Only 3 West African Nations Qualify for US E-2 Visa

The US government has announced that only three West African nations qualify for the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa, which permits citizens to live and work in the United States if they make a substantial investment in a US-based enterprise. The eligible countries are Liberia, classified as both E-1 and E-2 with its treaty effective from November 21, 1939; Senegal, classified as E-2 with its treaty effective from October 25, 1990; and Togo, classified as both E-1 and E-2 with its treaty effective from February 5, 1967.

Other West African nations, including Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, are not on the list, meaning their citizens cannot access the E-2 visa route. To qualify, applicants must be nationals of a country with a qualifying treaty with the US, and the investment must be substantial relative to the total cost of the business.

The E-2 visa is a nonimmigrant status, requiring holders to maintain their investment and intent to depart after their authorized stay.