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United StatesYou built a business in the US. Now you want to know you can stay. Here’s how E-2 investors move on to a green card, and why it pays to start planning now.
If so, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions E-2 investors ask: what’s the path to staying for good? For many, there is one.
The E-2 doesn’t lead to a green card on its own. But many E-2 investors get one through another route:
E-2 children lose their status at 21. A green card can protect them if you apply early enough.
If you sell or close the business, your E-2 status ends with it.
Each renewal is a new review. A green card ends the cycle.
A green card lets you work anywhere, change businesses, and later apply for US citizenship.
If you’ve run a Canadian company for at least 1 of the last 3 years, and your US business is its affiliate, you may qualify as a manager or executive. There’s no labour market test and no minimum investment.
Invest $800,000 in a targeted area, or $1,050,000 elsewhere, and create at least 10 full-time US jobs. Some E-2 investors grow their existing business to reach this level.
A US employer sponsors you for an EB-2 or EB-3 green card. Some professionals can self-petition through a national interest waiver (EB-2 NIW).
A US citizen spouse, or a US citizen son or daughter aged 21 or over, can sponsor you.
For people at the top of their field, with major awards, press or a strong track record. No employer is needed.
See all US green card options.
| Your situation | Route to look at |
|---|---|
| You also own and run a business in Canada | EB-1C |
| You can invest $800,000 or more and grow to 10 jobs | EB-5 |
| A US employer wants to hire you | EB-2 or EB-3 |
| Your spouse or adult child is a US citizen | Family green card |
| You’re well known in your field | EB-1A |
Not directly. The E-2 is a temporary visa with no built-in path to a green card. But many E-2 holders get a green card through another route, such as EB-5, an EB-1C manager green card, employer sponsorship or family.
There's no limit on how many times you can renew an E-2, as long as the business keeps operating and you keep meeting the requirements. But it never becomes permanent status, and your children lose E-2 status at 21.
They can no longer stay as your E-2 dependants. They need their own status, such as a student visa or a work visa. This is one of the main reasons E-2 families plan for a green card early.
Sometimes. If you invest enough and the business creates at least 10 full-time US jobs, it may qualify for EB-5. The investment is $800,000 in a targeted area, or $1,050,000 elsewhere.
In some cases. If you also run a Canadian company and the US business is its affiliate, you may qualify for an EB-1C green card as a manager or executive. Sponsoring yourself through your own company in other ways is harder and needs careful planning.
It can. Applying for a green card can affect E-2 renewals and travel, so the timing and order of your applications matter. Plan this before you file.
The right route depends on your business, your family and your timing. Talk it through with our team and get a clear plan.
Prefer to talk now? Call 866-934-7447
VisaPlace Immigration works with licensed and experienced immigration lawyers. VisaPlace Immigration does not provide legal advice. This page is for information purposes only. For legal advice, consult a licensed immigration lawyer.
