The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa Program is available to residents of Ethiopia.
Contents: Requirement | Processing Timeline | Investment amount | Treaty Countries | Non-Treaty Countries | Green Card | Consult | FAQ
What are E-2 Visa Requirements for Ethiopia?
E2 visa requirement – Ethiopia
- Be a citizen Ethiopia. It has signed a treaty with USA.
- Requires investor’s investment be typically over US $150K (Ethiopian Birr 7.1 M) with minimum 50% ownership.
- Move to US to establish and manage the business.
- Generate significant returns for investors and economy – employing US workers.
- Funds must be “at risk”
See details of E2 Requirements
The E-2 U.S. Immigrant Investor Visa Program is available to Ethiopia citizens. There is growing demand for the E-2 Visa category among Ethiopia nationals.
How long does it take to get an E-2 visa for Ethiopian citizens?
E2 visa timeline – Ethiopia
The processing time for an E-2 visa depends on Ethiopian Investor. If present in the USA, the average time is 5 months. Premium processing time is 15 days for $2,500. For outside of the US, E2 visa processing time through a Consulate varies from 2 weeks to 4 months.
Details on USCIS E-2 processing times
How much does E-2 Visa Cost for Ethiopian citizens?
E2 visa cost – Ethiopia
Minimum investment amount is typically over US $150K (Ethiopian Birr 7.1 M). For investor present in USA – Form I-129 fee $460 (Form I-539 – $370 per dependent), 15 days premium processing at $2,500. Investor in Home-country – $205 fee per DS-160 form. Lawyer’s charges, Business entity formation costs.
National Bank of Ethiopia is the regulatory body that has framework and monetary policy for moving assets and money outside of Ethiopia.
Details of E-2 Visa Costs
Is Ethiopia an E-2 visa treaty country?
Yes, the United States maintains treaties of commerce and navigation with Ethiopia. Nationals of treaty countries must be coming to the United States to engage in substantial trade, or develop and direct the operations of a business in which the investor has invested a substantial amount of capital.
See list of E-2 Treaty Countries
See list of E-2 Non-treaty Countries
E-2 businesses for Sale for Ethiopian investor
Though it depends on each investor’s interest in terms of the type of business. An investor from Ethiopia could opt for investing a substantial amount in Multinational corporations or buying Franchises, restaurants, consulting business or purchase an existing business.
As long as a substantial investment is made in the business by the investor it can qualify. As mentioned above some of the popular businesses are franchises/restaurants/consulting businesses which will help the US economy.
How to convert an E-2 visa to a Green card for a citizen of Ethiopia?
E2 visa to Green card – Ethiopia
- EB-5 investor visa thru Direct or Regional Center Investment
- Green Card through your spouse’s Employer.
- EB1A immigrant visa for people with extraordinary abilities
- National interest waiver (under EB-2 visa for advanced degree professionals)
- E-2 Employee to green card through marriage.
See Details on How to obtain a Green Card through E2 visa?
Ethiopia, E2 Visa Consultant
EB5 BRICS can help you navigate the E-2 Visa Program through our presence in Ethiopia in conjunction with our U.S. Legal Partner. Our team speaks English, Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi.
Schedule an Appointment to meet our CEO, Vivek Tandon to go over your specific situation.
E-2 Visa Ethiopia FAQ
Is an Ethiopian national eligible for an E-2 Visa?
Yes, As an Ethiopian citizen, you are eligible for an E-2 Visa. Ethiopia has signed the E-2 treaty with the US.
Can a spouse of a E-2 Visa holder from Ethiopia work in the US?
Spouses of E-2 visa holders from Ethiopia are able to work in the US only once they apply for work authorization by filling form I-765, if approved they are allowed to work in the US.
Can an Ethiopian citizen work in the USA with an E-2 Visa in 2023?
Yes. As a Ethiopia national, you are eligible to work in the US but only the business that you have invested or if you are an employee at the organisation which sponsored your E-2 visa.
For an Ethiopian citizen, What businesses qualify for an E-2 Visa?
There is no specific list of businesses under the E-2 treaty. As long as the investor has made a significant investment in a business and is approved by the US citizenship and immigration services.
What happens when an Ethiopian citizen's E-2 Visa for USA expires?
The E-2 visa holders from Ethiopia are allowed to renew their visas. The extensions are granted for 2 years and there are no restrictions on the number of extensions available to the E-2 investors.