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E-2 Investor Visa for Consulting Firms

 

The United States has the largest consulting market in the world, driven by demand for strategy, operations, digital transformation, and regulatory expertise. According to IBISWorld, the market size of U.S. management consulting  is estimated at USD 399.3 billion in 2024. Large firms continue to dominate the market, but small and mid-sized firms maintain strong opportunities in niche areas such as sustainability, technology, and compliance.

The United States also commands the largest portion of the North American consulting market. According to Consulting.us, the U.S. represents 93 percent of the region’s consulting activity, and North America as a whole makes up 40 percent of global consulting revenues. This dominance illustrates the country’s central role in global consulting, supported by a dynamic economy, complex regulatory frameworks, and consistent client demand for expert advice.

 

E-2 Investor Visa Guidelines for Consulting Firms

The consulting industry in the United States is large and growing, which makes it an attractive sector for foreign investors. Many entrepreneurs see consulting as a lower-overhead path into the U.S. market, compared to capital-heavy industries such as manufacturing or retail. However, investors who wish to establish a consulting firm must meet specific U.S. immigration requirements. The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa is the most commonly used option for this purpose, provided the applicant is a citizen of a treaty country and meets the regulatory standards for investment, ownership, and control.

According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the investor must have invested, or be actively in the process of investing, a substantial amount of capital in a bona fide U.S. enterprise. For consulting firms, this means establishing a real, active business with documented expenses such as office space, staff, marketing, and technology infrastructure.

Ownership and control are also central requirements. As USCIS notes, the investor must either own at least 50 percent of the company or hold a position that gives them clear operational control. The U.S. Department of State adds that the business cannot be marginal. It must generate more than enough income to support the investor and family, or demonstrate the ability to contribute significantly to the economy within five years. The E-2 visa is granted in increments of up to two years, with unlimited two-year extensions available as long as the business remains operational and compliant.

 

High-Growth Consulting Segments in the U.S.

Choosing the right niche is an important factor for E-2 investors. While the visa requires proof of a substantial investment and an operating enterprise, the long-term success of a consulting firm also depends on entering sectors where demand is strong. Focusing on high-growth consulting segments makes the business more competitive, which helps both in securing clients and in demonstrating to U.S. consular officers that the firm has meaningful potential for profitability and job creation.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Consulting
According to Market.us, the U.S. AI consulting market was valued at approximately USD 2.8 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 17.9 billion by 2034, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.4 percent. The largest share comes from IT consulting, driven by demand for AI strategy, system integration, and automation services. The finance and banking sectors are noted as leading adopters of AI consulting.

Regulatory and Compliance Consulting
According to Market.us Scoop, the U.S. regulatory and compliance consulting market generated about USD 7.05 billion in 2024, with North America overall contributing USD 8.2 billion. Globally, this sector is projected to grow from USD 25.6 billion in 2024 to USD 127.3 billion by 2034, representing a CAGR of 17.4 percent.

Digital Services Consulting
According to Market.us, the U.S. digital services consulting market was valued at USD 48.1 billion in 2024 and is forecast to reach USD 80.1 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 5.23 percent. This category covers services such as cloud adoption, Internet of Things (IoT), data analytics, and customer experience consulting.

Healthcare Consulting
According to Towards Healthcare, the global healthcare consulting market is expected to increase from USD 32.08 billion in 2025 to USD 75.95 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 10.05 percent. North America currently leads this sector, reflecting high demand for advisory services in hospitals, insurance, and healthcare systems.

 

Why These Areas Matter for Potential E-2 Applicants

  • According to growth forecasts, AI consulting is one of the fastest expanding fields, making it an attractive niche for forward-looking investors.
  • Regulatory and compliance consulting is stable and practical for firms that serve industries under strict oversight.
  • Digital services consulting remains essential as U.S. businesses continue their digital transformation.
  • Healthcare consulting offers steady demand and specialized expertise, strengthening the case for long-term viability.

By positioning a consulting firm in one of these growth areas, an E-2 investor can demonstrate to U.S. consular officers that the business is aligned with strong market demand and is structured for sustainable growth.

*Figures are drawn from the cited third-party publications and government datasets and were current as of the publication date. While we strive for accuracy, please independently verify any numbers that are material to your decisions.

 

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