Does the E-2 require a managerial occupation?

No. The E-2 does not make approval contingent on holding a title such as manager or director: what matters is that the investor commits capital substantially into a real business and plays an active role in its direction and development.

The focus of this category is on the investment and the enterprise, not on job title. In practice, the investor almost always ends up supervising or running the operation, precisely because they are the one responsible for the business, but that is a consequence of the role, not a formal requirement of a ‘managerial occupation’.

What the applicant typically needs to demonstrate is:

• A substantial capital investment in a real and operating business.
• That the business is not marginal, with the capacity to generate more than mere subsistence.
• An active role in the control and development of the enterprise.

Since each case is evaluated individually, confirm the current requirements with the USCIS or a specialist before filing.

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Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.