E-2 Visa Treaty Country List
Understanding Your Green Card Transition Options.
The E-2 visa treaty country list determines who may be eligible to apply for an E-2 investor visa. Only nationals of countries that maintain a qualifying treaty with the United States can qualify for this visa category. This guide explains how the treaty country list works, who may be eligible, and what to do if your country is not included.
Which Countries Are on the E-2 Treaty Country List?
The E-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows qualifying investors from treaty countries to live and work in the United States based on a substantial investment in a U.S. business. One of the most important eligibility requirements is nationality. To qualify, you generally must hold citizenship in a country that has a qualifying treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States.
How Does Treaty Country Eligibility Work?
The U.S. Department of State maintains the official E-2 visa treaty country list and updates it when new treaties take effect.
Nationality—not residency—is what matters for E-2 eligibility. If you live in the United States on another visa but hold citizenship in a non-treaty country, you generally will not qualify for E-2 status.
Some applicants hold dual citizenship. In those situations, a treaty-country nationality may be used to establish eligibility, provided the citizenship is valid and recognized.
Examples of E-2 Treaty Countries
As of 2026, more than 80 countries appear on the treaty country list.
| Country | Country | Country | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albania | Argentina | Armenia | Australia |
| Austria | Azerbaijan | Bahrain | Bangladesh |
| Belgium | Bolivia | Bosnia and Herzegovina | Bulgaria |
| Cameroon | Canada | Chile | China (Taiwan) |
| Colombia | Congo (Brazzaville) | Costa Rica | Croatia |
| Czech Republic | Denmark | Ecuador | Egypt |
| Estonia | Ethiopia | Finland | France |
| Georgia | Germany | Grenada | Honduras |
| Ireland | Israel | Italy | Jamaica |
| Japan | Jordan | Kazakhstan | Kosovo |
| Kyrgyzstan | Latvia | Liberia | Lithuania |
| Luxembourg | Mexico | Moldova | Mongolia |
| Montenegro | Morocco | Netherlands | New Zealand |
| North Macedonia | Norway | Oman | Pakistan |
| Panama | Paraguay | Philippines | Poland |
| Romania | Senegal | Serbia | Singapore |
| Slovak Republic | Slovenia | South Korea | Spain |
| Sri Lanka | Suriname | Sweden | Switzerland |
| Thailand | Togo | Trinidad and Tobago | Tunisia |
| Turkey | Ukraine | United Kingdom |
Not every country appears on the list. China, India, Brazil, and Russia are among the larger economies that do not currently have qualifying E-2 treaties with the United States. Individuals from non-treaty countries may need to explore other immigration options.
Are All Treaty Countries Treated the Same?
Treaty coverage is not always identical across countries. Some treaties contain limitations that affect eligibility for certain investors or employees. For that reason, it is important to review the specific treaty provisions that apply to your country before filing an application.
Because treaty agreements can change over time, investors should confirm that they are relying on the most current version of the State Department’s treaty country list before making immigration or business decisions.
Important Exceptions to E-2 Treaty Country Requirements
While many applicants can determine basic eligibility by reviewing the treaty country list, some situations require closer review.
- Dual Citizenship: Applicants with dual citizenship may be able to qualify for an E-2 visa through their treaty-country nationality. However, the nationality used for the E-2 application may also affect future immigration planning and should be considered carefully.
- Country of Birth vs. Country of Citizenship: Country of citizenship determines E-2 eligibility. However, some employment-based green card categories use country of birth when calculating visa availability and wait times. As a result, an investor may qualify for an E-2 visa through one nationality while facing green card backlogs based on their country of birth.
- Changes to Treaty Status: Treaty agreements can change over time. If a country’s treaty status changes after an E-2 visa is issued, future renewals or applications may be affected.
- Stateless Individuals: The E-2 visa requires nationality from a treaty country. Individuals who do not hold citizenship in a qualifying country generally cannot obtain E-2 status.
- Extended Time Outside a Treaty Country: Long periods of residence outside a treaty country do not automatically affect nationality. However, applicants should be prepared to prove valid treaty-country citizenship and meet all other E-2 eligibility requirements.
The E-2 Visa Process From Start to Finish
The E-2 visa process varies by applicant, but most cases follow several common steps.
- 1. Confirm Treaty Country Eligibility: Before filing, investors should confirm that their country of citizenship appears on the E-2 treaty country list. Eligibility is based on nationality, not residence.
- 2. Prepare Supporting Documents: Applicants must gather documentation demonstrating eligibility. This may include proof of nationality, evidence of a qualifying investment, financial records, business formation documents, and a business plan.
- 3. File the Application: Applicants outside the United States typically apply through a U.S. consulate or embassy. Those already in the United States may be eligible to file a change of status request with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- 4. Attend an Interview or Respond to Requests: Many applicants complete a consular interview as part of the process. Immigration officials may review the investment, business operations, source of funds, and other eligibility requirements before making a decision.
- 5. Maintain E-2 Status: After approval, investors must continue operating the business and complying with E-2 requirements. Maintaining valid status is important for future renewals and continued eligibility.
Processing times vary depending on the applicant’s treaty country, filing location, and the complexity of the case.
When to Speak With an Attorney About Treaty Country Status
Treaty country status is one of the most important eligibility requirements for an E-2 visa. Questions about nationality, dual citizenship, treaty changes, or other unique circumstances can affect whether an applicant qualifies.
If you are unsure how the treaty country requirements apply to your situation, consider speaking with an immigration attorney before beginning the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the E-2 Visa Treaty Country List?
The E-2 visa treaty country list identifies the countries whose nationals may qualify for an E-2 investor visa. To be eligible, an applicant generally must hold citizenship in a country that maintains a qualifying treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States.
Which Countries Are Included on the E-2 Visa Treaty Country List?
More than 80 countries currently appear on the E-2 treaty country list. Examples include Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The U.S. Department of State maintains and updates the list as treaty agreements change.
Can I Qualify for an E-2 Visa if I Have Dual Citizenship?
Possibly. Applicants with dual citizenship may be able to qualify through their treaty-country nationality if one of their citizenships is from an eligible country. Eligibility depends on the nationality used for the application and the applicant’s overall qualifications.
What If My Country Is Not on the Treaty Country List?
Individuals from non-treaty countries generally cannot qualify for an E-2 visa based on that nationality. Countries such as China, India, Brazil, and Russia do not currently have qualifying E-2 treaties with the United States. Other immigration options may need to be considered.
Why Is It Important to Check the Current Treaty Country List?
Treaty agreements can change over time. Because eligibility depends on current treaty relationships between the United States and individual countries, applicants should confirm that they are relying on the most recent treaty country list before beginning the application process.