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.
- Processing time
- Consular: 2–6 months depending on post. Change of status inside US: several 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.
- Sponsor required
- No
- Leads to settlement
- 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.
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.
Comparable routes in other destinations
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.
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.