United States
ChileCompare visas
E-2 vs ESTA
The E-2 and the ESTA rarely compete: the ESTA covers a short trip without a visa, while the E-2 lets you live in the United States directing a business you have invested in. Chile is the only Latin American country in the Visa Waiver Program, so an ESTA usually covers a business visit, but it gives only 90 days and does not authorise work. To run your company you need the E-2, which goes straight to the consulate and renews indefinitely.
These two categories differ on 7 of 10 criteria. The full table is below, but if you only have a minute, these are the differences that decide a case.
Where they part ways
What it is for
E-2 Direct your own US business
ESTA A short trip without a visa
Needs a sponsor
E-2 No, the investment is yours
ESTA No
Prior USCIS petition
E-2 No, straight to the consulate
ESTA No, resolved online
Duration
E-2 Renewable indefinitely
ESTA 90 days per trip, no extension
Spouse may work
E-2 Yes, authorised by the status
ESTA Not applicable, one each
Path to residence
E-2 Not on its own
ESTA It does not lead there
Chile's position
E-2 A treaty country since 2004
ESTA The only Latin American country in the programme
Full comparison
| Criterion | E-2 E-2 visa | ESTA ESTA / Visa Waiver |
|---|---|---|
| What it is for The activity the category authorises. | Direct your own US business | A short trip without a visa |
| Needs a sponsor Whether someone else has to petition for you. | No, the investment is yours | No |
| Annual cap How many are issued per fiscal year. | No cap | No cap |
| Lottery Whether access depends on a random selection. | None | None |
| Prior USCIS petition Whether a form must be approved before the consulate. | No, straight to the consulate | No, resolved online |
| Duration Initial term and cumulative ceiling. | Renewable indefinitely | 90 days per trip, no extension |
| Dual intent Whether you can pursue residence without risking the status. | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Spouse may work Whether your partner is authorised to work. | Yes, authorised by the status | Not applicable, one each |
| Path to residence Whether it leads to a green card or is one already. | Not on its own | It does not lead there |
| Chile's position What being Chilean changes. | A treaty country since 2004 | The only Latin American country in the programme |
Figures verified on 2026-09-11
This table is general guidance, not legal advice or an eligibility assessment.
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