Business Incorporation
Start on solid ground. We help you choose the right structure and handle the setup for your U.S. business.
Strategy for the U.S. market
We Empower Business.
USA Trade Council helps entrepreneurs and investors start, grow, and succeed in the U.S. market — from incorporation to investment.
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About
Your Partner in the U.S. Market.
We guide startups, investors, and growing companies through the realities of doing business in America. Practical strategy, honest advice, and hands-on support — from formation to funding to growth.
Services
Practical expertise for consequential decisions.
Clear guidance across the business, investment, and immigration questions that shape your U.S. market entry.
Legal Advisory
Contracts, compliance, and structure — we connect you with trusted legal professionals for every stage.
Investment Management
Objective, personalized investment guidance for individuals and businesses building wealth in the U.S.
Franchise Investment
Buy into proven business models. We help you evaluate opportunities and navigate the path to ownership.
E-1 & E-2 Visa Consulting
Treaty trader and investor visas, explained clearly. Understand your eligibility and prepare a strong application.
Treaty visas
E-1 & E-2 Visa Deep Dive.
Detailed insights to help you prepare your application.
Treaty Trader
For individuals or employees of treaty-country companies engaged in substantial, continuous trade between the United States and the treaty country.
- The individual or employing firm must hold citizenship of a treaty country.
- Trade must be substantial in volume and show a continuous flow of transactions.
- More than 50% of the total international trade must be between the U.S. and the treaty country.
Treaty Investor
The E-2 is a temporary, nonimmigrant classification for a national of a treaty country who invests substantial capital in a U.S. business. Certain qualifying employees may also be eligible.
Key requirements
- Treaty-country nationality. The investor must be a national of a country that maintains a qualifying treaty with the United States.
- Capital at risk. Funds or other assets must be committed in the commercial sense, with the objective of generating a profit.
- A substantial investment. There is no fixed dollar amount. The investment is assessed relative to the total cost of buying or creating the enterprise and must show meaningful financial commitment.
- A bona fide enterprise. The business must be a real, active, operating commercial or entrepreneurial undertaking that produces goods or services for profit and meets applicable legal requirements.
- More than marginal. The enterprise needs present or future capacity to generate more than a minimal living for the investor and family. A new business may qualify based on its capacity within five years after E-2 classification begins.
- Develop and direct. The investor must control the enterprise through at least 50% ownership or operational control in a managerial position.
A practical application path
- Assess nationality, business, investment, and control requirements.
- Form or acquire the U.S. enterprise and place qualifying capital at risk.
- Compile evidence of funding, operations, ownership, and business viability.
- If in lawful nonimmigrant status, request a change through Form I-129; if abroad, apply through a U.S. embassy or consulate.
- After approval and admission, actively develop and direct the enterprise.
Stay, family, and qualifying employees
Length of stay
The maximum initial stay is two years. Extensions may be granted in increments of up to two years, with no fixed limit on the number of extensions, while eligibility and an intention to depart when status ends are maintained.
Family
A spouse and unmarried children under 21 may accompany or follow the principal holder. Their nationalities do not need to match. Qualifying E-2 spouses are employment-authorized incident to status.
Employees
A qualifying employee generally must share the principal employer's nationality and perform executive or supervisory duties, or have special qualifications essential to the enterprise.
Temporary classification
E-2 status is nonimmigrant. It does not itself provide a direct path to permanent residence.
E-2 questions, answered plainly
How much must I invest?
USCIS does not set one minimum dollar figure. The amount must be substantial in proportion to the total cost of buying or establishing the business, sufficient to show financial commitment, and enough to support the likelihood that you can develop and direct it. A lower-cost business generally requires a higher proportional investment.
How long does the process take?
Timing varies by application route, embassy or consulate, case complexity, and current processing conditions. There is no guaranteed timeline, so review current official guidance for your filing route before planning.
Can my spouse and children come with me?
A spouse and unmarried children under 21 may accompany or follow. Their nationalities do not need to match yours. Qualifying spouses in E-2S status are employment-authorized incident to status.
Does E-2 status lead to a green card?
E-2 is a nonimmigrant classification and does not itself create a direct green-card path. Some holders may separately qualify for another immigration option; an immigration attorney can assess the specific facts.
Can E-2 status be renewed?
Extensions of stay may be granted in increments of up to two years, with no fixed limit on the number of extensions. The holder must continue to qualify and maintain an intention to depart when E-2 status ends.
Source: USCIS — E-2 Treaty Investors. Reviewed September 18, 2026.
Visa information is general educational guidance, not legal advice. Eligibility depends on individual facts and applicable law.
Nothing Is Impossible.
You have the power to change your path — and your legacy. Start building your business and wealth in the United States today.
Why USA Trade Council
Advice built around forward motion.
Outcome-Focused Planning
We turn complex goals into clear milestones, documented decisions, and practical next steps.
Forward-Thinking Approach
Our advice is built on current data and what's next — not what worked yesterday.
Trusted Partnership
Straightforward advice and relationships that last beyond the first deal.
Your next step
Contact Us
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info@usatradecouncil.com