E-2 Visa Lawyer — Treaty Trader & Investor Visas
The E-2 (treaty investor) and E-1 (treaty trader) visas let nationals of treaty countries live in the United States to direct and develop their own business. As an E-2 visa attorney practicing since 1998, Jessica Weiss handles these cases personally — from deal structure through the consular interview. Renewable indefinitely, with work authorization for spouses and school access for children.
Free intro callWho this is for
Our approach
Confirm treaty nationality, business structure, and investment posture before any filing.
Build the documentation USCIS and the consulate actually want to see — financials, lawful source of funds, hiring plan.
File at the appropriate consulate or with USCIS, with a fully indexed evidence binder.
We rehearse the interview, anticipate officer concerns, and walk you in confident.
Jessica Weiss, Esq. has practiced U.S. immigration law since 1998 and leads the immigration practice at Weiss & Moy, P.C., a firm established in 1976. E-2 treaty investor matters are a central focus of her work, including business acquisitions, startups, and the immigration implications of the deal structure.
Preparation brings together treaty nationality, ownership and control, lawful source and movement of funds, committed investment, and evidence that the enterprise is real and not marginal. The filing strategy also addresses consular processing versus a USCIS change of status, family members, travel, and future renewals. Approval is never guaranteed.
Each route calls for different evidence. An acquisition may involve financial statements, payroll, a purchase agreement, and escrow terms. A franchise can involve franchise fees, premises, equipment, and operating costs. A startup needs credible evidence of the investment, readiness to operate, and its financial and hiring plans.
Coordinate the immigration review with the business transaction before signing or transferring funds. Seller financing, the source of borrowed money, and whether funds are genuinely committed can affect which investment amounts count. A business plan supports the case, but it does not replace proof of the actual investment.
Canadian citizenship can establish treaty nationality, but the applicant must still meet every investment and business requirement. Jessica works with Canadians buying or starting U.S. businesses, including coordinating the transaction documents and preparing the consular application.
Plan for travel as well as filing. A USCIS approval of a change of status is not an E-2 visa for international travel. Spouses and children have separate documentation needs, and Canadian tax or corporate-law questions should be reviewed with the appropriate advisers.
Jessica's Phoenix headquarters and Boca Raton location serve investors with businesses across the United States. The E-2 requirements are federal: choosing a Florida or Arizona business does not waive the treaty, investment, or operating requirements.
For a free intro call, share your citizenship, where the business will operate, whether you are buying or starting it, your anticipated investment, and your timeline. The call is a brief introduction to see whether Jessica can help, not free legal advice.
Frequently asked
Start with a brief, free intro call to see whether Jessica can help. Legal advice is provided in a paid consultation.
Free downloads
Investor Visas
A time-sensitive briefing for business brokers on EB-5 grandfathering, expected investment adjustments, source-of-funds preparation, and transaction planning.
Investor Visas
A broker reference guide for coordinating E-2 buyers, source of funds, business due diligence, purchase documents, escrow, financing, and closing.
Investor Visas
A practical guide for buyers, business brokers, sellers, accountants, and advisers coordinating a U.S. business purchase with E-2 visa requirements.
Startups & Business
A practical overview for founders, executives, and advisors expanding a startup or technology company into the United States — which visa fits each stage of growth.
Startups & Business
Long-term business immigration strategies, including the qualifications for E-1 treaty trader and E-2 treaty investor visas and other options for business owners.
Investor Visas
For investors who want to buy or create a U.S. business — a side-by-side look at the temporary E-2 visa and the EB-5 green card.
Investor Visas
EB-5 qualifications explained: the $1,050,000 / $800,000 investment thresholds, benefit to the U.S. economy, 10-job creation, and the troubled business exception.
General information, not legal advice. Eligibility and outcomes depend on the facts of each case.
Free intro call
Tell us a little about your situation. Jessica or a member of the team will reply, usually within one business day. Prefer the phone? Call (480) 994-8888.
Keep exploring
Treaty nationality, consular processing, family members, and travel.
Coordinate the purchase agreement, escrow, financing, funding, ownership, and operating plan.
Investment amount, marginality, and the business plan officers read.
Immigration considerations when coordinating an acquisition.
Boca Raton office and statewide investor representation.
Jessica's Arizona headquarters for U.S. business investors.
See the treaty investor process step by step.
Hiring and transferring staff once the business is running.