Article Overview
Nationals of Pakistan and many other countries cannot apply directly for the US E-2 treaty investor visa, because their country does not have the required treaty with the United States. Grenada does. That is why some investors consider becoming Grenadian citizens through citizenship by investment and then applying for the E-2 visa as Grenadian nationals. This guide explains how the route works and what to consider.
Stage 1: Grenada citizenship by investment
The first step is to become a citizen of Grenada through its citizenship by investment programme. The main options are a contribution to the National Transformation Fund, from about USD 235,000 for a single applicant, or an investment in approved real estate. Applications are made through authorised agents and involve detailed due diligence. Read more in our Caribbean citizenship comparison.
The three-year domicile rule
Since 2022, US law requires people who obtained citizenship of a treaty country through investment to have been domiciled in that country for at least three years before they can qualify for an E-2 visa based on that citizenship. In practice, this means investors who become Grenadian through CBI generally need to live in Grenada for three years before applying for the E-2. This is a major factor in planning the timeline.
Stage 2: The US E-2 visa
The E-2 visa allows treaty nationals to live in the US to develop and direct a business in which they have invested a substantial amount of capital. Key requirements include:
- Nationality: the investor and the business must have the treaty nationality, here Grenadian.
- Substantial investment: there is no fixed minimum, but the investment must be substantial relative to the cost of the business and at risk.
- Real and operating business: not a passive investment, and not a business that only supports the investor's family.
- Control: the investor must develop and direct the business, usually by owning at least 50% or having operational control.
- Intent to depart: the E-2 is a non-immigrant visa, so the investor must intend to leave when their status ends.
What the E-2 gives you
- Permission to live in the US and run your business.
- Renewable status as long as the business continues to meet the requirements.
- Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can accompany you; spouses can usually work.
The E-2 is not a green card and does not lead directly to permanent residence or US citizenship.
Key risks and considerations
- The three-year domicile rule extends the timeline significantly.
- The total cost includes the CBI investment, fees, the US business investment and living costs.
- E-2 decisions are made by US consular officers and depend on the business plan and investment.
- Rules on both CBI and E-2 can change, and Grenada has been reviewing its programme.
Who is this route for?
The route suits entrepreneurs with a serious US business plan, sufficient capital and the flexibility to meet the domicile requirement. It is not a quick path to the US and is not suitable for passive investors.
How ZANS Consultants can help
We explain the full timeline, coordinate the Grenada citizenship application and work with US immigration lawyers on the E-2 stage. Learn more about our Grenada E-2 service and Grenada Citizenship by Investment service, or book a consultation.
General information only: CBI and US visa rules change. Check the current requirements with Grenada's investment migration agency and the US Department of State, and get advice from a US immigration lawyer. Each government makes its own decision on every application.
