Pakistani citizens can use the E-2 visa, because Pakistan is on the State Department treaty list (U.S. Department of State, Oct 2026). You must invest a substantial amount at risk in a real, active U.S. business and own at least half of it or control it (USCIS, Aug 2026).
Your biggest task is the paper trail for your funds. This guide shows what to prepare.
Do Pakistani citizens qualify for the E-2?
Yes, if you hold Pakistani citizenship and meet the investment and business tests. The tests are the same for every treaty country. The business must be real, active and not marginal, and it can qualify if it can reach enough income within five years (USCIS, Aug 2026).
What should you prepare?
- Funds trail: bank records, sale documents and tax records that show where your money came from.
- Lawful transfer: records that show how the money left Pakistan and reached the U.S. business.
- Business plan: costs, hires and forecasts for this business and location.
- Commitment proof: leases, purchases and receipts for money already at risk.
Funds must come from lawful sources, and USCIS says the capital must be subject to partial or total loss if the business fails (USCIS, Aug 2026). Speak to a cross-border tax adviser about moving money.
How much do you need to invest?
There is no fixed amount. The investment must be substantial compared with the cost of the business, and the cheaper the business, the larger the share you must invest. Read the investment amount guide and the page on an E-2 visa with less than $150,000.
Can your family come with you?
Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can come with you. Your spouse is authorized to work, and your children cannot (USCIS, Aug 2026).
Is the E-2 a path to a green card?
Not directly. You must plan to leave when your status ends. If a green card is your goal, compare routes such as the EB-2 NIW with the U.S. route finder. If you are weighing Canada too, see immigrating to Canada from Pakistan.
How do you start?
Step 1: Confirm your passport on the E-2 country list.
Step 2: Take the E-2 eligibility check.
Step 3: Read the E-2 visa mistakes guide before you spend money.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pakistan on the E-2 treaty list?
Yes. Pakistan is on the State Department list, and so are Canada, Mexico, Turkey, Egypt and the Philippines (U.S. Department of State, Oct 2026).
How much money do Pakistani applicants need?
There is no fixed amount. The investment must be substantial compared with the cost of the business and at risk (USCIS, Aug 2026).
Can my spouse work on an E-2 visa?
Yes. Spouses in valid E-2 status are authorized to work incident to status (USCIS, Aug 2026).
Can I get a green card through the E-2?
Not directly. The E-2 is temporary, so a green card needs a separate route such as the EB-2 NIW or the EB-1A.
What is the hardest part of the file?
For many applicants it is the funds trail. Every step of the money, from the source to the U.S. business, needs a clear record.
Where to go from here
Check your fit first. Start with the E-2 eligibility check. For the full rules, read about the E-2 investor visa.
Last updated: 15 October 2026.
Amir Ismail leads Amir Ismail & Associates, which has guided clients since 1991 and works with independent U.S. immigration attorneys. AIA is not a law firm. Legal advice and filings are handled by the attorney.
