Mark I. Davies, Esq., J.D., University of Pennsylvania Law School, licensed by the SRA (SRA ID: 384468) in the UK, and a member of The Law Society of England & Wales, MBA, Wharton School of Business. Top 10 Investment Visa Lawyer. Licensed in the USA. Georgia State Bar member. AILA member.
US E-2 Visas for UK Nationals:
The Core Requirements
E2 Visa CostsUK E-2 Visa GuideWhy Choose D&A?E-2 Application ProcessE-2 Visa RequirementsE-2 Investment RequirementsFinding an E-2 Business in the USE2 RenewalsE2 FAQsE2 Visa ProcessUK Immigration BlogScottish E2 Visa ProcessScottish E2 Visa LawyerLearn about International Entrepreneur Rule as an alternative to E-2
- Agriculture & Commodities Industry Practice
- Commercial Manufacturing & Production Industry Group
- Energy Practice Group
- Fashion Industry
- Information Technology
- Logistics & Warehousing Practice
- Retail Practice
- Startup & Emerging Business
- Mobile Application & Social Media
- India Practice Group
- Investors and Entrepreneurs
- Consulting & Service Oriented Businesses
- Visa Franchise Practice
- Mining
- Financial
- Medical Professionals
- Moving from Australia to US
- Emigrate to & from Canada
- Moving from Germany to US
- Grenada Citizenship by investment
- Moving from India to US
- Italian Citizenship & Residency
- Moving from Philippines to US
- Portuguese Residency By Investment
- Moving from Singapore to US
- Moving from Taiwan to US
- Turkish Citizenship
- Moving from Vietnam to US
The Requirements for British E-2 Visa Applicants
This page explains the core requirements for a UK applicant to obtian a US E-2 visa. For a complete overview of the E2 visa, including requirements, investment, and eligibility, visit our E-2 visa guide for UK applicants.
📖 Looking for the Ultimate E-2 Visa Guide?
E-2 Visas: The Core Requirements
Applicant and Business Must Have Treaty Nationality.
To qualify for E-2 classification, the investor must hold the nationality of a country that maintains the required treaty relationship with the United States. The business must also have the nationality of the treaty country. You can review our E-2 treaty countries list to confirm whether your nationality qualifies. 9 FAM 402.9-4(A); 9 FAM 402.9-4(B); 8 CFR 214.2(e)(3)
Must to Going to the US to Invest in a New or Existing Business.
An E-2 visa is available to a treaty investor who has invested, or is actively in the process of investing, a substantial amount of capital in a bona fide enterprise in the United States and who is seeking entry solely to develop and direct that enterprise. 9 FAM 402.9-6; 8 CFR 214.2(e)(2)
Investment Must be in a Real Operating Business or a Business Capable of Immediately Commencing Operations.
The investment must be in a bona fide enterprise. The enterprise must be a real, active, and operating commercial or entrepreneurial undertaking that produces services or goods for profit. In practice, the application should show that the business is already operating or is in a position to commence operations immediately. 9 FAM 402.9-6(C); 8 CFR 214.2(e)(13)
Each E-2 investor Visa application must be accompanied by a business plan explaining the current and anticipated operations of the business. The business will need access to premises of a size suitable to support the operations described in the business plan.
Investment Cannot be Marginal.
The enterprise cannot be marginal. A marginal enterprise is one that does not have the present or future capacity to generate more than enough income to provide a minimal living for the investor and the investor’s family. A business may still qualify if it has a present or future capacity to make a significant economic contribution. 9 FAM 402.9-6(E); 8 CFR 214.2(e)(15)
The E-2 Investment Must be your Personal Funds or Business Assets.
The E-2 investor must make his or her investment using their personal funds or business assets.
What constitutes personal and personal business assets can be complex. Our firm can guide you through this process. Under certain circumstances the proceeds of a loan which is properly structured for E-2 purposes can qualify.
Your Investment Must be Irrevocable Committed to the Business.
US law requires that your investment be irrevocably invested before your E-2 visa is filed.
If you are acquiring a US business the purchase funds are usually placed into an escrow account before the E-2 visa application is filed. If the E-2 visa application is refused your funds are returned to you.
D&A have pioneered the use of escrow accounts in the context of new business set-ups so that your investment can also be returned to you if your E-2 visa is refused. The US Consulate in London have approved every case we have filed involving the use of escrow accounts.
You must be Able to Document your Lawful Source of Funds.
You are required to evidence that your funds were lawfully earned in the country in which they were earned. Our US immigration lawyers will work with our UK lawyers to guide you through this documentation process.
Investor Must Develop and Direct the Business.
The E-2 investor must own and control the operations of the US business. Generally, the investor must demonstrate that they have an ownership interest of 50% or more.
Special Rule for Employees.
Employees who hold the same nationality as the principal E-2 investor are eligible to obtain E-2 visas providing they meet the applicable E2 requirements.
The E-2 Application Must Meet the Criteria Listed by the US Consulate in London.
In addition to meeting the statutory and regulatory requirements for E-2 classification, applicants must follow the specific procedures and evidentiary requirements set by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where they apply. In London, this includes detailed formatting, document submission, and business plan expectations that must be followed carefully when preparing an E-2 application. 9 FAM 402.9-10; US Consulate in LondonE-2 Guidance.
While the core legal requirements are consistent across all consulates, each post may impose its own procedural rules regarding how applications are assembled and reviewed. For example, the U.S. Embassy in London requires electronic submission of a structured E visa application package, including a comprehensive business plan, source of funds documentation, and supporting corporate evidence. 9 FAM 402.9-10
Davies & Associates in the United Kingdom
We are recognized as a leading US law firm specializing in E-2 visa applications for UK Nationals.
Our resources across the US are available to help to assist you with the formation or acquisition of your US business.
Our team in London can assist you with every step of your E2 visa process.
Local Experience, International Expertize
Our firm has direct “on the ground” expertize both in the United Kingdom and the United States. We are familiar with the unique procedures in place at the US embassy in London .
Davies & Associates E2 Visa Lawyers in the United Kingdom
Based in the United States with a team of US E2 visa attorneys in London , Davies & Associates is recognized as a leading US law firm specializing in E-2 visa applications for UK Nationals.
Our resources across the US, including a team of specialist E2 visa corporate lawyers and E2 visa tax lawyers, are available to help to assist you with the formation or acquisition of your US business and your application for an E2 visa.
Our team in London can assist you with every step of your E2 visa process.
E2 Visa Interview Preparation Suite in Nine Elms, London
In 2022, D&A plan to open an interview preparation suite opposite the US Consulate in London . Our E2 visa attorneys in London will receive clients at the suite before their interview and de-brief them in the suite after their interview.
Our interview preparation suite will potentially be located at: 3 Viaduct Gardens, London, SW11 7A, United Kingdom
List of United States Embassies, Consulates and USCIS in United Kingdom
E-2 treaty investor visa interviews in the United Kingdom are conducted at the US Consulate in London and at the US Consulate in Belfast. E2 visa lawyers The US Consulates in United Kingdom are located at:
US Consulate in United Kingdom, London
Address33 Nine Elms Ln, SW11 7US, London
Phone
Office: +44-20-7499-9000
US Consulate in United Kingdom, Belfast
Address223 Stranmillis Road, BT9 5GR, Belfast, United Kingdom
E2 Visa FAQs
Check out our most frequently asked questions about E2 Visa general FAQs
E2 Visa Solutions by Country of Nationality or Residency
Select your country for more information
-
E2 Visa for Australians nationals -
E2 Visa for British nationals -
E2 Visa for Korean nationals -
E2 Visa for Italian nationals -
E2 Visa for Indian nationals -
E2 Visa for Vietnamese nationals -
E2 Visa for Israelis nationals -
E2 Visa for Egyptian nationals -
E2 Visa for Czechs nationals -
E2 Visa for Chileans nationals -
E2 Visa for Ukrainian nationals -
E-2 Visa for German Nationals -
E-2 Visa for Taiwanese Nationals -
E-2 Visa for Filipino Nationals -
E-2 Visa for Mexican Nationals -
Visa E2 pour les ressortissants français
About the Authors
Mark I. Davies, Esq.
Chairman of Davies & Associates; focused on E visa strategy and complex consular filings.
Contact Davies & Associates Offices in United Kingdom
Check all of our locations around the world.
Looking to acquire an E2 Visa for UK Nationals?
We are known for our creative solutions that obtain "impossible" visas. We solve the most complex immigration problems for businesses, investors, individuals, and families.
E2 Visa for UK Nationals Immigration lawyer near meSeveral 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 VisaD&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 ClientMy case felt complex but D&A managed the whole process carefully and helped me move seamlessly from one stage to the next.
E2 + CBI ClientD&A was my guiding light through the entire EB-5 process.
EB-5 Visa ClientI 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 ClientThe 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 holdersI'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 HolderMark 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 OfficesDavies & 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 JurisdictionsSeveral 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 VisaI 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 WaiverI 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.
U Visa Applicant, A Victim of CrimeLooking 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.
Request Free Consultation
New York Office World Trade Center:
1 World Trade Center, Suite 8500, New York, NY 10007
+1 212 537 9196
Map and Driving Directions
New York Office E69th Street:
200 E 69th Street, 2N, New York, NY 10022
+1 212 537 9196
Map and Driving Directions
California Office:
555 Anton Blvd, Suite 150, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
+1 949 620 1811
Map and Driving Directions
Philadelphia Office:
1500 John F Kennedy Blvd, Suite 450, PMB 41, Philadelphia, PA 19102
+1 215 525 1881
Map and Driving Directions
London Office:
69 Old Broad Street, Dashwood House, London EC2M 1QS, United Kingdom
+44 20 3884 1812
Map and Driving Directions
Edinburgh Office:
28 Rutland Square, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 2BW
+44 131 392 0686
Map and Driving Directions
Milton Keynes Office:
The Pinnacle, 170 Midsummer Blvd, Milton Keynes MK9 1FE, United Kingdom
+44 7740 000769
Map and Driving Directions
Glasgow Office:
+44 131 392 0686
Map and Driving Directions
Vietnam Office:
46th Floor, Bitexco Financial Tower, 2 Hai Trieu, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
+84 28 6287 5912
Map and Driving Directions
India Office:
Enam Sambhav C-20, G Block, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Mumbai 400051, Maharashtra
+91 720 856 4057
Map and Driving Directions
Italy Office:
Via Bonifacio Lupi 29, 50129 Firenze FI, Italy
+39 055 076 3054
Map and Driving Directions
Manila Office:
Unit 107, AIC Burgundy Empire Tower, ADB Ave. cor Garnet and Sapphire Streets, Ortigas Center, Pasig City 1605, Metro Manila, Philippines
+63 2 7215 7878
Map and Driving Directions
Sydney Office:
Level 12, 210 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
+61 2 9156 1032
Map and Driving Directions
Perth Office:
Davies & Associates LLC, Level 1, 12 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia
+61 2 9156 1032
Map and Driving Directions
Singapore Office:
160 Robinson Road, #14-04, Singapore Business Federation Centre, Singapore 068914
65 8012 9546
Map and Driving Directions
Looking for an Immigration attorney?
Immigration lawyer near meList of US Embassies, Consulates and USCIS
List of Italian Embassies, Consulates and USCIS
Copyright ©2026 by Davies & Associates LLC.