E-2 Visa Extension and Renewal Explained
E-2 extensions come in increments of up to two years with no limit on how many. Re-entry, changes to the business or employer, and when USCIS approval is needed.
Page reviewed October 17, 2026.
What it is
The initial E-2 stay is up to two years.
Extensions of stay and changes of status are granted in increments of up to two years each, and there is no limit on the number of extensions. A traveler who is admissible can generally be readmitted for an automatic two-year period. Approval is needed where there is a substantive change in the terms or conditions of E status, such as a fundamental change in the employing entity.
Extensions
Requests for extension of stay are granted in increments of up to two years each. There is no limit on the number of extensions. The holder must still maintain an intention to depart when the E-2 status ends.
Re-entry after travel
An E-2 holder who travels abroad can generally be granted an automatic two-year period of readmission if a Customs and Border Protection officer finds them admissible.
Changes that need approval
- A substantive change in the terms or conditions of E status needs USCIS approval, through a new application with evidence of continued eligibility.
- USCIS treats a fundamental change in the employing entity's basic characteristics, such as a merger, acquisition or sale of the division where the person works, as substantive.
- A non-substantive change does not need prior approval or a new application, and the holder has options such as presenting a letter from the company explaining the change.
- The holder cannot start new employment under a substantive change until the application is approved.
Related guides
Pricing
E-1 and E-2 pricing
$10,000
flat fee, any visa
What the fee includes
- Eligibility strategy mapped to the requirements of your visa
- Support, expert and reference letters drafted and coordinated for you
- The full legal brief and every exhibit, prepared and filed
- RFE responses included at no additional cost
- Real-time updates in English, French, Spanish, or Portuguese
- One team from first call to approval. No handoffs.
- If USCIS denies a petition Lando filed, Lando refunds its fee. Terms apply.
USCIS government filing fees are separate and paid directly to USCIS.
Why Lando
How Lando compares
A plain comparison with the way immigration petitions are commonly handled. Terms vary by firm, so check any provider's terms before you hire.
Price
Lando$10,000 flat fee per visa, published on the visa pages.
Commonly elsewhereOften billed hourly or by stage, so the total can change as the case grows.
Request for Evidence
LandoResponses are included at no extra cost.
Commonly elsewhereSometimes charged separately. Ask before you hire.
If USCIS denies
LandoLando refunds its fee for a petition it filed. Terms apply.
Commonly elsewhereNot always offered. Ask what is refunded.
Retainer
LandoNo retainer to begin, and no surprise invoices later.
Commonly elsewhereA retainer paid up front is common.
Who does the work
LandoOne team from first call to decision. Petitions are prepared in coordination with licensed U.S. immigration attorneys.
Commonly elsewhereVaries. Ask who will work on your file.
Languages
LandoCase updates in English, French, Spanish or Portuguese.
Commonly elsewhereVaries by firm.
Legal advice
LandoLando is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.
Commonly elsewhereA law firm can give you legal advice and represent you directly.
General comparison, not a statement about any named firm. USCIS fees are separate and are paid directly to USCIS. No one can promise a USCIS decision.
How it works
From first call to filed petition
1. Evaluation
You get an honest answer.
We review your situation on a 15-minute call and tell you honestly whether the visa fits and what would make the case stronger. No retainer. No commitment.
2. Strategy
You know exactly what your case looks like.
We map which company documents and evidence prove each requirement, and what is still missing. You see the full picture before we file anything.
3. Preparation
Your petition is built without you lifting a finger.
Our team drafts the support letters and the legal brief, curates every exhibit, and reviews the full petition before it leaves our hands. You approve. We file.
4. Filing
Filed. You get on with your life.
Your petition is filed at USCIS and we manage every communication from there. We handle any RFE at no extra charge.
Common questions
How long is an E-2 extension?
Up to two years each time, with no limit on the number of extensions.
Do I have to leave the U.S. to renew an E-2?
Not necessarily. An extension of stay can be requested from within the United States. An E-2 holder who travels abroad can generally be readmitted for an automatic two-year period if found admissible.
What if my business is sold or merged?
A fundamental change such as a merger, acquisition or sale of the division is treated as a substantive change that needs USCIS approval. Speak to a licensed immigration attorney early.
Can I change jobs on an E-2?
An E-2 employee may only work in the activity for which they were approved, plus work for the treaty organization's parent or subsidiaries in some cases. A substantive change needs approval first.
Does E-2 status ever run out?
There is no fixed maximum, but the holder must keep qualifying and keep an intention to leave when the status ends.
Is Lando a law firm?
No. Lando is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Petitions are prepared in coordination with licensed U.S. immigration attorneys. For advice about your own situation, speak to a licensed immigration attorney.
Sources
Checked October 2026.
Lando is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Petitions are prepared in coordination with licensed U.S. immigration attorneys.