Not every country has an E-2 treaty with the U.S. Check if yours qualifies.

The E-2 visa is only available to nationals of countries that maintain a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States. Over 80 countries currently have qualifying treaties. If your country is not on the list, alternatives like the EB-5 investor visa or E-1 treaty trader visa may be available.

Overview

The E-2 visa is only available to nationals of countries that maintain a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States. Over 80 countries currently have qualifying treaties. If your country is not on the list, alternatives like the EB-5 investor visa or E-1 treaty trader visa may be available.

This page provides detailed legal information about e-2 treaty countries list as it applies to permanent residents in the United States. Understanding the requirements, deadlines, and procedures ensures your immigration status remains secure. All content is authored by Jayson Elliott, J.D., a California-licensed attorney, and is current as of April 2026.

Form I-90 renewal and replacement go through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Most applicants move through it without issue, but criminal-history factors, conditional-resident status, lost or stolen cards, and pending naturalization can complicate the case. Understanding the requirements, timelines, and known traps reduces delay and protects your permanent-resident status while the renewal is pending.

What to do about e-2 treaty countries list

Your Rights Under California Law

Permanent residents have substantial rights under federal law.

Right to continued status

Permanent-resident status does not expire when the card expires. The card serves as evidence of status, not the status itself. LPR status persists unless it is formally terminated — by abandonment, removal proceedings, or rescission.

Right to work

An expired E-2 visa with a valid I-90 receipt notice remains acceptable proof of employment authorization. Employers cannot require reverification or refuse to accept this documentation.

Right to travel

You can leave the U.S. and return using your expired card together with your receipt notice. For trips longer than 12 months, secure a reentry permit (Form I-131) before departure to preserve LPR status.

How California Law Applies

The legal framework for green-card renewal sits in the Immigration and Nationality Act, with implementing rules at 8 CFR § 264.5. USCIS reviews each Form I-90 against the applicant’s identity, prior LPR status, and any disqualifying factors.

USCIS extended the receipt notice validity to 36 months on September 10, 2024, superseding the 24-month and 12-month versions. The extended notice covers every properly filed I-90 renewal and supports continued work and travel through processing.

Different rules apply to conditional permanent residents. INA § 216 covers marriage-based conditional status, and INA § 216A covers investor-based status; both require petitions to remove conditions within the 90-day window leading up to card expiration.

The Legal Process

Renewal begins with Form I-90 (online at uscis.gov or by mail to the Phoenix lockbox). On acceptance, USCIS issues an I-797C receipt notice that doubles as proof of status while the case is in process.

Form I-90 takes 8–14 months to adjudicate, depending on workload and service center. Premium processing is not available for I-90s. Case status can be checked online using the receipt number.

What Documentation Matters

Key documents for E-2 visa include:

• Current or expired E-2 visa — Front and back copy. If lost, submit a police report or written explanation.
• Government-issued photo ID — Passport, driver’s license, or state ID with name, date of birth, photo, and signature.
• Filing fee — $415 online or $465 by mail. Fee waivers available with Form I-912.
• Name change evidence — If applicable: marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order with certified English translation if in a foreign language.
• Form I-797C receipt notice — After filing, save this document. It extends your card’s validity for 36 months.

Frequently Asked Questions