E-2 Visa for Investors & Entrepreneurs

Start or Buy a Business in the United States

If you are ready to invest, build, or acquire a business in the U.S., the E-2 Investor Visa allows you to live and operate your company legally in the United States.

This visa is ideal for entrepreneurs who want control, flexibility, and speed — without immigration lotteries or employment sponsorship.

At Gondim Law, we structure E-2 visas designed not just for approval, but for long-term stability and business success.

Country

What Is the E-2 Visa?

The E-2 visa allows nationals of treaty countries to:

  • Invest in a U.S. business

  • Live legally in the United States

  • Direct and manage the company

  • Renew the visa indefinitely

  • Bring spouse and children

And you have worked for that company for at least one year in the last three years.

PROBLEM

Does this sound like you?

Thousands of international entrepreneurs try to enter the U.S. through the wrong visas — E-2, H-1B, or tourist visas — and get stuck, limited, or rejected.

These visas:

Do not allow full business control

Do not lead easily to a Green Card

Put your legal status at risk

Prevent real expansion

Many business owners already qualify for L-1A but never use it — because no one shows them how to structure their company the right way.

THE SOLUTION

The E-2 is not about paperwork.

It is about how your business is structured, documented, and presented to USCIS.

That is what Gondim Law does.

Gondim Law:

Evaluates your investment strategy
Designs your U.S. business structure
Builds an immigration-compliant business plan
Structures ownership & control
Prepares a USCIS-ready legal case

This is not visa filing.
This is
investment + immigration strategy.

TESTIMONIALS

What Our Clients Say About Us

Discover the experiences of our satisfied customers! Read their testimonials to learn 
how our services have made a positive impact on their businesses.

Octavio Tinoco

My wife and I had an outstanding experience with this immigration law firm.

Patrícia Macedo and Marcelo Gondim guided us through the entire process with remarkable professionalism, care, and attention to every detail. From the very first consultation, we felt truly supported. They explained everything clearly, responded promptly, and made sure we understood each step with confidence.

Highly recommend this firm to anyone looking for trustworthy, knowledgeable, and compassionate professionals.

Hafdis Lind

Special thanks to Luisa, our paralegal angel — we wouldn’t have made it without you.

Thank you for always listening to our worries, reassuring us, and being endlessly patient and kind. The entire team worked so fast and efficiently, making the process smooth and stress-free. We felt cared for and supported every single step of the way.

I wholeheartedly recommend Gondim Law to anyone starting their green card journey — they don’t just handle your case, they truly care about you.

Josh Nisenson

Marcelo was extremely helpful, friendly, had a good sense of humor and helped us to feel comfortable with the legal decisions that we were making in regards to my wife's parents and their permanent residence scenario. He helped us feel at ease and a had a good perspective and could also speak in English and Portuguese to make things even easier. Overall we were very happy with his service!

Joana Darc

I would like to recommend your services to all could need now. Your knowledge and attention with all make me fell more confident to fallow all processes. Thanks to be and stand up to all right and Constitution the Country offered.

God Bless

Paula Eastman

So happy! I hired Gondim Law for my son's Green Card process, done via consular processing, and they were amazing! The team was incredibly helpful, so organized, and gave us all the support we needed throughout the entire process . I can finally bring my son home! A huge thank you to Luiza and Dr. Marcelo! You were outstanding!!

Kaesh Toorcana

Marcelo and his team (Virginia Montenegro especially) did an outstanding job from our initial consultation to the successful outcome of our son's case. We really appreciate all the effort and professionalism they put into helping us as a family. Thank you!ionate professionals.

Luísa Haack

I have a visa process through Gondin Law Corp and I've had a great experience so far. Aline is the paralegal connected to my case, and I absolutely love her! She is so knowledgeable and takes her time to answer all my questions. I definitely recommend them!

Paula G

I had a positive experience with this firm, they helped me through my change of status, explained everything clearly, and were always there when I had questions. Thanks to them, my case was approved smoothly. Special thanks to Luisa! Can’t recommend them enough!

Rogerio Lemos

The Gondim Law team possesses a remarkable ability to achieve expectations and give their clients what they really need. They have a great sense of responsibility and strong work ethic when it comes to immigration processes. I highly recommend this law firm. Thank you Marcelo, and the whole team for the great work and efforts to make my green card happen.

THE WIN

What the E-2 Gives You

With an approved E-2 visa, you can:

Operate your U.S. company
• Live legally in the U.S.
• Generate business income
• Renew your visa indefinitely
• Bring your family
• Allow your spouse to work

OUR SERVICES

Nonimmigrant Worker Visas

Temporary worker visas are for foreign individuals who want to enter the United States for employment lasting a fixed period under a work contract and are not considered permanent or indefinite. Each worker visas require the prospective employer to first file a petition with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). After the petition is approved, the applicant may apply for the visa following all required procedures at the US Embassy or Consulate nearby.

There are several worker visas categories. Learn more about the main worker visa types:

L-1A: Intracompany Transferee

To work at a branch, parent, affiliate, or subsidiary of the current employer in a managerial or executive capacity or position requiring specialized knowledge. Individuals must have been employed by the same employer abroad continuously for one year within the three preceding years. This visa classification also enables a foreign company that does not yet have an affiliated US office to send an executive or manager to the United States to establish one.

H-1B: Specialty Occupation

This visa classification is designed for individuals working in specialty occupations, such as Researchers and Development Project workers collaborating with the US Department of Defense (DOD). It also applies to fashion models of prominence with distinguished merit and ability. The H-1B subcategory may or may not require a bachelor’s or higher degree and a Labor Condition Application.

H-2B: Temporary Nonagricultural Workers

The H-2B program allows US employers to bring foreign nationals to the United States to fill temporary nonagricultural jobs as long as they can establish that there are not enough workers available to perform these activities. There is a numerical limit (cap) on the number of noncitizens who may be issued an H-2B visa or grant H-2B status during a fiscal year. In addition, H-2B petitions may only be approved for nationals of designated countries.

H-3: Trainee or Special Education visitor

The H-3 nonimmigrant visa category allows noncitizens coming temporarily to the United States as either a trainee (to receive training in any field of endeavor or as a special education exchange visitor to participate in a training program that provides for practical training and experience in the education of children with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities. This classification is not intended for US employment. It is designed to provide a noncitizen with job-related training for work that will ultimately be performed outside the United States.

E-2

The E-2 visa is ideal for investors from countries with trade treaties with the US. By investing in a branch office, you can expand your business and secure a promising future in the US.

P-1A: Athletes

The P-1A classification applies to athletes whose purpose is to perform a specific athletic competition in the United States, either as individuals or as a part of a group of athletes. In general, athletes who will qualify for the P-1A visa have a high level of achievement in a sport, and the competition(s) they wish to participate in must have a distinguished reputation and be at an internationally recognized level of performance that requires the participation of international athletes. Coaches of athletes may also qualify for the P-1 category..

P-3: Entertainers

The P-3 visa is granted to culturally unique artists and entertainers coming to the United States either as an individual or as part of a group to develop, interpret, represent, coach, or teach their particular art or discipline. In addition, they must be coming to the United States to participate in cultural events which will further the understanding or development of their art. These events may be of a commercial or noncommercial nature.

HOW IT WORKS

Why Gondim Law Wins E-2 Cases

Most E-2 visa denials are not caused by lack of investment —
they happen because the case was not structured or documented correctly.

1. We build your case from the inside out A legitimate, operating business. A credible investment at risk.

2. A real economic impact. Your active managerial role

3. Aligning business, investment, and immigration law.

We do not just prepare petitions.
We structure approvals.

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Clear, Expert Tax Advice

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ABOUT US

Gondim Law

Gondim Law Corp’s primary mission is to help qualified foreign citizens pursue their goals and dreams in the United States. Our office located in Los Angeles, offers a full range of immigration legal services, including, but not limited to, family-based immigration, employment-based (EB) immigration, non-immigrant work visas, immigration court proceedings, humanitarian assistance, citizenship, and so on. Our professional team members are fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Schedule an appointment for an initial consultation with our Immigration Attorneys and let Gondim Law Corp. fulfill your dreams and goals in the United States!

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the E-2 Visa?

The E-2 is a U.S. visa for investors and entrepreneurs from treaty countries who invest in and actively manage a U.S. business. It allows you to live and work legally in the United States based on your investment.

Who qualifies for an E-2 Visa?

You may qualify if:

✔️ You are a citizen of a treaty country
✔️ You make a substantial investment
✔️ The business is real and operating
✔️ You will direct and manage the company
✔️ The business is not marginal

What is considered a “substantial investment"?

There is no fixed minimum but starts at $100.000. USCIS evaluates whether the investment is proportional to the business type and sufficient to ensure the enterprise’s success. Many successful cases range from moderate to high investment levels depending on the industry.

Do I need to start a new business?

No. You can:

✔️ Start a new company
✔️ Buy an existing business
✔️ Invest in a franchise
✔️ Acquire partial ownership (with control)

The key is proper legal and financial structuring.

Can I use borrowed funds?

Yes — but only if:

✔️ The loan is properly secured
✔️ You are personally at risk
✔️ Funds are fully traceable

Improper financing structures often lead to denials.

How long does the E-2 Visa last?

The visa can be issued for multiple years depending on your nationality and can be renewed indefinitely as long as:

✔️ The business remains active
✔️ The investment remains at risk
✔️ You meet visa conditions

What is a Request for Evidence (RFE)?

An RFE is a request from USCIS for additional information. While RFEs are common, many can be avoided with proper case preparation. Our strategy focuses on anticipating and preventing RFEs whenever possible.

Can my family come with me?

Yes.

✔️ Spouse and children under 21 qualify for E-2 dependent visas
✔️ Spouses can apply for work authorization
✔️ Children can attend school

Does the E-2 lead directly to a Green Card?

The E-2 itself is a nonimmigrant visa. However, many investors later transition through:

• EB-1C (via L-1A strategy)
• EB-2 NIW
• Other employment or investment paths

A long-term immigration strategy is critical.

How do I know if my investment qualifies?

Through a private E-2 strategy consultation.

Gondim Law evaluates:

• Your investment
• Business model
• Ownership structure
• Immigration risks
• Long-term options

👉 Schedule Your E-2 Strategy Call

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