E company Registration
E company registration and the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa is one of the most attractive U.S. immigration options for British businesses and their employees.
One of the most common questions we receive at Davies Legal is how long does it take?
Typical E-2 Visa / E Company Registration Timeline Through London
As of the date of writing (August 2026), the Embassy quotes processing times of 90 working days. In practice, applications for E company registration generally take between 4 – 7 months from submission of a complete application to receiving your E-2 visa. Processing times fluctuate and vary from embassy to embassy.
The Documents
One avoidable cause of delay is the preparation of the application. Many applicants underestimate the documentary and information requirements. The E company registration application requires extensive documentation demonstrating that both the applicant and the business satisfy the legal requirements.
Typical documents include:
- Company formation documents
- Corporate ownership documents
- Proof of the lawful source of funds
- Bank Statements
- Commercial lease agreements
- A comprehensive business plan
- Financial projections
- Employment projections
Preparing a complete and well-organized application before submission can significantly reduce delays later in the process.
The Interview
All applicants are invited to interview irrespective of the strength or success of an application. During the interview, a Consular Officer will usually ask questions about:
- Your investment
- Your business operations
- Your role within the company
- Your experience
- The source of your investment funds
- Your plans in the United States
- Any brushes with the law
- Whether you feel safe in your home country
Applicants who are expertly prepared often find the interview straightforward and Davies Legal clients generally report being with an officer for 2 – 5 minutes. Poorly prepared applications and/or applicants with criminal records can be subject to lengthy and/or hostile interviews.
What Can Delay an E-2 Visa Application Through London?
- Incomplete Documentation
Missing financial records or corporate documents frequently lead to requests for additional evidence.
- Source of Funds Issues
Applicants must clearly demonstrate how every investment dollar or pound was earned and transferred.
- Weak Business Plans
Especially for new or small businesses, a detailed business plan is a critical part of an E-2 application. Generic or unrealistic plans may invite additional scrutiny.
- Complex Ownership Structures
Applications involving multiple investors, holding companies, or international corporate structures require clear explanations.
- Embassy Workloads
Processing times vary throughout the year depending on staffing levels and application volumes.
Can You Speed Up the Process?
While there is no process to expedite the Embassy review of E company registration, expedited interviews can be requested upon completion of the Embassy’s review.
E-2 Employees
Once businesses are registered with the E Visa unit, employees can often secure appointments within 1 – 4 weeks and can often secure expedited appointments based on business need within a few days.
Why Work with Davies Legal?
Preparing a successful E-2 visa application involves far more than completing forms. Every investment is different, and presenting a persuasive legal case supported by organized evidence can make a significant difference.
Davies Legal assists clients with:
- Determining E-2 eligibility
- Structuring qualifying investments
- Preparing comprehensive application packages
- Drafting business plans
- Documenting the lawful source of funds
- Preparing clients for Embassy interviews
- Responding to requests for additional evidence. Davies Legal has received only one request for additional evidence in over 12 years of filing E-2 company registration applications with the US Embassy, London.
Davies Legal Immigration
At Davies Legal Immigration, we represent entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors throughout the UK. We provide a comprehensive service, including clear and concise advice, a pragmatic approach and efficient working practices. We adopt a well-reasoned, diligent approach to maximize your prospects of success. Contact now to obtain a free, no obligation quote.
