Service Detail
E-2 Investor Visa Business Consulting
Turkey has a Treaty of Commerce and Navigation with the United States, making Turkish citizens eligible for the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa. This non-immigrant visa allows you to live in the U.S. by investing in and actively managing a business. BizHouston guides you through business selection, investment planning, and operational setup — and coordinates with licensed immigration attorneys for the legal process.
Who Is This For?
- Turkish citizens looking to live and work in the U.S.
- Investors with $50,000–$200,000+ in available capital
- Entrepreneurs wanting to run an active U.S. business
- Families seeking E-2 spouse work authorization
- People evaluating Turo, cafe, restaurant, liquidation, truck dispatcher or car towing businesses
- Those who want to explore E-2 before committing to a more costly EB-5
What You Get
- Understand exactly what makes a business E-2 eligible
- Get a curated list of E-2 compatible business ideas matched to your budget
- Receive a detailed investment structure plan
- Obtain a step-by-step business plan framework ready for attorney review
- Learn the difference between consular and change-of-status application routes
- Get referred to a licensed immigration attorney for the legal petition
- Understand spouse work authorization (unrestricted E-2S) and children's study rights
Our Process
1
Free Discovery Call
We learn about your background, goals, and available capital. We assess which E-2 compatible business model fits your profile and Houston's market.
2
Business Selection & Research
Based on your budget and interests, we research and shortlist E-2 viable businesses — including Turo fleet rental, liquidation warehouses, cafes, restaurants, truck dispatching, or car towing. We present real market data on each option.
3
Investment Structure Planning
We help you understand the 'substantial investment' requirement (typically $50K–$200K+ depending on business type), how to document your source of funds, and how to commit capital in a USCIS-acceptable way (leases, equipment, escrow).
4
Business Plan Framework
We build a detailed 5-year business plan framework showing economic impact, job creation potential, and market viability — the most critical document for E-2 approval. This plan supports your attorney's legal submission.
5
Application Route Decision
We explain the two pathways: (1) Consular route from Turkey — interview at the U.S. Embassy in Istanbul (the commercial consulate that processes E-2 visas for Turkey), 3–8 months; (2) Change of Status if already in the U.S. on another visa — USCIS Form I-129, 4–6 months, no visa stamp issued. We help you choose based on your situation.
6
Attorney Referral & Coordination
We connect you with a licensed immigration attorney who handles the E-2 petition, document checklist, and interview prep. BizHouston continues to provide business support throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Turkey eligible for the E-2 visa?
Yes. Turkey has a Treaty of Commerce and Navigation with the United States, making Turkish citizens fully eligible for the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa.
How much do I need to invest for an E-2 visa?
There is no fixed minimum amount. The investment must be 'substantial' relative to the total cost of the business. For service businesses, $50,000–$80,000 is often defensible; for capital-intensive operations like restaurants, $100,000–$200,000+ is more appropriate. The key is proportionality — the investment must cover all startup costs and show real capital at risk.
Can I apply from Turkey or do I need to be in the U.S.?
Both are possible. If you're in Turkey (or outside the U.S.), you apply through the U.S. Consulate in Istanbul (consular route) — the Istanbul post handles E-2 visa applications for Turkish nationals. This takes 3–8 months and produces a visa stamp in your passport. If you're already in the U.S. on another valid visa, you can file a Change of Status (Form I-129 with USCIS) — this takes 4–6 months but does not produce a visa stamp, so you'd need to obtain a stamp before leaving the U.S.
Can my spouse work in the U.S. on an E-2?
Yes. Your spouse receives E-2S dependent status, which comes with unrestricted work authorization — they can work for any employer in any industry, start their own business, or freelance. Children under 21 can attend school without a separate student visa, but cannot work.
What types of businesses work best for E-2?
The business must be real, active, and capable of generating profit beyond just supporting you and your family. BizHouston has helped structure E-2 cases around Turo vehicle rental businesses, liquidation warehouses, cafes, restaurants, truck dispatching agencies, and car towing companies. The business must create jobs and have a solid business plan.
Does BizHouston provide legal advice on E-2 visas?
No. BizHouston provides business consulting — business selection, investment planning, business plan preparation, and operational setup. For all legal aspects of your E-2 application, we refer you to a licensed immigration attorney. This distinction is important: our expertise is in the business side, which is often underserved.
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. BizHouston / Orsa Consulting LLC is not a law firm unless otherwise specifically stated. For official and current information, users should verify details through official sources such as USCIS, the U.S. Department of State, IRS, state agencies, and other relevant government authorities. For legal advice, users should consult a licensed immigration attorney or qualified legal professional.
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