Eligibility, Treaty Requirements, Investment Thresholds – The Real E2 Visa Guide for Pakistanis
Listen, if you’re in Islamabad scrolling late at night wondering if the E2 visa is your way to the U.S. for business, you’re not alone. A bunch of my friends and cousins have gone down this road. It’s not like EB-5 where you just drop $800k+ and get a green card. E-2 is for treaty investors—you put money into a real U.S. business, run it yourself, live there with family, and keep renewing as long as the business doesn’t flop. Pakistan has the treaty, so we’re in a good spot, but the consulate here is tough on proof.
I pulled the latest from travel.state.gov and USCIS (checked today, no major shifts in 2026). Pakistan’s treaty is still solid from 1961, U.A.E still isn’t on the list, and there’s no magic minimum investment number—just “substantial” which depends on the business. Let’s go through it honestly: who qualifies, the treaty gate, and how much cash people are really putting in to get approved.
Treaty Requirements – Why Pakistanis Can Actually Do This
The E2 starts with nationality. You have to be a citizen of a country with a commerce and navigation treaty with the U.S. No treaty?
Renewals happen every few years if the business is running okay. It’s one of the better reciprocities for us compared to some countries.
U.A.E doesn’t have a treaty at all. Emirati nationals can’t apply unless they have dual citizenship from a treaty country like Pakistan or Turkey. That’s why some Pakistanis in Dubai use their Pakistani passport for E-2.
The treaty list has roughly 80 countries. Turkey is popular (lots of people get Turkish citizenship for this), plus Japan, Germany, South Korea, UK, Canada, Australia, France, Italy, Mexico. Big ones not on it: India, China, Brazil, Russia—no E-2 for them.
Quick compare: E-1 (treaty trader) uses the same list, so Pakistan works there too if you’re doing big trade. B-1/B-2 visitor visas skip treaties completely—just short trips. H1B, L1A, L1B, EB3 don’t need treaties; they’re job or company sponsor stuff.
For us Pakistanis, the treaty is a green light. That’s why E-2 is one of our best investor options.
Eligibility Rules – What the Islamabad Consulate Actually Wants
Treaty passport gets you in the door. Then they check if you’re a real investor.
You invest your own capital in a genuine U.S. business. You need to own at least 50% or have real control to develop and direct it—you’re actively running things, not just investing and forgetting.
The business has to be active, for-profit, commercial—not passive like rental properties you don’t manage. It can’t be “marginal”—it needs to make more than just pocket money for you and family, and ideally create some jobs for Americans over time.
Funds must be lawfully sourced (super important for us), at risk (you could lose it all), and irrevocably committed (spent on leases, equipment, inventory—not just sitting in a bank waiting for approval).
You’re going to the U.S. mainly to develop and direct the business. You don’t have to swear you’ll leave forever (renewals can go forever practically), but show some home ties if asked.
Family joins easy: spouse and unmarried kids under 21. Spouse gets work authorization right away—no extra paperwork, which is huge for families.
Islamabad is strict on source of funds. They want clear trails: State Bank transfers, property sale deeds, salary savings proofs, tax returns. Gaps here cause most denials. Business plan has to be detailed—costs, market, how you’ll make jobs. Franchises like Subway, coffee shops, or gyms are favorites because they have ready models that look less risky to the consulate.
Vs other visas: B-1/B-2 easy for scouting trips. H-1B needs job offer, degree, lottery hell. L-1 needs 1 year at a company with U.S. branch. EB-3 green card job sponsor, but Pakistan backlogs are years.
E-2 lets you be the boss—no waiting on sponsors.
Investment Thresholds – No Magic Number, But Here's What Works
No fixed minimum—USCIS and State say “substantial” investment.
Substantial is case-by-case: proportional to the business total cost (lower cost business needs higher % invested), enough to make success likely, supports you directing it. No arbitrary $100k rule, but real approvals show patterns.
From 2025-2026 cases (including Pakistani ones):
Low-overhead (consulting, IT services, online): $80k-$120k often passes.
Retail shops, small e-commerce: $100k-$150k+.
Restaurants, franchises, food/hospitality: $150k-$300k+ (easier approvals—proven setups).
Many Pakistani successes: $120k-$250k range.
Under $80k-$90k? Possible for bare-bones services, but risky—consulate calls it not substantial or marginal. Franchises help because costs are documented. Money at risk, committed (spent or locked), lawful source proven (State Bank docs key). Can’t just borrow on business credit.
Vs others: E-1 no big capital—just trade. B-1/B-2 zero. H-1B/L-1/EB-3 no personal investment.
Under $100k? E-2 tough—L-1 better if Pakistani business to expand, or B-1 to test.
Why Pakistanis Succeed (and Fail) on E-2
Lots of Pakistanis get E-2 approved every year—franchises, restaurants, consulting. Success comes from strong funds proof, solid business plan, lawyer who knows Islamabad style.
Fails usually: weak source of funds, marginal business, low investment for the type.
Process: Set up LLC, invest, business plan, DS-160, interview Islamabad/Karachi. Takes months—book early.
Lawyer helps big time—fixes plans, preps for interview.
Is it for you? If $120k+ ready, solid idea, yes. Less? Build up or pivot.
Disclaimer:
Some content on this website may be created or assisted using AI technology and is provided for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, tax, accounting, financial, or immigration advice. Please consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.
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