You’ve found a great business opportunity in the United States. Maybe it’s a franchise you’ve been researching for months, or a small company that’s finally for sale. The E-2 treaty investor visa seems like your pathway to making it happen. But before you go any further, you need to know the hard numbers. What will this actually cost? Can you afford it? The uncertainty around E-2 visa fees can stop potential applicants before they even start. This guide breaks down the exact government fees you’ll pay, using only official U.S. government sources.
What is the E-2 visa?
The E-2 visa allows nationals from treaty countries to enter the United States to develop and direct a business they’ve invested in. Unlike employment-based visas, you control your own enterprise. The visa is temporary but renewable as long as your business continues operating. You must make a “substantial” investment in a real, active business. Your spouse can work in the U.S., and your children can attend school.
Government fees you must pay
E-2 visa application fee: $315
Every E-2 applicant pays this non-refundable fee when applying at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. You pay this fee per person, so if your spouse and children are applying for E-2 dependent visas, each family member needs to pay $315.
Source: U.S. Department of State, Fees for Visa Services
Website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html
Reciprocity fee (visa issuance fee): Varies by country
After your E-2 visa is approved, you may need to pay an issuance fee based on your nationality. This fee exists because of reciprocal agreements between the United States and your home country. Some countries have no fee, while others can be substantial.
Examples of reciprocity fees:
- Australia: $5,592
- Canada: $0
- United Kingdom: $0
- Germany: $0
- Italy: $198
- Japan: $0
- France: $0
The fee amount depends entirely on what your country charges U.S. citizens for equivalent visas.
Source: U.S. Department of State, Visa Reciprocity Tables
Website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country.html
How to find your country’s reciprocity fee:
- Visit the Visa Reciprocity Tables website
- Select your country from the dropdown menu
- Look for the E-2 visa category
- Check the Fee column
Form I-129 filing fee: $1,015 (if changing status within the U.S.)
If you’re already in the United States on another visa type and want to change to E-2 status without leaving the country, you’ll file Form I-129 (Petition for a Non-immigrant Worker) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This requires a $1,015 filing fee.
Most E-2 applicants apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad and do not need to file Form I-129. You only pay this fee if you’re changing status from within the United States.
Source: USCIS Fee Schedule, Form G-1055
Website: https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055
Premium processing fee: $2,805 (optional)
If you file Form I-129 with USCIS and want faster processing, you can pay for premium processing service. This guarantees USCIS will process your petition within 15 business days. Without premium processing, standard processing times vary and can take several months.
This is completely optional. Most applicants who apply at embassies abroad don’t have this option since premium processing only applies to petitions filed with USCIS.
Source: USCIS Fee Schedule, Form G-1055
Website: https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055
Medical examination fee: Set by Embassy
Most E-2 applicants must complete a medical examination by an embassy-approved physician. The U.S. government doesn’t collect this fee directly. Instead, you pay the approved doctor or medical facility. The cost varies by country and medical facility.
Check with your local U.S. embassy or consulate for a list of approved physicians and their fees.
Source: U.S. Department of State, Visa Medical Examination
Website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/frequently-asked-questions.html
What is the investment requirement?
Beyond government fees, you must invest money in your U.S. business. USCIS requires a “substantial” investment but does not specify a minimum dollar amount. The investment must be:
- Sufficient to ensure successful operation of the business
- At risk (meaning you’ve committed the funds and could lose them)
- More than a marginal amount (the business must generate more than enough income to support you and your family)
Source: USCIS, E-2 Treaty Investors
Website: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/e-2-treaty-investors
Family member fees
Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can accompany you as E-2 dependents. Each dependent pays:
- $315 visa application fee
- Reciprocity fee (if applicable for your country)
- Medical examination fee
Dependents don’t file separate investment petitions. They apply based on your approved E-2 status.
Other costs to consider
Government fees represent only part of your total E-2 costs. Most applicants also pay for:
- Immigration attorney fees
- Business plan preparation
- Business formation and registration
- Document translation and certification
- Travel to the embassy interview
These costs vary significantly based on your situation, location, and the professionals you hire. This article focuses only on government-mandated fees you can verify through official sources.
Verifying current fees
Government fees can change. Before applying, always verify current fee amounts on official .gov websites:
- State Department visa fees: https://travel.state.gov
- USCIS fees: https://www.uscis.gov
- Your country’s reciprocity fee: Check the reciprocity tables
Never rely on third-party websites for fee information. Only official government sources guarantee accuracy.