How long can I stay in the US under an E-2 treaty investor visa?

You probably realize that, as with all non-immigration visas, there is a finite amount of time that you will be able to spend in the US. Under an E-2 visa, investors and employees (and in some cases, their dependents) will be allowed a maximum initial stay of two years.

However, many visa holders may extend the duration of their stay. Here are a few things investors, employees, and dependents should know about staying in the US with an E-2 visa:

  • Extension requests of visa status may be granted in increments of up to two years each.
  • There are no limits to the number of extensions an E-2 visa holder may be granted, as long as the applicant maintains an intention to depart the United States when his status is terminated.
  • An E-2 visa holder traveling abroad may be granted an automatic two-year renewal of stay upon readmission to the United States.
  • Family members of traveling visa holders may not receive an automatic extension of stay unless they have accompanied the E-2 treaty investor or employee at the time of readmission to the United States.