We are thrilled to announce a major immigration success story: an E-2 Investor Visa approval for a Ukrainian national who invested in a U.S. online retail business. This recent approval underscores an important policy update for Ukrainian citizens, whose E-2 visas are now granted for a maximum duration of 27 months—the full validity period allowed under the U.S.-Ukraine treaty and a substantial improvement over previous restrictions.
Overcoming Obstacles: Third-Country E-2 Processing in Switzerland
The E2 visa was approved at US Embassy in Switzerland for 27 months, the maximum period allowed under the treaty between US and Ukraine. The recent E2 visa approval for our Ukrainian investor highlights a positive change for Ukrainian citizens. Their E2 visas are now valid for a maximum of 27 months, a significant increase from previous 3-month limit.
Because routine visa services (including E-2 visa) at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv remain suspended due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, our client applied as a third-country national at the U.S. Embassy in Bern, Switzerland.
- Processing Time: The processing time for the E-2 application took just two months from submission to approval.
- Prior Status: Before pursuing the E-2 visa, the investor initially entered the United States through the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) humanitarian program, eventually transitioning to a long-term solution to manage their business activities in the Unites States.
The E-2 Business: Scaling a U.S. Ecommerce Retailer
For their qualifying E-2 business, the investor established a U.S. e-commerce company specializing in natural skincare and global beauty products.
- Operations: The business utilizes fulfillment warehouses located in Florida and California.
- Exclusive Distribution: Through exclusive licensing agreements, the company curates and distributes premium international beauty products directly to consumers across all 50 states from their warehouses in the United States.
Overview of E-2 Visa
The E-2 Investor Visa is a nonimmigrant visa for nationals of treaty countries to live and work in the U.S. by investing in a US business. This visa also extends to the investor’s spouse and unmarried children under 21. Furthermore, E-2 businesses can bring E2 employees in executive, managerial, or specialized roles essential to the firm’s operations in the U.S. You can establish a new business or buy an existing business to qualify for the E-2. To learn more, visit What are the E2 Visa Requirements and E2 Visa Minimum Investment Amount.
You can apply for E2 visa at a US Consulate abroad or through change of status to E2, if you are in the US. Keep in mind that applying for E2 while in the US is possible under certain circumstances, but is not available to individuals travelling to the United States on ESTA.
To learn more about visas for Canadians, visit E2 visa for Canadians and US visa for Canadian citizens.
To learn more about the options available for children aging out E2 visas visit Children aging out of E2 visa: What are their options?
Find out more about other E-2 visa success stories and approvals, E-2 visa renewal process, other investment visa options, , E-2 for Australians, E-2 for UK Citizens and other visa options to start a business in the US for you.
Why Partner with Malescu Law
Our E2 visa lawyers specialize in E-2 visa applications, including those involving existing business acquisitions, holding companies, complex corporate structures or E2 visa refusals.
We provide a full E2 visa service model, including:
- Business formation and corporate structure
- Legal and financial due diligence.
- E2 business plan  drafting.
- Professional business valuations.
- Comprehensive case strategy for complex E2 visa applications.
We have a proven track record of successfully obtain E2 visas for individuals and businesses from around the world.
Our experienced immigration lawyers can assist with your immigration case and other investment visa options available to you.
We serve companies and individuals across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
Contact us or schedule a consultation.
Malescu Law P.A. – Business & Immigration Lawyers