How to Go from E-2 Visa to Green Card in the U.S.

E-2 to Green Card: What Are your Options?

If you’re in the U.S. on an E-2 visa, there’s a good chance you’ve done more than just build a business. You’ve built a life here.

You’ve put in long days running operations, filing taxes, managing employees, paying rent, and let’s be honest, probably more than a few nights wondering if this is all going to last. The E-2 visa is great in a lot of ways, but if you’ve asked yourself, How long can I keep doing this?, you’re not alone.

What you want to know is: Can an E-2 visa lead to a green card? Let’s talk about it.

The E-2 Visa: A Quick Reality Check

If you’re already here on an E-2, you know the deal — it’s a nonimmigrant visa for people from treaty countries who are investing in and running a business in the U.S.

There’s no set dollar minimum, but your investment has to be substantial, which often means a minimum of $100,000, and usually more. The business must be active, not passive. So, Airbnb rentals and day trading? Not going to cut it.

And yes, the E2 visa requirements are clear:

• You run the business.
• You’re here to grow it.
• And as long as it stays alive, you can keep renewing the visa.

Sounds simple, right? But renewing an E2 visa every few years, with no guarantee of the future, eventually starts to feel exhausting. Many people hit that point and ask the big question, “Can an E2 visa holder apply for a green card?”

First Thing to Know: The E-2 Doesn’t Lead Directly to a Green Card

Unfortunately, there’s no direct path. That’s what makes this visa different from others like the H-1B.

So when people ask, “Can an E2 visa lead to a green card?” or, “Can E2 visa holders get green card automatically?”, the answer is no, not directly.

But—and this is important—you can transition from E-2 to a green card by moving into a different visa category or green card path. It’s not simple, but it’s doable. You just need to know which option fits you best.

Option 1: Green Card Through the EB-5 Investment Route

If you’re already investing heavily, this might be the most natural upgrade.

The EB-5 visa is an immigrant visa, meaning it leads to a green card. Here’s what it takes:

• An investment of $800,000 (in a Targeted Employment Area) or $1.05 million otherwise.
• Your business must create 10 full-time U.S. jobs.

So yes, it’s a big leap financially, but it’s clean. You go from E-2 to EB-5, and then straight to a green card.

It’s one of the more secure ways to go from an E2 visa to a green card through investment, if your finances can support it.

Option 2: Green Card Through Employment (EB-2 or EB-3)

This option surprises a lot of E-2 visa holders.

Let’s say you’ve built your business, but now you’re offered a full-time job at a U.S. company. That employer could sponsor you for a green card under:

• EB-2: Advanced degree or exceptional ability.
• EB-3: Skilled or professional worker.

Here’s where it gets tricky. People ask, Can E2 visa holders work for another company?

The answer is no, not directly. Your visa only authorizes you to work for your own E-2 business.

So to go this route, you’d need to change your status first (usually to H-1B or another eligible visa) and then apply for a green card through that employment.

It’s a longer game, but it’s possible.

Option 3: Family-Based Green Card

This one’s not about your business at all, but it’s probably the simplest path if you qualify.

If you’re married to a U.S. citizen (or plan to be), you can file for a marriage-based green card. Or if you have a close relative who is a U.S. citizen and wants to petition for you, that’s another route.

Yes, an E2 visa holder can get a green card through marriage. It is a very real thing.

You’ll still need to go through background checks and an interview, but this is one of the most straightforward ways from E2 to permanent residency.

Option 4: National Interest Waiver (NIW) or EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability)

If you’re a founder, investor, or innovator who’s been featured in the press, received awards, or is doing work that benefits the U.S. in a big way, you might qualify to self-petition for a green card.

This is for people who don’t want to rely on an employer or family member to sponsor them.

The National Interest Waiver (EB-2 NIW) is ideal for entrepreneurs doing work that helps the country; Think healthcare access, green energy, AI innovation, rural economic development.

The EB-1A is for people with extraordinary ability — if you’ve made a name for yourself.

Yes, it’s a higher bar, but it’s one of the few ways you can go from E2 to a green card independently.

What About Your Spouse?

Many people ask, “Can spouse of E2 visa holder work?” The answer is: yes, they can!

A recent update authorizes spouses of E2 visa holders to work in the U.S. No application necessary. That’s a big deal for families balancing finances.

What’s the Timeline?

Your E2 visa to green card processing time depends entirely on which path you choose:

• EB-5: 2 to 3 years (sometimes longer)
• EB-2 or EB-3 (employment-based): 1 to 5 years, depending on your country of birth
• Marriage-based green card: Usually 10–18 months
• EB-2 NIW or EB-1A: 12–24 months (with possible delays)

It’s not fast. But the sooner you begin, the sooner you finish. And each step forward puts you closer to a stable future.

Final Thoughts: This Isn’t Just Immigration — It’s Your Life

Here’s the thing nobody tells you enough:

This isn’t just about business structure and visa codes.

This is about your family, your dream, your home.

The E-2 visa gives you a chance to build something in the U.S.

The green card gives you the right to stay and succeed.

So if you’re feeling stuck between renewals and wondering if there’s a path forward, there is. You just need the right roadmap and someone who’s done it before.

We’re Here to Help — Every Step of the Way

At Passage Immigration Law, we specialize in helping people just like you go from temporary to permanent. Whether that means:

Book a consultation — and let’s figure this out together.

DISCLAIMER: This article offers general legal information, not legal advice. Do not rely upon this information without seeking legal counsel. If you need legal advice, you may contact us directly to speak with an attorney. We disclaim all liability with respect to actions taken based on any information presented. Every case is different, and outcomes will vary depending on the unique facts and legal issues of your case.