E-2 Visa Services for Investors in Orlando, FL

E-2 Visa Eligibility Requirements for Treaty Investors

To qualify for an E-2 visa, you must be a national of a country that maintains a qualifying treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States. The investment must be made by you personally, or by a business at least 50% owned by treaty nationals, and the funds must be lawfully obtained and fully committed to the U.S. enterprise. You must also intend to enter the United States solely to develop and direct the investment, which means you will typically serve as an owner, executive, or key manager with decision-making authority. At Lorenzo Immigration, we evaluate your nationality, ownership structure, and business role to confirm that you meet these foundational eligibility requirements before you commit significant funds.

Another core requirement is that the investment enterprise must be a bona fide, active, and operating commercial business, not a speculative or passive investment. The U.S. government looks for credible evidence that the business is real and will create economic impact, such as jobs for U.S. workers or substantial services in the local market. The enterprise cannot be “marginal,” meaning it should be capable of generating more than minimal living income for you and your family within a reasonable period. Our Orlando-based team helps you gather corporate documents, contracts, leases, payroll projections, and other evidence that demonstrate your business is positioned for meaningful economic activity in Florida. If you are unsure whether your business concept will meet these standards, we can provide an in-depth eligibility review and recommend structural adjustments before you proceed.

Minimum Investment Amount and Business Plan Requirements

The law does not set a fixed minimum investment amount for E-2 visa approval, but it must be “substantial” in relation to the total cost of purchasing or establishing the business. For many service-based businesses in Orlando, this often falls in the approximate range of $100,000–$250,000 or more, though amounts can be lower or higher depending on the industry and business model. The government uses a “proportionality test,” examining how much of the total startup or purchase cost your investment covers and whether your capital is truly at risk. Lorenzo Immigration works closely with you to document your investment expenses, wiring records, purchase contracts, franchise fees, equipment purchases, and working capital allocations so that the total investment picture appears credible and compelling.

A strong E-2 visa business plan is equally critical to a successful application. Your business plan should clearly explain the nature of the enterprise, market analysis for the Orlando and broader Florida region, competitive landscape, detailed 5-year financial projections, job creation timeline, and your personal management role. Examples include investment in a local restaurant or café near downtown Orlando, acquisition of an existing HVAC or home services company serving Orange and Seminole counties, or launching a professional services firm targeting the growing Central Florida real estate and tourism sectors. We collaborate with professional business plan developers who understand E-2 requirements, and we review every plan to ensure it aligns with your actual investment, tax records, and corporate structure. If you already have a business concept, our next step is to refine your projections and operational strategy to match E-2 standards and support a persuasive application.

Difference Between E-2 Visa and EB-5 Green Card

The E-2 visa and the EB-5 immigrant investor green card both involve investment in a U.S. business, but they serve very different purposes and carry distinct requirements. An E-2 visa is a nonimmigrant status that allows you to live in the United States temporarily as long as you maintain and operate your qualifying enterprise; it does not, by itself, lead directly to permanent residency. In contrast, the EB-5 program is an immigrant visa category that can result in a green card for you and your qualifying family members if you meet the investment and job creation requirements. EB-5 requires a significantly higher capital investment—typically $800,000 or $1,050,000 depending on project location—and strict documentation of the creation of at least 10 full-time U.S. jobs, while E-2 has no fixed statutory minimum investment and more flexible job creation expectations.

Processing dynamics and strategic planning also differ between these two investor options. E-2 visas often have faster processing times and lower upfront costs, making them attractive for entrepreneurs who want to relocate to Orlando and begin operations quickly. EB-5, on the other hand, involves a lengthier adjudication process, more intensive due diligence, and a path to conditional and then permanent green cards. At Lorenzo Immigration, we assess your citizenship, capital resources, risk tolerance, and timeline to advise whether an E-2, EB-5, or combination strategy best matches your goals. If you begin with an E-2 and later seek permanent residency, we can explore options such as transitioning to EB-5, employment-based green cards, or family-based immigration paths as part of a long-term immigration roadmap.

Processing Time, Family Members, and Dependents

How long it takes to get an E-2 visa depends on where and how you apply. Investors already in the United States in another valid status may file a change of status with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which can take several months, often with the option of premium processing to expedite the decision. Investors applying at a U.S. consulate abroad must follow consular processing procedures, with timelines varying by embassy or consulate, background checks, and appointment availability. For many clients, a well-prepared consular E-2 application can result in visa issuance within a few months, though planning ahead is essential to account for document collection, business setup steps in Orlando, and potential interview delays.

E-2 visa holders may bring qualifying family members, including a spouse and unmarried children under age 21, as dependents. Spouses of E-2 investors are typically eligible to apply for work authorization in the United States, which can significantly increase your household’s economic flexibility and employment options in the Orlando area. Children can enroll in local schools and universities but cannot work unless they obtain their own independent status that permits employment. At Lorenzo Immigration, we prepare complete family applications, ensuring each dependent’s documentation, DS-160 or I-539 forms, and supporting evidence are properly compiled to minimize delays or complications. During your consultation, we will map out how your move to Central Florida will affect your spouse’s career and your children’s education, and we will recommend the best filing strategy for your entire family.

E-2 Visa Renewal, Extensions, and Transition to a Green Card

E-2 status is granted for a limited period—often between two and five years at a time—depending on your nationality and consular reciprocity rules. The status can be renewed or extended indefinitely, as long as your business remains active, compliant, and continues to meet E-2 requirements. For renewals, the government will look closely at your business performance since the original approval: revenue trends, job creation, operational growth, and adherence to your original business plan or justified modifications. Our Orlando firm assists with E-2 extensions by analyzing financial statements, tax returns, payroll records, and updated business plans to demonstrate that your enterprise is still viable and non-marginal. Prior to your renewal date, we conduct a comprehensive file review to identify and correct any weaknesses before you submit your extension request or attend another consular interview.

Many investors eventually ask whether there are options to transition from E-2 visa status to a green card. While the E-2 itself does not automatically lead to permanent residency, several strategies can be pursued based on your evolving situation. These may include the EB-5 immigrant investor category if you can increase your investment and satisfy job creation requirements, employment-based immigrant visas such as EB-1C for multinational managers or EB-2/EB-3 through an employer sponsorship, or family-based petitions where eligible. At Lorenzo Immigration, we build long-term relationships with our clients in Orlando and across Central Florida, continually reassessing which residency options may open as your business and family circumstances change. If permanent residency is a key objective, we will design your E-2 approach with a potential green card transition in mind from the outset.

Common Reasons E-2 Visa Applications Get Denied

E-2 visa denials often stem from insufficient documentation or weak presentation of key eligibility elements. Common issues include failing to prove that the investment funds came from a lawful source, not fully documenting that the capital has been irrevocably committed to the business, or presenting a business that appears speculative rather than active and operational. Consular officers may also question applications where the business plan lacks realistic financial projections, does not show potential for job creation in the local market, or suggests the enterprise may be marginal. At Lorenzo Immigration in Orlando, we analyze these risk factors early and help you build a more robust evidentiary record, using detailed financial documentation and market research tied specifically to the Central Florida economy.

Another frequent problem is when the investor’s role in the business is not clearly defined as executive, managerial, or specialized. If it appears that you are primarily a rank-and-file employee rather than directing and developing the enterprise, your case may face closer scrutiny or denial. Inconsistent or incomplete paperwork, errors on forms, or discrepancies between your investment records and business plan can further undermine credibility. We carefully prepare your application package, rehearse potential consular interview questions, and ensure that every aspect of your case—from ownership structure to day-to-day responsibilities—is consistent and well supported. If you have experienced a prior E-2 denial, our team can review the decision, identify the issues, and propose corrective strategies or alternative immigration options tailored to your situation.

Work with Lorenzo Immigration for E-2 Visa Success

For treaty investors looking to launch or expand a business in Orlando, FL, a well-executed E-2 strategy can open the door to living and working in the United States while growing a profitable enterprise. Lorenzo Immigration combines in-depth knowledge of E-2 visa requirements, investor business planning, and local Central Florida market realities to help you build a strong, credible case. From assessing your eligibility and defining the appropriate minimum investment amount to preparing a compliant business plan and guiding your family’s applications, we manage each step with precision and clarity. If you are comparing the E-2 visa to options like the EB-5 green card or other employment-based paths, we will provide an honest assessment of which route best serves your goals and timeline.

If you are ready to explore an E-2 investor visa or need help with an upcoming renewal or extension, contact Lorenzo Immigration in Orlando, to schedule a detailed consultation. We will review your business concept, investment structure, and family plans, and then outline a customized strategy to move forward. Take the next step toward building your U.S. investment future—reach out today to discuss your E-2 visa options and start preparing a compelling application that aligns with your business and immigration objectives.