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Investor Visas

E-2 Visa for Mexican Citizens: An Overview

By Kyle Farmer, Farmer Law PC, Austin, Texas.

Last reviewed: October 31, 2026.

Short answer: Mexico is an E-2 treaty country, so a Mexican citizen who invests in a U.S. business may be able to come to the United States on an E-2 treaty investor visa to develop and direct that business. The State Department lists Mexico’s E-2 treaty as in force since January 1, 1994, and the U.S. Mission to Mexico processes E-2 visas at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City and the U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez.

Thinking about an E-2 for a U.S. business? Book a free 15-minute intro call.

What the E-2 is

The E-2 treaty investor visa lets a national of a treaty country come to the United States to develop and direct a business in which they have invested, or are actively investing, a substantial amount of capital (INA 101(a)(15)(E)(ii); 8 CFR 214.2(e)). It is a temporary visa, not a green card. Some employees of an E-2 business who share its nationality can also qualify, and a spouse and unmarried children under 21 can come as dependents.

Mexico’s treaty

The State Department’s list of treaty countries shows Mexico for both the E-1 (treaty trader) and the E-2 (treaty investor), each in force since January 1, 1994. The E-2 follows nationality, so the investor uses Mexico’s treaty through Mexican citizenship.

Visa validity for Mexican citizens

The State Department’s reciprocity schedule for Mexico, checked October 31, 2026, lists the E-2 visa as multiple entry, in two versions: valid for 12 months with no issuance fee, or valid for 48 months with an issuance fee. Visa validity is how long the visa can be used to travel to the United States. It is not how long you can stay. An E-2 admission is for up to 2 years, and stays can be extended in increments of up to 2 years (8 CFR 214.2(e)(19)-(20)). Fees change, so check the current Mexico reciprocity schedule before you apply.

Who it generally fits

  • Mexican citizens buying or starting a U.S. business that they plan to run.
  • Mexican citizens already invested in a U.S. business who want to direct it in person.
  • Mexican nationals hired by a qualifying Mexican E-2 business to work in an executive or supervisory role, or in a role that needs skills essential to the business.
  • Also worth knowing: If you have a U.S. job offer in a listed professional occupation, rather than a business of your own, see our TN visa page for Mexican citizens.

Broad steps

  1. Set up the U.S. business and make the investment, keeping records of where the funds came from.
  2. Complete the online DS-160 visa application and pay the visa application fee through the U.S. Mission’s visa appointment system.
  3. Attend a biometrics appointment.
  4. Send the application package by email to the Embassy in Mexico City or the Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez.
  5. Attend the consular interview. The U.S. Mission says every applicant, including children and renewal applicants, appears in person.
  6. If the consular officer intends to approve the visa, pay any issuance fee that applies.

For the investment side in more depth, see our E-2 visa page and E-2 source of funds, loans and escrow.

FAQ

Is Mexico an E-2 treaty country?
Yes. The State Department lists Mexico’s E-2 treaty as in force since January 1, 1994. Mexico also has an E-1 treaty trader treaty from the same date.

Where do Mexican citizens apply for an E-2 visa?
The U.S. Mission to Mexico processes E-2 visas at two locations only: the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City and the U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez.

How long is a Mexican E-2 visa valid?
The State Department’s Mexico reciprocity schedule lists the E-2 visa as multiple entry, valid for either 12 months with no issuance fee or 48 months with an issuance fee. Each E-2 admission is for up to 2 years, and stays can be extended in increments of up to 2 years.

Is the E-2 a green card?
No. The E-2 is a temporary visa, and you must intend to leave the United States when your E-2 status ends. USCIS says there is no limit on the number of E-2 extensions.

Can my family come with me?
Yes. A spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply as E-2 dependents, and they do not need to be Mexican citizens.

Talk with us

Thinking about investing in a U.S. business? Our experienced attorneys can walk you through the E-2 basics. Book a free 15-minute intro call or call (512) 588-5909.