E-2 Visa for Colombian Investors: Your Gateway from Colombia to USA

Colombian entrepreneurs seeking to establish or expand their business operations in the United States have found remarkable success through the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa program. This immigration pathway offers Colombian nationals the opportunity to live and work in America while managing their business investments, creating a direct bridge from Colombia to USA for ambitious investors. 

What is the E-2 Visa for Colombia to USA Investors? 

The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa enables Colombian nationals to enter and operate businesses in the United States through substantial investment in American enterprises. As a treaty country, Colombia maintains favorable immigration agreements with the United States, making this visa category accessible to Colombian investors. 

This non-immigrant visa allows Colombian entrepreneurs to: 

• Establish residence in the United States while managing their business 

• Include their spouse and unmarried children under 21 in their application 

• Renew their status indefinitely as long as the business remains operational 

• Travel freely between Colombia and the United States 

Unlike other investment visa categories, the E-2 program doesn’t specify a minimum investment threshold, though the capital contribution must be substantial relative to the business type and demonstrate genuine commitment to the enterprise’s success. 

E-2 Visa Eligibility Criteria for Colombian Investors 

Colombian nationals must satisfy specific criteria to qualify for E-2 visa approval: 

Nationality Requirements 

The primary applicant must hold Colombian citizenship. Natural-born Colombian citizens automatically qualify, while naturalized citizens must provide documentation of their Colombian nationality. The investing business must be at least 50% owned by Colombian nationals or citizens of other treaty countries. 

Colombian nationals must maintain residence in Colombia at the time of their E-2 application. This represents a fundamental requirement that cannot be waived. Applicants currently in the United States under different visa status must prove they were domiciled in Colombia when they received their existing visa. Merely possessing Colombian citizenship is insufficient – applicants must establish and maintain genuine residence within Colombia. 

Investment Criteria 

Colombian investors must demonstrate substantial capital deployment in legitimate U.S. business operations. Investment amounts typically begin around $100,000, though this varies significantly based on the business type and industry requirements. 

For comprehensive details on substantial investment amounts, active investment criteria, marginal business restrictions, and control requirements, please visit our E-2 Visa Investment Requirements Explained: Eligibility, Amount, and Key Criteria page. 

Application Process Through the US Embassy in Colombia 

Colombian investors must submit their E-2 visa applications through the US embassy in Colombia, specifically at the US embassy in Bogotá. The Bogotá embassy handles all E-2 applications for Colombian nationals. 

Important Note on Wait Times: The Bogota embassy can have some of the longest wait times among U.S. embassies worldwide due to several factors: appointments are only available one day per week (Wednesdays), ongoing COVID-19 backlogs, and the embassy’s substantial workload processing cases for Venezuelan nationals in addition to Colombian applicants. Colombian investors should plan accordingly and apply well in advance of their intended travel dates. 

Alternative Filing Options: While the U.S. embassy in Bogota is the standard processing location, Colombian nationals may have additional options depending on their circumstances. We have successfully utilized other consulates that accept nationals from third countries, and in certain situations, applicants may be eligible to change status within the United States. However, these opportunities and their availability are constantly changing based on consular policies, processing capacity, and individual circumstances. Potential applicants should seek counsel from experienced immigration attorneys to evaluate the timing and availability of alternative filing strategies that may better suit their specific situation and timeline requirements. 

Step-by-Step Application Process   

1. Business Formation and Investment: Before applying, Colombian investors must establish their U.S. business entity and complete their substantial investment. This includes incorporating the business, obtaining necessary licenses, and transferring investment funds to U.S. business accounts. 

2. Documentation Preparation: Compile comprehensive documentation including: 

• Detailed business plan with financial projections 

• Corporate formation documents 

• Evidence of substantial investment 

• Personal identification and background materials 

• Financial capacity documentation 

3. DS-160 Form Completion: Complete the online DS-160 application form with accurate information. Any inconsistencies can result in processing delays or denial. 

4. Embassy Interview Scheduling: Contact the US embassy in Bogota to schedule appointments for your biometric collection and consular interview. Please note that appointments are only available on Wednesdays and the biometric and interview appointments must be scheduled exactly one week apart. Current processing times vary, but the embassy in Colombia typically provides clear timelines for applicants. 

5. Consular Interview Process: Attend the scheduled appointments at the embassy in Bogotá with all required documentation: 

• Biometric Appointment: Attend the biometric appointment at the Applicant Service Center (ASC) in Bogotá in the morning. 

• Application Drop-off: After the biometric appointment, only the primary applicant must proceed to the Embassy at 1:00 p.m. on the same day to drop off the complete E visa application. The application must include all required tabs and may not exceed 125 single-sided pages. 

• Consular Interview: Attend the scheduled interview at the U.S. embassy in Bogota one week after the biometrics appointment. Be prepared to discuss your business plan, investment strategy, and long-term objectives in detail. 

Cost of E2 Visa from Colombia to USA 

The cost of E2 visa from Colombia to USA encompasses several components that Colombian investors should budget for: 

Government Fees: 

• DS-160 application fee 

• Visa issuance fee 

• Document processing charges 

Professional Services: 

• Legal representation fees 

• Business plan development costs 

• Document translation and certification 

Business Investment: 

• Substantial capital investment (typically $100,000+) 

• Business setup and operational costs 

• Initial working capital requirements 

The business investment represents the largest expense component, as this substantial capital injection forms the foundation of E-2 visa qualification.