Is the EB-5 the same as the E-2?

No. EB-5 and E-2 are both investment-related visas, but they are not the same thing. They have very different objectives, rules, and immigration outcomes, so they serve distinct investor profiles.

The EB-5 is an immigration pathway: it allows the investor and their family to pursue permanent residence (green card) through an investment in a new commercial enterprise that creates jobs in the United States. It is a route designed for those who want to settle permanently in the country, with a more rigorous review process.

The E-2, on the other hand, is a nonimmigrant visa available to investors from countries that maintain a trade treaty with the United States. It authorizes temporary residence to develop and manage the invested business, but does not on its own lead to a green card and requires renewals as long as the business remains in operation.

• EB-5: focused on permanent residence and job creation.
• E-2: temporary presence to run the business, with no automatic path to a green card.
• The E-2 requires a treaty between the investor’s country and the U.S.; the EB-5 does not.

Because the criteria and requirements of each program change and are evaluated case by case, it is worth checking updated requirements with USCIS and a specialist before choosing your path.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

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.