Argentina is on the US list of E-2 treaty investor countries. However, since December 2022, US law requires applicants who obtained treaty-country citizenship through a financial investment to have been domiciled in that country for at least three continuous years before applying for E-2 status. Argentine citizenship by investment is therefore not an immediate route to an E-2 visa.
What the E-2 visa is
The E-2 treaty investor visa lets nationals of treaty countries live and work in the US to develop and direct a substantial business investment. It does not lead directly to a green card but can be renewed indefinitely while the business operates.
The three-year domicile rule
Legislation enacted in December 2022 added a condition: a national of a treaty country who acquired that nationality through a financial investment must have been domiciled in that country for at least three years. The rule was aimed at Caribbean citizenship programmes, notably Grenada, that had been used mainly for E-2 access.
What it means for Argentina
An investor who becomes Argentine through the programme and wants E-2 status would need three years of genuine domicile in Argentina first. Investors whose priority is the US should consider this from the outset.
US travel in general
Argentina is not in the US Visa Waiver Program, so visitors need a B-1/B-2 visa.
Frequently asked questions
Is Argentina an E-2 treaty country?
Yes.
Can I get an E-2 visa right after Argentine citizenship by investment?
No. Investors who gained treaty nationality through investment must first be domiciled in that country for three years.
Sources
- US Department of State, Treaty Countries list
- US legislation of December 2022 amending INA §101(a)(15)(E)