E-2 Visa Cost Calculator 2027
E-2 visa costs in 2027: mandatory USCIS fees, attorney costs and hidden expenses. Calculate your total.
Applying for a E-2 visa in 2027? Don't get surprised by hidden fees. This calculator shows every mandatory and optional cost — USCIS filing fees, attorney fees, and extras like biometrics and premium processing — so you know the real total before you apply.
Mandatory USCIS fees for the E-2
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a E-2 application in 2027.
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-129 Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker | $1,055 | — | Official ↗ |
| Asylum Program Fee | $600 | $300 for employers with ≤25 full-time employees; $0 for nonprofits. Paid by the petitioning employer. | Official ↗ |
| DS-160 Visa Application (MRV) Fee | $315 | — | Official ↗ |
Source: USCIS Fee Schedule. Fees change — verify before filing. Last full data review: August 2026. See our methodology.
Optional costs
Attorney fees
$2,500 – $6,000 in Average (US). Typical cities: New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston.
Premium processing
Premium Processing (Form I-907): $2,965
Medical exam
$200 – $500 — Civil surgeon exam (I-693) varies by physician and city.
Translation services
$50 – $250 — Certified translations of birth/marriage certificates.
How to apply for the E-2
- 1
Confirm treaty-country nationality
Must be a citizen of one of roughly 80 countries with a qualifying E-2 treaty with the U.S.
- 2
Make and document a substantial investment
Funds must be irrevocably committed to a real, operating (non-marginal) U.S. business with a documented lawful source.
- 3
Prepare a detailed business plan
Showing viability and the capacity to generate more than a marginal living for the investor and family.
- 4
File
Consular processing (DS-160 + interview) for applicants abroad, or Form I-129 for a change of status from within the U.S.
Typical processing time: Consular processing generally takes about 2–4 months as of early 2026; USCIS change-of-status petitions can use premium processing for a 15-business-day decision.
Documents you'll need
- Proof of treaty-country nationality (passport)
- Evidence of the substantial investment (bank records, invoices, lease/purchase agreements)
- Documented lawful source and path of investment funds
- Business registration, licenses, and formation documents
- Detailed business plan with financial projections
Common mistakes to avoid
- Investing too little capital, or leaving funds in a bank account rather than genuinely committing them to the business
- "Marginality" concerns — the business can't show it will generate more than a minimal living
- Weak, generic business plans lacking realistic financial projections
- Incomplete documentation of the lawful source of investment funds
Cost breakdown by scenario
| Scenario | Includes | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| A — Solo, no attorney | Mandatory government fees only | $1,970 |
| B — With attorney | Government fees + attorney, no premium | $4,470 – $7,970 |
| C — Attorney + premium + dependents | Everything included | $7,735 – $11,735 |
How to save money on your E-2
- File without an attorney if your case is straightforward — you can cut $2,500–$6,000.
- Skip premium processing unless you genuinely need a fast decision.
- Prepare documents yourself to avoid translation and document-prep fees.
- Double-check every fee on the USCIS website so you never overpay a third party.
E-2 cost FAQ (2027)
How much does a E-2 visa cost in 2027?
The total estimated cost of a E-2 visa in 2027 ranges from about $4,470 to $11,735, depending on whether you use an attorney, pay for premium processing, and include dependents.
What is the E-2 application fee?
The government application fee varies by visa and year. USCIS publishes the current schedule, and this calculator itemises every mandatory fee with a link to the official source.
How much do immigration lawyers charge for a E-2 visa?
Attorney fees typically add $2,000–$5,000 depending on the city and case complexity. The calculator lets you toggle attorney costs on or off to compare.
Can I apply for a E-2 visa without a lawyer?
Yes. Many applicants file without a lawyer and only pay the mandatory government fees. An attorney is optional but can reduce the risk of costly mistakes.
What hidden costs should I budget for?
Beyond the filing fee, budget for biometrics, medical examinations, certified translations, and premium processing if you need a faster decision.
Is premium processing available for a E-2 visa?
Premium or priority processing is available for many routes for an extra fee, but not all. Check the calculator's options and the USCIS website for eligibility.
Do I have to pay extra for dependents?
Yes — each dependent usually requires an additional application fee and, in some countries, a health surcharge. Toggle the dependents option to include them.
Are visa fees refundable if my application is refused?
In most cases government application fees are not refunded if the application is refused. Always verify current policy with USCIS before paying.
How often do USCIS fees change?
Fee schedules are reviewed periodically and can change each year. This calculator is updated from official sources, but confirm the current fee before you file.
What is the cheapest way to apply for a E-2 visa?
Applying without an attorney, without premium processing, and without dependents keeps you at the low end of the cost range — usually just the mandatory government fees.
Use the calculator above for your specific case
Get an instant total and download a free PDF report.