I've gone through the process, and despite it being a lot of paperwork and requiring the help of a lawyer, it was ultimately a good experience.
In order to get such a visa, one has to submit a business plan, and show sufficient funds from abroad. Interestingly, the funds only have to be appropriate for the business to be started, there is no set minimum like a lot of people assume (e.g. 100k). An example my lawyer gave me was a woman that wanted to start a horse riding school, and who got her E-2 by proving an investment of ~30k into her company.
I started an internet business, and my investment was in the same ballpark.
Also, for founders already living in the US, it is ok to work on setting up the business, e.g. incorporating etc, while applying for the E-2, as long as no customers are being engaged and money is being earned.
A downside is, that there is no straight path from the E-2 to a greencard; other then upping the investment (which has to come from abroad) to $10^6.
Edit: There is another downside, mentioned elsewhere in this thread. One has to be from a 'treaty' nation.
Disclaimer: I'd strongly advise you to consult an immigration lawyer if you want to do this.
I've gone through the process, and despite it being a lot of paperwork and requiring the help of a lawyer, it was ultimately a good experience.
In order to get such a visa, one has to submit a business plan, and show sufficient funds from abroad. Interestingly, the funds only have to be appropriate for the business to be started, there is no set minimum like a lot of people assume (e.g. 100k). An example my lawyer gave me was a woman that wanted to start a horse riding school, and who got her E-2 by proving an investment of ~30k into her company.
I started an internet business, and my investment was in the same ballpark.
Also, for founders already living in the US, it is ok to work on setting up the business, e.g. incorporating etc, while applying for the E-2, as long as no customers are being engaged and money is being earned.
A downside is, that there is no straight path from the E-2 to a greencard; other then upping the investment (which has to come from abroad) to $10^6.
Edit: There is another downside, mentioned elsewhere in this thread. One has to be from a 'treaty' nation.
Disclaimer: I'd strongly advise you to consult an immigration lawyer if you want to do this.