The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa Program is indirectly available to residents of Hong Kong by getting a second Passport from a country that has a treaty with USA.
Contents: Requirement | Processing Timeline | Investment amount | Treaty Countries | Non-Treaty Countries | Consult | FAQ
What are E-2 Visa Requirements for Hong Kong?
E2 visa requirement – Hong Kong
- Hong Kong does not have a signed treaty with USA. You will first need to get a second passport through Grenada or another country that has E-2 treaty signed with the US.
- Requires investor’s investment be typically over US $150K (Hongkonger Dollar 19.3K HK$) 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 E-2 Hong Kong Requirements
How long does it take to get an E-2 visa for Hongkonger citizens?
E2 visa timeline – Hong Kong
The processing time for an E-2 visa depends on Hongkonger Investor. Once you have a second passport from another country like Grenada. 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. Above timeline is after you have a passport from a country that has Treaty with the US.
Details on USCIS E-2 processing times
How much does E-2 Visa Cost for Hongkonger citizens?
E2 visa cost – Hong Kong
After you have got a second passport from a country that has a Treaty with US. From that point on, minimum investment amount is typically over US $150K (Hong Kong Dollar 19.3K HK$). 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.
The Joint Financial Intelligence Unit is the regulatory body that has framework and monetary policy for moving assets and money outside of Hong Kong.
Details of E-2 Visa Costs
Is Hong Kong an E-2 visa treaty country?
No, the United States does not maintain treaties of commerce and navigation with Hong Kong for E-2 Visa. You may however get a second passport from a country such as Grenada.
See list of E-2 Treaty Countries
See list of E-2 Non-treaty Countries
E-2 businesses for Sale for Hongkonger investor
Though it depends on each investor’s interest in terms of the type of business. An investor from Hong Kong (after getting a 2nd passport from a country that has a Treaty with USA) 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.
Hong Kong, E2 Visa Consultant
EB5 BRICS can help you navigate the E-2 Visa Program through our presence in Hong Kong 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.
See more about EB-5 investment program for Hong Kong.
E-2 Visa Hong Kong FAQ
As a Hongkonger citizen, Am I eligible for an E-2 Visa?
Hong Kong does not have a signed treaty with USA. You will first need to get a second passport through Grenada or another country that has E-2 treaty signed with the US.
Can a spouse of a E2 visa holder from Hong Kong work in the US?
Spouses of E-2 visa holders from Hong Kong 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 a Hong Kong national work in the USA with an E2 visa?
Yes. As a Hong Kong 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 a Hong Kong national, What businesses qualify for an E2 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.
As a Hongkonger citizen, What happens when my E2 visa expires?
The E-2 visa holders from Hong Kong 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.