How long does it take to get an E-2 visa?

The processing time for an E-2 visa depends on the investor’s location. For an Investor 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.

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Details on USCIS processing times:

For Applicants present in the US:

For applicants physically present in the United States in proper legal status, E2 visa applications can be filed directly with USCIS.  Generally, USCIS will take approximately five months on average to process the application but applicants have the option of paying a premium processing fee of $2,500 and the application can be adjudicated within 15 calendar days. If approved, a change of status within the US will not result in the E2 Visa stamp in the passport but E2 status which would be valid for two years. In case the foreign investor applicant wishes to leave the US to travel they will have to apply for a visa from the applicable US Consulate in the future to re-enter the US. However, if they do not need to travel outside of the US the E2 Status can be renewed every two years provided they remain eligible.

U.S. Consulate Process for investors outside of the USA:

A majority of E2 applications are filed with the overseas U.S. Consulate. The processing time for an E2 visa can vary by Consulate but generally ranges from about two weeks to four months.  After an initial review is completed, the Consulate will set up an interview with the applicant and if the E2 visa is approved, it may take up to a week for the visa itself to be issued. Certain U.S. consulates post estimated processing times on their websites but because processing times depend on individual Consulates and approval of an E2 visa is not guaranteed, applicants should not schedule travel to the United States until the visa has been stamped in their passport.