Glossary · People and paperwork
E-2 investor visa
In short
This is a non-immigrant visa for treaty investors from certain countries who invest a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business. It's a key visa for foreign nationals looking to buy a business with an SBA loan.
What it means in a deal
If you're a foreign national, an E-2 visa can make you eligible for an SBA 7(a) loan. You must be a 'Qualified Alien' and hold an unexpired Form I-551, or other specific USCIS documentation. Lenders will require proof of your legal residency and work authorization in the U.S. before proceeding with your application.
Official sources
SOP 50 10 — Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
U.S. Small Business Administration · SBA Standard Operating Procedure
Last checked 2026-06-15. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Related terms
Common questions about E-2 investor visa
- Can a business owner with a valid E-2 investor visa meet the citizenship or residency requirements for a 7(a) loan?
- Can a non-U.S. citizen individual with an E-2 investor visa be an eligible applicant for a 7(a) loan?
- What type of property appraisal is required if my $1.2 million SBA loan includes commercial real estate?
- Are specific visa types acceptable for a non-U.S. citizen owner to be eligible for an SBA 7(a) loan?
- Is an individual without permanent resident status, but with a valid U.S. work visa, eligible for a 7(a) loan?
- What specific conditions apply to the prepayment penalty on 7(a) loans exceeding $2,500,000 with terms of 15 years or more?
Defined by CapBench SBA Intelligence — plain-English definitions for business buyers, lenders, advisors, and AI agents, grounded in public SBA rules and records. Last reviewed 2026-06-15 · Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision. Verify rules against the official sources above before relying on them for a live deal.
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