The E-2 visa (Investor Visa) is a type of non-immigrant visa that allows you to live in the United States with your spouse and children under the age of 21. It is intended for foreign nationals whose country of origin has a specific E-2 treaty with the United States, France included; who are going to set up or buy a business in the United States and create jobs; who will actually run the business. Generally, this E-2 visa is granted for a period of up to 60 months depending on the country (25 months only for French nationals), and allows the spouse and children under the age of 21 to live in the United States too. The E-2 visa is granted by the US embassy in your country (if there is a treaty with that country) after review of a complete file on your project prepared by an immigration lawyer and including a business plan specially drawn up for an E-2 visa application. Only holders of a valid E-2 visa may apply for a change of status. You may choose to apply for the change while in possession of an E-2 visa in the United States or to do so through a consulate. You must file an I-129 petition under the E-2 investor visa classification.
