# I have an E-2 visa. Can my spouse work in the U.S.? What is the process to get work authorization?

> An E-2 visa is a perfect visa for an individual or company who wants to start or purchase a business in the United States. In order to obtain the visa, the applicant must invest a substantial amount in a business in…
> URL: https://legalservicesincorporated.com/immigration-law/investor-visas/e2-visa/i-have-an-e-2-visa-can-my-spouse-work-in-the-u-s-what-is-the-process-to-get-work-authorization/
> Last modified: 2026-03-17T20:01:47+00:00

[An E-2 visa](https://legalservicesincorporated.com/e-2-investor-visa/) is a perfect visa for an individual or company who wants to start or purchase a business in the United States. In order to obtain the visa, the applicant must invest a [substantial amount](https://legalservicesincorporated.com/how-large-does-an-investment-have-to-be-for-an-e-2-visa/) in a business in the United States, be a national of a treaty country and ultimately hire U.S. workers.

A full list of the visa requirements can be obtained by clicking [here](https://legalservicesincorporated.com/203/).

The E-2 visa allows you to live and work in the U.S. and you can renew the visa as long as your business continues to run. Another benefit of the E-2 visa is that your spouse can get work authorization in the U.S. which gives them significant freedom and flexibility in their careers. As the E-2 visa holder you are only permitted to work for the E-2 company, however your spouse can work for any employer or even be self-employed. An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is the document that allows an E-2 visa spouse to work in the U.S. and the document usually takes 90 days to arrive.

There is a recent court case that casts some doubt on whether an EAD card is needed for an E-2 visa spouse.  [You can find out more about whether an E-2 visa is required for an E-2 spouse by clicking here.](https://legalservicesincorporated.com/does-a-spouse-of-an-e-2-investor-visa-holder-require-employment-authorization/)

In order to apply for work authorization, you and your spouse must have entered the U.S. on your E-2 visas. Your spouse will then fill out a form and will need to gather the following supporting documentation to submit to the USCIS:

- Copy of Passport Bio Page

- Latest I-94s for you and your spouse showing entry in E-2 Status

- Marriage certificate with [English translation](https://legalservicesincorporated.com/should-supporting-visa-documentation-be-in-english-do-i-have-to-translate-my-visa-documents/) (if necessary)

- Copies of you and your spouse’s E-2 visas

- 2 passport style photos taken within the last 30 days and that meet U.S. Department of State [requirements](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos.html)

- Any previous employment authorization card issued in the U.S. (front and back)

- Any previous I-797 approval notices for employment authorization

- Old I-20s if applicable

- Student Visa if applicable

- A check for USCIS filing fees