Japanese applicants · United States of America
E-2 Treaty Investor for Japanese citizens
Non-immigrant treaty investor visa for nationals of countries with a qualifying treaty of commerce and navigation with the US.
This page covers the E-2 Treaty Investor specifically for Japanese applicants — including document requirements, consular procedures, and common issues specific to Japan. The general eligibility criteria apply to everyone.
- Processing time
- 2 weeks – 4 months
- Government fees
- DS-160 USD 315 (reciprocity-adjusted); I-129 USD 1,015 (for in-country change of status).
- Typical duration
- Initial up to 2 years at port of entry (5-year visa stamp for many nationalities); renewable indefinitely.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Bilateral context
- US E-1/E-2 Treaty
Consular processing: Tokyo / Osaka
Tourist entry vs. this route
Yes — Japanese nationals can enter United States of America without a visa for short tourism (typically up to 90 days), but tourist entry does not authorise the activity covered by the E-2 Treaty Investor.
Key figures for Japanese applicants
Computed from our continuously re-verified, primary-sourced data. Indicative, not legal advice.
How long it takes
2 weeks – 4 months
E-2 at consulate: 2–16 weeks depending on consular post. In-country change of status via USCIS: 2–8 months.
Verified 1 June 2026 · DOS — E-2 Treaty Investor →
Visa overview
The E-2 permits nationals of E-2 treaty countries to invest a substantial amount of capital in a US business and direct its operations. There is no fixed minimum, but the investment must be substantial relative to the cost of the business and sufficient to ensure commitment. E-2 is renewable indefinitely but is not a direct pathway to permanent residence.
Additional sources
Primary source
US Department of State — Treaty Countries ↗ · U.S. Department of State
Link last verified:
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Applicant is a national of an E-2 treaty country.
- ✓Investment of substantial capital (irrevocably committed) in a bona fide US enterprise.
- ✓Enterprise is real, operating, and not marginal (capable of generating more than minimal living for the investor).
- ✓Applicant develops and directs the enterprise (or works in an executive/supervisory/essential-skill role).
Common blockers
- !Applicant is a national of a non-treaty country.
- !Passive investments (real estate for personal use, speculative holdings).
Typical evidence
- ·Source-of-funds documentation and proof funds are irrevocably committed.
- ·Business plan demonstrating marginality test is met.
- ·Corporate documents, lease, licences, and hiring evidence.
Application pathway
Confirm treaty-country nationality
Verify the applicant holds a passport from an E-2 treaty country.
Commit investment and document
Transfer funds irrevocably into the US enterprise and document the source.
File DS-160 or I-129
Apply at US consulate or change status inside the US.
Renew indefinitely
Extend in 2-year increments as long as the business operates.
Not sure United States of America is right for you? Compare similar routes
Other countries offer investor routes that Japanese nationals also apply to. See how they compare.
Frequently asked questions
Are Japanese citizens eligible for the E-2 Treaty Investor?+
Eligibility for the E-2 Treaty Investor is set by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and is not nationality-restricted beyond the general criteria, though Japanese applicants may also have access to the following bilateral or treaty frameworks: US E-1/E-2 Treaty. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do Japanese applicants typically file the E-2 Treaty Investor?+
Tokyo / Osaka. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do Japanese applicants need a tourist visa for United States of America as well?+
Yes — Japanese nationals can enter United States of America without a visa for short tourism (typically up to 90 days), but tourist entry does not authorise the activity covered by the E-2 Treaty Investor.
How long does the E-2 Treaty Investor take to process from Japan?+
The typical published decision window is 2 weeks – 4 months. Japanese applicants usually file via Tokyo / Osaka, and consular-post backlogs can add to the wait. Source: DOS — E-2 Treaty Investor, verified 1 June 2026.
Is E-2 dual intent?+
No. E-2 is a non-immigrant visa and is not formally dual-intent. Filing for a green card can make renewals more difficult, though it is not an automatic bar; many E-2 holders transition to EB-1, EB-2, or EB-5.