50 E-2 Visa Statistics Every Investor Should Know in 2026

Comprehensive data compiled from U.S. Department of State records, USCIS filings, and immigration industry analysis

Key Takeaways

• Record 54,364 E-2 visas issued in fiscal year 2024 – The E-2 treaty investor visa program reached an all-time high, demonstrating strong demand from foreign entrepreneurs seeking U.S. market access
• 90-92.5% approval rate provides high success probability – Properly prepared applications with professional legal support consistently achieve favorable outcomes across all treaty countries
• Japan leads global E-2 approvals with 14,366 visas in 2024 – Asian and European treaty countries dominate issuances, with France showing the highest year-over-year growth at 26%
• Processing typically takes 4-6 months with proper preparation – Premium processing options can reduce USCIS review to 15 business days for an additional $2,805 fee
• No legally defined minimum investment amount – While $100,000+ is typically recommended, the "substantial" investment standard is proportional to business type and industry requirements
• 103% recovery from pandemic lows demonstrates program resilience – E-2 visa issuances more than doubled from 2020's COVID-impacted levels to 2024's record numbers

E-2 Visa Program Overview & Market Size

1. 54,364 E-2 visas were issued in fiscal year 2024, setting a new record high. This unprecedented volume reflects growing international investor interest in U.S. business opportunities. The record-breaking issuance numbers demonstrate the E-2 program's continued importance for foreign entrepreneurs. For investors seeking U.S. market entry, working with experienced immigration attorneys ensures applications meet all requirements for this competitive program.

2. 52,308 E-2 visas were issued in fiscal year 2023. The prior year established a strong baseline that 2024 subsequently exceeded. This consistent high-volume issuance indicates sustained demand across treaty countries. The year-over-year consistency suggests the E-2 program has stabilized at elevated levels following post-pandemic recovery.

3. 45,878 E-2 visas were approved in fiscal year 2022, representing a 39% increase from 2021. This dramatic surge marked the beginning of the program's recovery trajectory. The 39% year-over-year jump signaled pent-up demand releasing as consulates reopened. Investors who delayed applications during COVID restrictions flooded the system with new filings.

4. 33,129 E-2 visas were issued in fiscal year 2021, a 43% increase from 2020. Recovery began immediately as pandemic restrictions eased. This 43% bounce-back demonstrated the program's resilience and investor appetite. The rapid rebound suggests strong underlying demand that persisted throughout travel limitations.

5. 26,759 E-2 visas were issued in fiscal year 2020, the lowest in over a decade. COVID-19 pandemic disruptions devastated consular processing worldwide. This decade-low issuance created significant backlogs that took years to resolve. Many prospective investors postponed applications until travel and business conditions normalized.

6. E-2 visa issuances in typical pre-pandemic years hovered between 40,000 and 45,000 annually. This baseline range provides context for evaluating recent trends. The 40,000-45,000 annual average includes both principal investors and their dependents. Current levels significantly exceed this historical norm, suggesting structural growth in program utilization.

7. 4% increase in E-2 visa approvals from 2023 to 2024. While modest compared to pandemic-recovery surges, this growth indicates continued momentum. The 4% annual increase suggests the program has entered a sustainable growth phase. Entrepreneurs and founders continue discovering the E-2 visa's advantages for U.S. market entry.

E-2 Visa Approval Rates & Success Factors

8. E-2 visa success rate is approximately 90% to 92.5% based on Department of State statistics. This exceptionally high approval rate reflects the program's accessibility for properly prepared applicants. The 90-92.5% success rate demonstrates that well-documented applications with substantial investments achieve favorable outcomes. Working with immigration legal services ensures applications meet all evidentiary requirements.

9. E-2 visa approval rates historically ranged between 87% and 93% over the last 10 years. This narrow variance demonstrates remarkable consistency in adjudication standards. The 87-93% historical range provides investors confidence in predictable outcomes. Despite political changes and policy shifts, approval rates remained stable for qualified applicants.

10. E-2 approval rates ranged between 87% and 90% during Trump's first presidential term (2017-2020). Even during a period of heightened immigration scrutiny, E-2 approvals remained strong. The 87-90% approval range shows the program's resilience to policy fluctuations. Treaty obligations and economic benefits protected the E-2 program from significant restrictions.

11. 5,615 E-2 visa applications were refused in fiscal year 2023. Understanding denial patterns helps applicants avoid common pitfalls. These 5,615 refusals typically resulted from insufficient investment documentation or marginality concerns. Professional legal guidance helps applicants address these issues before filing.

12. 4,823 E-2 visa applications were refused in fiscal year 2022. Denial volumes provide context for calculating approval rates. The 4,823 refusals against 45,878 approvals yields an approximately 90.5% success rate. This calculation confirms Department of State's reported approval percentages.

13. 13,489 E-2 visa applications were refused in fiscal year 2018. This unusually high refusal year preceded policy stabilization. The 13,489 denials reflected temporary adjudication inconsistencies that have since resolved. Current refusal rates remain significantly lower than this outlier year.

E-2 Visa Approvals by Country: Top Performers

14. Japan leads E-2 visa approvals with 14,366 visas issued in 2024. Japanese investors dominate the E-2 program through established business relationships and corporate transfers. The 14,366 Japanese approvals represent approximately 26% of all E-2 visas issued globally. Strong bilateral trade agreements and cultural business ties drive this dominant position.

15. Canada secured 6,803 E-2 visa approvals in 2024. North American proximity and economic integration support strong Canadian participation. These 6,803 Canadian approvals reflect entrepreneurs seeking larger market opportunities. Rising Canadian living costs have accelerated interest in U.S. business relocation.

16. South Korea received 6,799 E-2 visa approvals in 2024. Korean investors maintain strong representation in technology and service sectors. The 6,799 South Korean approvals demonstrate continued entrepreneurial activity. Corporate executives and small business owners both utilize the E-2 pathway extensively.

17. Germany received 3,924 E-2 visa approvals in 2024. German precision in business planning translates to strong E-2 application quality. These 3,924 German approvals concentrate in engineering, manufacturing, and technology sectors. Well-documented German applications typically achieve high approval rates.

18. France secured 3,589 E-2 visa approvals in 2024. French entrepreneurs increasingly seek U.S. market opportunities in hospitality and luxury goods. The 3,589 French approvals represent significant year-over-year growth. France's diverse entrepreneurial culture drives applications across multiple business categories.

19. Taiwan recorded 2,924 E-2 visa approvals in 2024. Technology and manufacturing expertise position Taiwanese investors favorably. These 2,924 Taiwanese approvals support semiconductor and electronics sector expansion. Strong educational ties between Taiwan and U.S. universities facilitate business formation.

20. United Kingdom received 2,723 E-2 visa approvals in 2024. British investors leverage common language advantages for U.S. expansion. The 2,723 UK approvals span retail, hospitality, consulting, and financial services. Post-Brexit uncertainty has accelerated British entrepreneurial migration to the U.S.

21. Mexico received 1,525 E-2 visa approvals in 2024. Geographic proximity supports cross-border business operations. These 1,525 Mexican approvals enable entrepreneurs to manage U.S. and Mexican operations simultaneously. Trade relationships under USMCA complement E-2 visa utilization.

22. Italy recorded 1,541 E-2 visa approvals in 2024. Italian entrepreneurs bring expertise in food, fashion, and design sectors. The 1,541 Italian approvals support artisanal and specialty business expansion. Strong Italian-American community ties facilitate business integration.

23. Spain received 1,455 E-2 visa approvals in 2024. Spanish investors increasingly target U.S. Hispanic market opportunities. These 1,455 Spanish approvals leverage language and cultural advantages. Growing bilateral business relationships support continued E-2 utilization.

Year-Over-Year Country Growth Trends

24. Japan experienced an 11% increase in E-2 approvals from 2023 to 2024. This substantial growth from an already dominant position indicates accelerating interest. The 11% Japanese increase adds over 1,400 new visas to annual volumes. Corporate restructuring and market expansion drive continued Japanese investment.

25. France showed the most significant growth with a 26% increase from 2023 to 2024. French entrepreneurial interest in U.S. markets surged dramatically. This 26% French growth rate represents the highest increase among major treaty countries. Economic uncertainty in Europe pushes French entrepreneurs toward U.S. opportunities.

26. Canada recorded a 9% increase in E-2 approvals from 2023 to 2024. Canadian business migration continues accelerating. The 9% Canadian growth reflects cost-of-living pressures driving southward expansion. Startup immigration services help Canadian founders establish U.S. operations efficiently.

27. Colombia saw a 73% surge in E-2 approvals from 2023 to 2024. This dramatic increase reflects improved economic conditions and backlog resolution. The 73% Colombian surge demonstrates emerging market entrepreneurial energy. Colombian investors increasingly target service and technology sectors.

28. Turkey saw a 115% increase in E-2 visa approvals from 2022 to 2023. Economic instability accelerated Turkish entrepreneurial migration. This 115% Turkish increase represents extraordinary growth from an expanding treaty partnership. Turkish investors seek business stability in U.S. markets.

29. Mexico experienced a 30% decline in E-2 approvals from 2023 to 2024. Currency fluctuations impacted Mexican investment capacity. The 30% Mexican decline reflects peso devaluation effects on substantial investment requirements. Economic stabilization should support recovery in future years.

30. United Kingdom experienced a 4% decline in E-2 approvals from 2023 to 2024. Brexit-related adjustments continue affecting UK entrepreneurial migration patterns. The 4% UK decline represents modest correction from elevated post-Brexit levels. British investors remain among top E-2 utilizers despite the slight decrease.

31. Chile experienced a 45% drop in E-2 approvals from 2023 to 2024. Regional economic factors significantly impacted Chilean applications. The 45% Chilean decline reflects challenging domestic business conditions. Future recovery depends on regional economic stabilization.

E-2 Visa Processing Time & Requirements

32. E-2 visa processing typically takes 4-6 months with proper preparation. Thorough documentation significantly impacts processing timelines. The 4-6 month processing window allows for document preparation, consular scheduling, and adjudication. Alma's guaranteed 2-week document turnaround helps applicants meet filing deadlines efficiently.

33. Premium processing for E-2 visa is available for 15 business days at a cost of $2,805. Expedited review provides certainty for time-sensitive business needs. This $2,805 premium processing option guarantees USCIS decision within 15 business days. Investors facing urgent business timelines benefit from this accelerated pathway.

34. E-2 visas can be renewed indefinitely as long as the business remains operational. Unlike many visa categories, the E-2 offers unlimited renewal potential. This indefinite renewal capability provides long-term stability for business planning. Maintaining active business operations and proper documentation ensures continued eligibility.

35. E-2 visa is valid for 3 months to 5 years depending on country of origin. Treaty reciprocity determines initial validity periods. This 3-month to 5-year range varies based on bilateral agreements with each treaty country. Japanese and Canadian nationals typically receive longer initial validity periods.

36. $315 nonrefundable visa application processing fee is required for E-2 applications. Government fees represent a small portion of total application costs. This $315 application fee applies to all E-2 applicants regardless of approval outcome. Additional fees for premium processing or attorney services add to total investment.

37. No legally defined minimum investment amount exists for E-2 visas, but typically $100,000+ is recommended. The "substantial" investment standard varies by business type and industry. The absence of fixed minimums provides flexibility but requires careful documentation. Lower investments may qualify for certain business types, while capital-intensive ventures require more substantial commitments.

2025 E-2 Visa Projections by Country

38. Japan is expected to reach 16,000 E-2 visa approvals in 2025. Continued corporate expansion drives projected growth. This 16,000 Japanese projection represents an 11% increase from 2024 levels. Strong U.S.-Japan trade relationships support sustained E-2 utilization.

39. South Korea is projected to reach 7,500 E-2 visa approvals in 2025. Korean entrepreneurial interest continues growing. The 7,500 Korean projection reflects expanding technology and retail sector investments. Educational and business ties drive sustained Korean E-2 applications.

40. Canada is expected to grow from 6,803 to 7,400 E-2 visa approvals in 2025. Economic migration pressures accelerate Canadian business relocation. This 7,400 Canadian projection represents 9% anticipated growth. Business immigration platforms help companies manage Canadian talent relocations efficiently.

41. Germany is projected to rise from 3,924 to 4,075 E-2 visa approvals in 2025. German precision engineering expertise remains in high demand. The 4,075 German projection supports continued manufacturing sector investment. Stable bilateral relations ensure German E-2 program access.

42. France is expected to reach over 4,500 E-2 visa approvals in 2025. Momentum from 2024's 26% growth continues building. This 4,500+ French projection represents exceptional continued growth. European economic uncertainty drives French entrepreneurs toward U.S. opportunities.

43. Mexico is expected to recover to 1,700 E-2 visa approvals in 2025. Currency stabilization should support application recovery. The 1,700 Mexican recovery projection represents 11% growth from 2024's declined levels. Cross-border business opportunities support long-term Mexican E-2 utilization.

44. Turkey is anticipated to increase from 701 to 905 E-2 visa approvals in 2025. Economic diversification drives Turkish entrepreneurial migration. The 905 Turkish projection represents continued growth from an expanding applicant pool. Turkish investors increasingly target technology and service sectors.

Historical Country Volumes & Typical Ranges

45. Japan typically issues between 10,000 and 14,000 E-2 visas annually. This consistent range demonstrates Japan's dominant position. The 10,000-14,000 Japanese range accounts for approximately one-quarter of all E-2 issuances. Corporate transfer practices and established business relationships sustain this volume.

46. Germany typically issues between 3,500 and 4,500 E-2 visas annually. German applications concentrate in high-skill sectors. The 3,500-4,500 German range reflects engineering, manufacturing, and technology investments. Well-prepared German applications typically achieve favorable outcomes.

47. Canada typically issues between 3,000 and 4,000 E-2 visas annually. Recent volumes significantly exceed this historical range. The 3,000-4,000 historical Canadian range has expanded due to accelerating cross-border migration. Current Canadian volumes nearly double typical historical levels.

48. United Kingdom typically issues between 2,500 and 3,500 E-2 visas annually. British investors maintain steady program participation. The 2,500-3,500 UK range spans diverse business sectors. Common language and business practices facilitate British E-2 applications.

49. Canadian investors received 21,518 E-2 visas between 2016 and 2024. This cumulative total demonstrates sustained Canadian participation. The 21,518 Canadian visa total represents substantial cross-border entrepreneurial activity. USMCA trade relationships complement E-2 visa utilization for Canadian businesses.

Economic Drivers & Market Factors

50. U.S. economy valued at $25.46 trillion drives continued E-2 visa demand. Market access motivates foreign investor interest. This $25.46 trillion U.S. economy represents the world's largest consumer market. E-2 visa holders gain direct access to this economic opportunity through business ownership.

The E-2 visa program's record-breaking 2024 performance demonstrates sustained demand from qualified investors worldwide. With approval rates consistently exceeding 90% and processing times manageable through proper preparation, the E-2 remains an attractive pathway for treaty country nationals seeking U.S. market entry.

Alma's attorney-led immigration services help E-2 applicants prepare comprehensive documentation, develop compliant business plans, and submit applications positioned for approval. With a 99%+ approval rate and guaranteed 2-week document turnaround, Alma provides the expertise and efficiency that E-2 investors require.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average approval rate for E-2 visas?

Department of State data shows E-2 visa approval rates consistently range between 90% and 92.5% for properly prepared applications. Historical analysis confirms 87-93% approval rates over the past decade, demonstrating remarkable consistency despite political changes. Working with experienced immigration attorneys ensures applications meet all evidentiary requirements for maximum approval probability.

How does the E-2 visa processing time vary between different consulates?

Standard E-2 processing typically takes 4-6 months from initial filing to visa issuance. Consulate backlogs and seasonal variations can extend timelines in high-volume locations. Premium processing at $2,805 provides 15-business-day USCIS decisions for applicants with urgent business needs. Alma's 2-week document preparation guarantee helps applicants meet filing deadlines regardless of consulate variations.

Can an E-2 visa lead to a green card?

The E-2 visa is a nonimmigrant category that does not directly lead to permanent residency. However, E-2 visas can be renewed indefinitely as long as the underlying business remains operational. E-2 holders who wish to pursue green cards typically transition through employment-based categories like EB-1C for multinational executives or EB-2 NIW based on their business achievements.

What is considered a "substantial investment" for an E-2 visa?

Unlike other visa categories, the E-2 has no legally defined minimum investment amount. However, immigration practitioners typically recommend investments of $100,000 or more to demonstrate substantiality. The investment must be proportional to the total cost of establishing the business type—a restaurant franchise requires different capital than a consulting firm. Comprehensive source-of-funds documentation and detailed business plans strengthen applications regardless of investment size.

What are the most common reasons for E-2 visa denials?

With over 5,600 denials in fiscal year 2023, common refusal reasons include insufficient investment documentation, marginality concerns (business unlikely to generate sufficient income), and inadequate proof of treaty country nationality. Applicants who fail to demonstrate the investment is "at risk" or who cannot show they will direct and develop the enterprise face higher denial rates. Professional legal representation helps address these requirements before filing.

Which countries have the highest E-2 visa approval volumes?

Japan dominates E-2 issuances with 14,366 approvals in 2024, representing approximately 26% of all E-2 visas issued globally. South Korea and Canada follow with approximately 6,800 approvals each. France showed the highest growth rate at 26% year-over-year increase, while Colombia experienced a 73% surge as post-pandemic backlogs cleared.