Checked on November 2, 2026 against the USCIS fee schedule (Form G-1055, edition 10/26/26), the State Department fee schedule (22 CFR 22.1) and 9 FAM 402.9. The Visa Integrity Fee is law (8 U.S.C. § 1806), but we have found no implementing notice in the Federal Register and the State Department fee page lists only the $315 application fee. Treat it as a planning item and confirm with your consulate before the interview.
Quick answer: Most E-2 visa investors should plan for non-recoverable government, legal, and professional fees of roughly $12,000 to $17,000, plus a business investment that often starts around $100,000. That investment remains your own capital, but it must be at risk. There is no fixed minimum: $100,000 is a planning figure, not an approval threshold, and the amount must be substantial for the business you are buying or starting.
Which E-2 guide should I read? This page explains E-2 visa costs, fees, and investment planning. Start with our E-2 visa guide for how the visa works and who qualifies. For rules and evidence, see E-2 visa requirements. For the filing steps, see E-2 visa process.
Government and Filing Fees
Warning: All costs and fees are subject to change and should always be checked for the latest updates before filing.
💡 Quick Snapshot of E-2 Investor Visa Costs and Fees
Quick snapshot of E-2 investor visa costs and fees
Category
Typical Range (USD)
Ownership / Notes
Government & Filing Fees
$315 - $5,907 per person at a consulate; $810 - $1,615 for a change of status
Non-refundable; varies by nationality and filing route
Legal & Professional Fees
$8,000 - $15,000
Attorney fees, plus about $1,900 - $6,300 for a business plan, translations and admin
Business Formation / Compliance
Variable by state ($100+)
Includes licenses, IP, permits
Business Investment (Your Capital, at Risk)
$80,000 - $300,000+
Investor retains equity or business control, depending on structure *
The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa allows nationals of treaty countries to live and work in the United States by investing in a qualifying U.S. business. While some expenses are fixed (government and legal fees), the main financial component, the investment, remains your own capital, at risk in the business.
This guide focuses on the financial aspects of the E-2 visa and cites the controlling authorities: 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(e) | 9 FAM (Foreign Affairs Manual) | 9 FAM 402.9
Consular and USCIS Filing Fees for the E-2 Visa (2026)
E-2 investors pay several government filing fees. Some are set by the U.S. Department of State for consular processing, while others apply only if you file a change of status inside the United States with USCIS.
The current application (MRV) fee for an E visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate is $315 per applicant.
Inside the United States, Form I-129 costs $810 for a company with 25 or fewer full-time equivalent U.S. employees, which covers most E-2 start-ups: a $510 filing fee plus a $300 Asylum Program Fee. A larger company pays $1,615 ($1,015 plus $600), or $1,565 if it files online. The calculator below gives an estimate.
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E-2 Cost Calculator: click the arrow to estimate your government, legal and investment outlay.
Your E-2 Inputs
E-2 Visa Cost Breakdown
Estimated Total Outlay
—
USD estimate for the principal applicant: non-recoverable fees plus your investment capital, which remains at risk
Per applicant, including each dependent. Paid before the consular interview and not refunded if the visa is refused. See the State Department fee schedule.
Reciprocity / Visa Issuance Fee
$0 - $5,592
Charged per applicant when the visa is issued, based on nationality. Most treaty nationals pay nothing. The highest as of November 2, 2026 are Australia ($5,592), the Netherlands ($2,118) and the Philippines ($552). Check your country on the
State Department reciprocity schedule.
Visa Integrity Fee
At least $250; not yet on the State Department fee schedule
Created by Public Law 119-21 (8 U.S.C. § 1806) and payable when a visa is issued, on top of the fees above. It rises with inflation each fiscal year, cannot be waived, and may be reimbursed later to holders who comply with their visa. As of November 2, 2026, we have found no implementing notice and no reimbursement procedure. Budget for it and confirm with your consulate before the interview.
USCIS Change-of-Status or Extension Fee
$810 or $1,615
Form I-129 including the Asylum Program Fee: $510 + $300 for a company with 25 or fewer full-time equivalent U.S. employees; $1,015 + $600 for a larger one ($965 + $600 if filed online). A spouse and children in the same status can usually file one Form I-539 together: $470, or $420 online. See
USCIS Form G-1055.
Spouse Work Permit (Form I-765)
$520
Optional. E-2 spouses are work-authorized incident to status, but we advise applying because many U.S. employers will not hire without one.
Premium Processing Fee (Optional)
$2,965 (as of March 2026)
Optional Form I-907 expedite service, available only for eligible E-2 Form I-129 change-of-status or extension petitions filed inside the U.S. USCIS acts within 15 business days. It is not available for consular E-2 visa applications or, at present, for the family’s Form I-539, and is paid separately from the base filing fee. Confirm current eligibility and amounts on the
USCIS Form I-907 page.
E-2 visas are only issued at U.S. embassies and consulates outside the United States. Applicants inside the United States may be able to "Change Status" to E-2 status or "Extend" E status, meaning their authorized period of stay, through USCIS. Changing or extending status is not the same as applying for a visa and will not result in the issuance of an E-2 visa.
Which route costs less? At a consulate you pay the $315 application fee before the interview, any reciprocity fee when the visa is issued, and the Visa Integrity Fee once it is collected. If you are already lawfully in the United States and change status to E-2 on Form I-129, no visa is issued and none of the three arise: you pay $810 or $1,615, plus $470 ($420 online) for the family on Form I-539, and optionally $2,965 for premium processing. For a family of four, the consular route would carry about $1,000 in Visa Integrity Fees that the change-of-status route does not, once collection starts. The trade-off is that a change of status gives you E-2 status but no visa, so any departure from the United States means a consular application before you return.
Professional fees cover attorney preparation, evidence gathering and business-plan development. Because E-2 cases are document-intensive, using a lawyer familiar with consular practice is strongly advised.
⚖️ Expert Tip: For comprehensive advice on selecting the right legal partner for your E-2 application, consult our specialist resource:
Legal and professional service fees for an E-2 visa
Service
Typical Range (USD)
Purpose
Immigration Attorney
$8,000 - $15,000
Legal strategy, petition drafting and interview preparation.
Business Plan
$1,500 - $5,000 *
Suggested evidence, not a legal requirement; upper range applies to plans prepared for future EB-5 conversion.
Translations & Certification
$200 - $800
Certified translations, notarizations and apostilles.
Administrative / Banking
$200 - $500
Courier charges, bank letters and document handling.
*A detailed business plan is strongly recommended because it helps demonstrate that the enterprise is bona fide, not marginal, and capable of operating as described. See 9 FAM 402.9-6(E) and 402.9-11(B).
Company Formation, Licensing & Compliance Costs
In addition to immigration filings, every E-2 investor must form or acquire a U.S. business. That process involves state and local fees and, in many industries, additional permits or registrations.
A physical office is not necessarily required.
The key requirement is that the enterprise be real, active, and operating. See
9 FAM 402.9-4(D) and 402.9-6(C).
Company formation, licensing and compliance costs for an E-2 business
Category
Typical Range (USD)
Examples / Notes
Entity Registration
$100 - $1,000+
State LLC or corporation filing; some states add annual franchise taxes.
Licenses & Permits
$0 - hundreds of thousands+
Small consulting firms pay minimal fees; restaurants and regulated industries incur higher costs.
Zoning / Occupancy
$50 - $2,000+
City or county authorization to operate premises.
Health & Environmental
$100 - $50,000+
Required for food, hospitality and industrial operations.
Patent & IP Costs
$500 - $20,000+
Registration fees and legal expenses. These may qualify as part of the E-2 investment when their value can be determined and they are directly related to the enterprise. See 9 FAM 402.9-6(B)(h).
Ongoing Compliance
$100 - $800 per year
Annual reports, franchise tax payments and registered-agent renewals.
The E-2 Investment Requirement: Your Capital, Not a Fee
E-2 investment can include more than cash.
Depending on the structure of the business and the evidence provided, the investment may also include the value of qualifying inventory, equipment, or other assets transferred to the U.S. business. See
9 FAM 402.9-6(B)(g)-(h).
Under 9 FAM 402.9-6(B) and (D) and 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(e)(12) and (14), an investor must have made, or be actively making, a substantial investment in a bona fide enterprise. There is no fixed minimum. The test is proportional: the lower the cost of the business, the higher the share of that cost you are expected to invest. $100,000 is a planning figure, not an approval threshold.
Typical E-2 investment ranges by business type
Business Type
Typical Investment (USD)
Service / Consulting
$80,000 - $150,000
Restaurant / Retail
$150,000 - $300,000
Manufacturing / Technology
$200,000 - $500,000+
In unusual cases the figure can be far lower: we have had approvals in London at about $30,000. That is not a general benchmark and does not predict the result in another case; the investment must still be substantial for the business type.
E-2 Visa Budget Planning: Total Expected Costs
Total expected E-2 visa costs by category
Category
Typical Range (USD)
Nature / Ownership
Government & Immigration Fees
$315 - $5,907 per person at a consulate; $810 - $1,615 for a change of status
Government charges (non-refundable)
Legal & Professional Services
$8,000 - $15,000
Attorney fees, plus about $1,900 - $6,300 for a business plan, translations and admin
Business Formation & Compliance
Variable by state / industry
Operating expenses; may count toward the investment if documented, but officers do not accept every category
Business Investment (Your Capital, at Risk)
$80,000 - $300,000+
Investor retains equity or business control, depending on structure *
Fees depend on a number of factors, including whether the firm will staff the matter with a paralegal, the complexity of the case, whether the client wants unlimited access to a lawyer, the experience and success rate of the firm, the training, qualifications, and experience of the lawyers (with highly qualified lawyers generally commanding higher salaries reflected in higher fees), and whether the matter is billed on a fixed-fee or hourly basis.
* The E-2 investment does not have to be cash. It may include inventory, equipment, or other assets of documented fair-market value that are irrevocably committed to the enterprise.
Reducing Capital Risk Through Escrow Accounts
In both new-business setups and acquisitions of existing enterprises, E-2 investors can protect their funds by placing them in a secure escrow account pending visa approval. A properly structured escrow arrangement can help satisfy the "funds at risk" standard under 9 FAM 402.9-6(B)(d) because the capital is irrevocably committed yet released only upon visa issuance. If the escrow agreement is properly drafted, it can provide for the funds to be returned to the investor if the visa is refused, avoiding premature expenditure while still meeting eligibility under 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(e)(12).
Over a decade ago, Davies & Associates pioneered the use of escrow accounts for E-2 new-business setups, developing structures that hold funds securely and disburse them as qualifying expenses arise. This approach is now a recognized best practice, balancing compliance, investor protection and cost efficiency.
Practical Considerations When Budgeting and Structuring Your E-2 Investment
After estimating your total investment, consider how and when to deploy funds to balance compliance, liquidity, and risk management.
Timing of Expenditures: Funds need not be fully spent before filing but must be irrevocably committed and ready for use upon approval.
Liquidity Planning: Ensure adequate working capital after approval.
Supporting Documentation: Maintain invoices, transfers and valuations to prove funds are "at risk."
Dependents and Staffing: Dependents require no extra investment; budget for U.S. payroll if hiring.
Renewals and Growth: E-2 status can be extended repeatedly, up to two years at a time, while the business remains active and non-marginal (8 C.F.R. § 214.2(e)(20)); our E-2 visa renewal guide explains the evidence and costs involved at extension.
Managing and Reducing Costs
Prepare a comprehensive business plan consistent with E-2 and potential EB-5 criteria.
Form your U.S. entity and open bank accounts before major transfers.
Keep detailed source-of-funds and expenditure records.
Engage experienced E-2 counsel familiar with your consulate’s procedures.
Key Takeaways for 2026
Expect non-recoverable fees to vary depending on government fees, legal fees, and professional costs, but in most entrepreneurial and small-business cases they will typically fall within the range of $12,000 to $17,000.
Plan for $100,000 or more in business capital. It stays yours but is at risk, and the figure is a planning guide, not a legal minimum.
Equipment and IP can count toward the investment if their value is documented.
Properly drafted escrow arrangements can help reduce capital risk before approval.
Next step: read the E-2 visa guide to see whether you qualify.
This guide covers the financial side of the E-2 visa, but cost is only one part of the picture. For a broader overview of how the visa works, see our E-2 visa guide. If you are checking whether you and your business qualify in the first place, our E-2 visa requirements page sets out the eligibility rules, and the list of E-2 treaty countries confirms whether your nationality is eligible.
Additional Cost Issue: E-2 Through Citizenship-by-Investment
Not all nationalities have E-2 treaties with the United States. Investors from non-treaty countries may first acquire citizenship in a treaty country through a recognized Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) program. Historically, Grenadian and Turkish citizenships have been popular because both nations maintain E-2 treaties with the U.S. After obtaining citizenship through CBI, an investor can apply for the E-2 as a national of that treaty country, subject to the three-year domicile rule below.
The Singapore office of Davies & Associates is one of the very few international law firms formally listed by the Government of Grenada as a Licensed Marketing Agent for the Grenada Citizenship-by-Investment Program.
As of May 2026, Davies & Associates, through Global Citizenship Services Pte Ltd, appears on the Government of Grenada’s official list of licensed international marketing agents. This gives the firm a strong position in matters that combine Grenadian citizenship planning and a later E-2 visa application, allowing clients to handle both stages with one team.
Important Note on Recent U.S. Legislative Changes
Section 5902 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117-263, enacted December 23, 2022), often called the AMIGOS Act, changed the pathway between citizenship-by-investment programs and E-2 eligibility.
An applicant who acquired treaty nationality through a financial investment and has never held E status must have been domiciled in that country for a continuous period of at least three years at any point before applying (8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(15)(E)). Holding the passport for three years is not enough. Because individual circumstances and timelines vary, this issue requires personalized legal assessment. The position is complex and beyond the scope of this webpage. Please contact our Singapore office to discuss your situation and determine the most suitable strategy.
Disclaimer
This page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Actual fees and requirements depend on nationality, industry, and current regulations. Always verify current figures on USCIS Form G-1055 and the State Department reciprocity schedule, and consult a qualified immigration attorney before applying.
E-2 Visa Cost FAQs (2026 Update)
How much does an E-2 visa cost in total?
Most investors spend around $12,000-$17,000 in non-recoverable fees (government and legal) and $100,000 or more in business investment. The exact figure depends on your industry, state, and consulate. The investment becomes the capital of your U.S. enterprise and stays yours, but it must be at risk, so it can be lost.
What is the minimum investment required for an E-2 visa?
No fixed minimum exists under 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(e)(14) or 9 FAM 402.9-6(D). The amount must be substantial in relation to the cost of the business. $100,000 is a planning figure, not an approval threshold: some service businesses qualify with less, while capital-intensive ventures often exceed $200,000-$300,000.
Are legal fees included in the total cost of an E-2 visa?
No. Attorney and professional fees are administrative expenses, not part of the qualifying investment. Only funds irrevocably committed to the enterprise and at risk count, such as equipment, inventory and rent actually paid. Lease payments count only to the extent of funds devoted in any one month, and uncommitted cash in a bank account does not count (9 FAM 402.9-6(B)).
Can tangible assets, inventory, or intellectual property count toward an E-2 investment?
Yes. The rules expressly allow tangible assets, inventory, and intellectual property to form part of the investment if their value is documented and the assets are committed to the business (9 FAM 402.9-6(B)(g)-(h)).
Are E-2 visa fees refundable if my application is denied?
The MRV application fee and USCIS filing fees are non-refundable. The reciprocity fee and the Visa Integrity Fee apply only if the visa is issued, so a refusal does not trigger them. Investment funds may be protected if they are held in a properly drafted escrow arrangement that provides for return of funds if the visa is refused, but the result depends on the escrow terms and case structure.
How much are attorney fees for an E-2 visa?
Experienced immigration counsel typically charge $8,000-$15,000, depending on complexity, source-of-funds documentation, and consular location. Additional business-plan services average $1,500-$5,000.
Are there extra costs for dependents?
No extra investment. At a consulate each dependent pays the $315 application fee, any reciprocity fee (based on the dependent’s own nationality if it is a treaty nationality, otherwise the investor’s) and the Visa Integrity Fee once collected. In the United States, a spouse and children in the same status can usually file one Form I-539 ($470, or $420 online). A spouse work permit on Form I-765 is $520.
How can I reduce overall E-2 visa costs?
Form your U.S. entity early, keep detailed source-of-funds and expenditure records, and use counsel familiar with your consulate’s practice. A well-structured plan often avoids costly re-filings and delays.
Can I use a loan for my E-2 investment?
Yes, if the loan is secured by your own personal assets or is unsecured on your personal signature. Debt secured by the assets of the U.S. business does not count, even if personal assets are also pledged (9 FAM 402.9-6(B)).
How long is the E-2 visa valid and what are renewal costs?
Visa validity ranges from three months to five years depending on nationality, and each admission is for up to two years. Renewal needs updated evidence of business activity and the government fees again: $315 plus any reciprocity fee at a consulate, or $810 or $1,615 on Form I-129 in the United States. Legal fees are usually lower than for the initial filing.
About the Authors
Mark I Davies, Esq.
Chairman of Davies & Associates; focused on E visa strategy and complex consular filings.
Mark I Davies, Esq. JD, University of Pennsylvania Law School. Licensed with the SRA (SRA ID: 384468) in the UK, Member of the Law Society of England & Wales, MBA, Wharton School of Business. Top Tier E-2 Visa Lawyer, Global Citizenship Services (2026). Licensed (USA), Georgia State Bar. AILA Member.
Area
Details
Education
JD, University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School | MBA (Finance), The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania | Chartered Accountant (ICAEW)
Financial Training
Completed Analyst Training Program at a major international bank | Chartered Accountant background with professional training in financial analysis and reporting
Legal Practice
Admitted to practice in Georgia (USA) | Registered Solicitor with the Law Society of England & Wales | Former CMBS lawyer at one of the world’s largest international law firms
Immigration Track Record
15+ years advising HNW investors | Reported zero denials for clients advised by the firm on EB-5 source-of-funds compliance, based on internal case records | Hundreds of successful EB-5 cases globally
Recognition
Named a Top 25 EB-5 Immigration Attorney by EB5 Investors Magazine (2018–2023)
Professional Engagements
Lecturer / trainer for other lawyers at AILA, ACA, University of Pennsylvania Law School | Frequent speaker at global investment immigration conferences
We are known for our creative solutions that obtain "impossible" visas. We solve the most complex immigration problems for businesses, investors, individuals, and families.
Several lawyers told me I would not be able to get a TN visa. Two weeks after contacting Davies & Associates I was working in New York, visa in hand.
Individual seeking 'Impossible' TN Visa
D&A was very detail-oriented and very thorough in what they did. They worked on my case 24/7 and were very patient in answering all my questions.
E-2 Visa Client
My case felt complex but D&A managed the whole process carefully and helped me move seamlessly from one stage to the next.
E2 + CBI Client
D&A was my guiding light through the entire EB-5 process.
EB-5 Visa Client
I would definitely be a big advocate for the rest of my life for anyone wanting to explore the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Programme leading to the E-2 visa. The most important thing is a good team behind you. With Davies & Associates, you're in safe hands... you need someone who can support you on the ground and, again, you are well taken care of by D&A. The people are really warm, very helpful and quite open-minded when it comes to business... Not to mention as a passport it's great from a travel perspective... It's just 4 to 5 hours from New York.
Grenada CBI + E2 Visa Client
The entire process of getting an EB-5 visa is handled in a professional way by Mark Davies and his team. EB-5 is a wonderful option for anyone considering moving to the United States if you have the means. I was hoping to use the H-1B route for my children, but it became unreliable and so I looked to the EB-5 visa instead. It is great for anyone who has the resources. Mark gives you the first meetings himself which gives you great comfort. Both Mark and Sanjay are abundantly available and I even had the pleasure of hosting them at my house.
Parent of 2 EB-5 visa holders
I'm in the process of extending my L-1 visa. I submitted a few questions regarding my case, and he contacted me back almost immediately, both by email and telephone. Unlike other attorneys I met before, he gave me the impression of knowing off the top of his head what kind of visa I have, and what actions had to be taken to extend it. He is very thorough and clear regarding the process and what to expect in terms of timelines and issues that may arise. He is constantly in contact, so you definitely know he's working on your case.
L-1B Visa Holder
Mark Davies is a joy to work with. His extensive knowledge, speedy response and attentive service took away all my fears of dealing with immigration and visa applications. He is very generous with his time in explaining every step along the way and I have already and will in the future recommend him to anybody who is looking for an immigration lawyer.
E2 Visa for Small Professional Business With International Offices
Davies & Associates assisted us with an immigration emergency involving my brother's fiancée who was outside the United States. They assisted us in a highly professional manner, working with the relevant US embassy, US immigration and the governments of two other countries. As a result of their efforts the individual involved is now working in the United States. While their knowledge of the law is exemplary what really distinguishes this firm and attorney Davies from any other firm we have worked with is their dedication to customer service and their unrivaled level of professionalism.
Complex Fiancée Visa Need Involving Multiple International Jurisdictions
Several lawyers told me I would not be able to get a TN visa. Two weeks after contacting Davies & Associates I was working in New York, visa in hand. I have recommended this firm to several friends and colleagues, they do an excellent job every time.
Individual Seeking 'Impossible' TN Visa
I was qualified as a physician in a foreign country. Being on a J1 visa I was facing having to leave the United States and return to my home country. Davies & Associates secured one of only 30 J1 visa waivers available in my State, allowing me to work for a US hospital and remain in the United States.
Doctor Seeking J1 Visa Waiver
I am very satisfied with the services Mark Davies has provided me. He has a very extensive knowledge in immigration laws and has a thorough approach to any case.
Looking to relocate or having trouble with a visa application?
We are known for our creative solutions that obtain
"impossible" visas. We solve the most
complex immigration problems for business, investors, individuals and families.
: Fees checked against USCIS Form G-1055 (edition 10/26/26), 22 CFR 22.1 and the State Department reciprocity schedule. Asylum Program Fee added; Visa Integrity Fee status, the three-year domicile rule and 9 FAM citations corrected.
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E-2 Visas for UK Citizens
E-2 Visas for Italians
E-2 Visas for Australians
E-2 Visas for Singaporeans
E-2 Visas in New York City
E-2 Visas for Canadians
E-2 Visas from the UAE
E-2 Visas for Argentinians
E-2 Visas for Germans
E-2 Visas for French
E-2 Visas for Turkish
E-2 Visas for Grenadians
E-2 Visas for Taiwanese
E-2 Visas for Thai Nationals
