What is an E-2 treaty country?

An E-2 treaty country is a country that has a qualifying treaty of commerce and navigation (or equivalent) with the United States that includes the E-2 treaty-investor category. Only nationals of these countries can apply for the E-2 visa, which is the threshold requirement before investment, marginality, and develop-and-direct are even considered.

Is India an E-2 treaty country?

No. India has no qualifying E-2 treaty with the United States, so Indian nationals cannot qualify for E-2 based on Indian nationality. The same is true of mainland China, Brazil, Vietnam, Russia, South Africa, and Nigeria.

Does the E-2 country list change?

Yes. The U.S. Department of State periodically updates the treaty-country table. For example, Israel was added for E-2 only on May 1, 2019. Always verify current status against the State Department list before relying on it.

E-2 treaty countries

The E-2 treaty-investor visa is only open to nationals of countries that have a qualifying treaty with the United States. Treaty nationality is the first thing an officer checks, before investment, marginality, or develop-and-direct. Find your country below.

E-2 treaty countries we cover

Mexico

Both E-1 and E-2; treaty in force since January 1, 1994 (NAFTA/USMCA framework).

Canada

Both E-1 and E-2; treaty in force since January 1, 1994.

United Kingdom

Both E-1 and E-2; treaty in force since 1815. The treaty applies only to British territory in Europe: the British Isles (excluding the Republic of Ireland), the Channel Islands, and Gibraltar.

Japan

Both E-1 and E-2; treaty in force since 1953.

South Korea

Both E-1 and E-2; treaty in force since 1957.

Turkey

Both E-1 and E-2 (E-1 since 1933; E-2 since 1990). Listed by State as Turkey (Türkiye).

Germany

Both E-1 and E-2; treaty in force since 1956.

France

Both E-1 and E-2; treaty in force since 1960.

Spain

Both E-1 and E-2; treaty in force since 1903, one of the oldest in force.

Italy

Both E-1 and E-2; treaty in force since 1949.

Taiwan

Both E-1 and E-2; treaty in force since 1948. E visas for Taiwan nationals are handled through the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT).

Colombia

Both E-1 and E-2; treaty in force since 1948.

Philippines

Both E-1 and E-2; treaty in force since 1955.

Pakistan

Both E-1 and E-2; treaty in force since 1961.

Australia

Both E-1 and E-2 (E-2 since 1991). Australia also has the separate E-3 specialty-occupation category, which is distinct from E-2.

Israel

E-1 since 1954; E-2 is recent: issuable to Israeli nationals only beginning May 1, 2019 (Public Law 112-130, after reciprocity confirmation).

Argentina

Both E-1 and E-2; treaty in force since 1854, one of the oldest treaties of commerce in the list.

Ireland

Both E-1 and E-2 (E-2 since 1992). The UK treaty explicitly excludes the Republic of Ireland, so Irish nationals qualify under Ireland's own treaty.

Common countries that are NOT E-2 treaty countries

Nationals of these countries cannot qualify for E-2 based on that nationality. (Some pursue other routes. That’s an eligibility question for an immigration attorney, not something we advise on.)

India

Not an E-2 (or E-1) treaty country: India has no qualifying treaty of commerce and navigation with the U.S., so Indian nationals cannot qualify for E-2 by Indian nationality.

China (mainland)

Mainland China (PRC) is not an E-2 treaty country and does not appear in the State Department list; Taiwan is listed separately as a distinct treaty party.

Brazil

Not an E-2 treaty country: Brazil has no qualifying E-2 treaty with the U.S.

Vietnam

Not an E-2 treaty country: Vietnam is absent from the State Department treaty list.

Russia

Not an E-2 treaty country: Russia does not appear in the treaty-countries table.

South Africa

Not an E-2 treaty country: South Africa is not in the State Department treaty list.

Nigeria

Not an E-2 treaty country: Nigeria does not appear in the treaty-countries table.

Hong Kong

Not an E-2 treaty jurisdiction: the UK's E-2 treaty applies only to British territory in Europe and does not extend to Hong Kong.

E-2 treaty-country FAQ

Sources

Treaty list last reviewed 2026-06-30 against the U.S. Department of State treaty-country table. The list is periodically updated and individual eligibility depends on your facts. Verify with the State Department and a licensed immigration attorney.

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