for investors who invest a substantial amount in a US enterprise that creates at least 10 US jobs.