Short answer: Taiwanese nationals can apply for the E-2 treaty investor visa directly, without first getting a second passport such as Grenada’s. E-2 lets you run a business you’ve invested in, is renewable indefinitely, but is a non-immigrant visa that doesn’t lead to a green card by itself. For green cards for the whole family, consider EB-5.
E-2 vs EB-5
| E-2 treaty investor | EB-5 investor immigration | |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Non-immigrant work visa | Green card |
| Investment | No fixed minimum; must be “substantial” for the business | USD 800,000 in a TEA |
| How | Run your own business actively | Can invest in a regional center project, no management needed |
| Renewal | As long as the business operates | Conditional green card for two years, then permanent |
| Spouse | Can work in the US | Green card, can work |
| Children | Can study; lose status at 21 | Green cards; protected by CSPA |
| Citizenship | Not possible | Apply after 5 years with a green card |
E-2’s biggest limit: children at 21
E-2 children lose dependent status at 21 and need another status to stay, with no CSPA protection. That’s why many families with children end up choosing EB-5.
How to choose
- Running your own US business, with young children: E-2 can be a first step, with a green card planned later.
- Long-term status for the whole family and university for children: EB-5.
- Both: some families go on E-2 first and file EB-5 later.
Our advice
An E-2 business must genuinely operate at a meaningful scale, not exist just for status. When comparing, weigh your children’s ages and long-term status most. As of October 2026.