<p>The E-2 visa category requires that a substantial investment be made in the    US by foreign investors. There is no trade requirement. The owners (Japanese    nationals or Japanese parent company) must be of the same nationality as the    managers in the US sent to operate the enterprise.</p>
<p>There is no exact definition of the term "substantial investment".    It will differ depending upon the type of company involved (restaurant versus    an clothing factory). The amount of capital to start an auto parts factory would    be different from the capital in starting a restaurant. As a very rough guide,    it is prudent to invest more than $500,000 although E-2 visas can    be issued to investors investing smaller amounts depending on the circumstances.</p>
<p>The E-2 company may apply for an E-2 visa for aliens that will be its management    and executive personnel and those who have "essential skills". The    number of personnel issued E-2 visas is determined basically the same way as    the E-1. Also the E-2 investors (Japanese Investors) must own a majority interest    (over 50%) in the enterprise.</p>
<p>An example of an E-2 company would be an international construction company.    Since it is not involved in trade, it cannot qualify for an E-1 visa. But since    it has invested substantial capital in the U.S. used in its business, it will    qualify for an E-2 visa company. A Japanese company that manufactures a product    (such as Televisions, Auto Parts, etc.) and has invested substantial sums in    building its manufacturing facility will qualify as an E-2 visa company.</p>
<p>Passive investments and marginal investments will not qualify a company for    an E-2 visa. An example of a passive investment would be an investment in stocks    or bonds or an apartment building where the investor takes no active part in    the management of the investment. However the purchase of a hotel or motel where    the investor is "active" in the management is a valid investment which    would qualify a company to apply for a E-2 visa. A marginal investment is one    that is undercapitalized so that it cannot succeed or one in which the investor    must earn his total livelihood. In a situation where it is hard to determine    if the investment is marginal, the fact that the enterprise will employ U.S.    workers is relevant.</p>
<p>If an alien is granted an E-1 or E-2 visa, his spouse and children under 21    years old, can accompany the alien in the U.S.</p>