Applicants from India can file EB-2 NIW petition and obtain an NIW I-140 Immigrant Petition approval, while having a valid non-immigrant visa status, like the H-1B visa.
Why can’t I get an E2 visa for India?
The main issue preventing Indian investors from applying for and getting approved for an E2 visa is that India does not have an E2 treaty with the US. In order to overcome this obstacle, one option is to obtain citizenship from a country that has an E2 treaty with the United States.
Can a Chinese citizen apply for an E-2 visa?
Citizens of China, India, and the more than 100 other countries without a treaty with the U.S. can petition for an E-2 visa using this unique maneuver: Become a citizen of the Caribbean nation of Grenada. Read more about getting an E-2 investor visa via Grenada citizenship.
Do I qualify for an E-2 visa treaty country?
You must be from a treaty country in order to qualify. Keep reading to find out exactly what that means and which nations count as E-2 visa treaty countries. The E-2 is a nonimmigrant visa that allows investors from treaty countries to work in the United States through their investment in a U.S. enterprise.
How do I get an E2 visa for the US?
Therefore, to qualify for an E2 visa, you may consider applying for citizenship to another country which has an E2 treaty with the US. Two countries you may wish to consider are Grenada and Canada.
Why India is not part of E2 visa?
E2 visa requirement – India India does not have a signed treaty with USA. You will first need to get a second passport through Grenada or another country that has E-2 treaty signed with the US.
Who is eligible for E2 visa?
To qualify for E-2 classification, you must: Be a national of a country the United States maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation with; Have invested, or are actively in the process of investing, a substantial amount of capital in a bona fide enterprise in the United States; and.
Is it hard to get an E2 visa?
The E2 is an investment visa that requires you either buy an existing business or start a new one. Our initial trips were done on a B1/B2 visa, which allows for a stay of up to 6 months, with a possible 6 month extension. This visa is rather easy to obtain (I wrote an article on that here).
Can I apply E2 visa inside USA?
Can I apply for an E-2 visa in the United States? A visa can only be granted by the US consulate and USCIS can only grant a petition which may include a change or extension of status. In addition you would have to be admitted on the passport for the country with the treaty of commerce.
How long E2 visa takes?
E-2 visa processing can take anywhere from two weeks to up to 5 months. Visa processing times will be a key consideration when filing an E-2 petition, particularly given the planning required to pursue your business activity and if your family will also be applying to join you as E-2 dependants.
How much investment is required for E2 visa?
The applicant must make a substantial investment to qualify for the E2 investor visa. However, the law does not state a minimum dollar amount. Generally, the applicant should be prepared to invest at least $100,000 US dollars in the enterprise to have a good E2 visa case.
Can I apply for an E2 visa myself?
You can apply for an E2 Visa without a lawyer—but the majority of people do not want to devote the time and effort to learn all of the requirements and avoid costly errors.
How many E2 visas are issued each year?
In the EB-5 visa's shadow, the E-2 treaty investor visa has rapidly grown to over 43,000 approved annually.
Can E2 visa denied?
There are a few common reasons why your application may be denied. The first is that your investment may not be substantial enough. While there is no specific amount for what counts as a substantial investment, it can be difficult to get your E-2 Visa approved if the investment falls below $80,000.
How much does E2 visa cost?
If you are applying for an E2 visa at a US embassy or consulate in your home country, you will have to file a DS-160. You and each of your dependents (spouse and children) will be charged a fee of $205 (each) to process your DS-160.
Can I bring my family with E2 visa?
Spouses and children under the age of 21 who wish to accompany, or follow to join, an E-1 or E-2 visa holder may apply for derivative E-1 or E-2 visas. They need not hold the same nationality as the E-1 or E-2 visa holder. Please see 9 FAM 402.9-9.
Is E2 visa multiple entry?
For E-2 investors with multiple entry E-2 visas in their passports, they can leave the U.S. and reenter until the expiration date of their visa and each time they reenter, they are given 2 years in E-2 status. If the visa is still valid, they must then leave the U.S. and reenter.
How much does E2 visa cost?
If you are applying for an E2 visa at a US embassy or consulate in your home country, you will have to file a DS-160. You and each of your dependents (spouse and children) will be charged a fee of $205 (each) to process your DS-160.
What are the benefits of E2 visa?
Benefits of the E2 Visa Spouses have the ability to work anywhere in the United States. The Grenada E-2 visa can be renewed indefinitely, as long as the E-2 business maintains operations. E-2 visa holders can spend up to 120 days in the US without being subject to worldwide income taxation.
Can spouse of E2 visa holder work?
The spouse may work for the E2 investor's business or find a job with another employer. The spouse may also start his or her own business using the work permit. The employment may be full-time or part-time. The USCIS usually issues the spousal work permit within 2 to 3 months of applying.
Who is eligible for E3 visa?
The E-3 visa classification applies only to nationals of Australia, their spouses and children under the age of 21. E-3 principal applicants must be going to the United States solely to work in a specialty occupation.
As an Indian citizen, Am I eligible for an E-2 Visa?
India does not have a signed treaty with USA. You will first need to get a second passport through Grenada or another country that has E-2 treaty s...
Can a spouse of a E2 visa holder from India work in the US?
Spouses of E-2 visa holders from India are able to work in the US only once they apply for work authorization by filling form I-765, if approved th...
Can an India national work in the USA with an E2 visa?
Yes. As an India national, you are eligible to work in the US but only the business that you have invested or if you are an employee at the organis...
For an India national, What businesses qualify for an E2 visa?
There is no specific list of businesses under the E-2 treaty. As long as the investor has made a significant investment in a business and is approv...
As an Indian citizen, What happens when my E2 visa expires?
The E-2 visa holders from India are allowed to renew their visas. The extensions are granted for 2 years and there are no restrictions on the numbe...
What is an E-2 visa?
An E-2 investor visa offers a relatively quick option for foreign investors to come to the U.S. to live and work by starting a company. It enables foreign nationals whose home country has an investment treaty with the U.S. to live and work here if investing capital and creating jobs.
What are the advantages of an E-2 visa?
The E-2 investor visa does not lead to permanent residence (a green card) or U.S. citizenship like the EB-5 green card. The EB-5 has become a popular option among many foreign investors, particularly those from China and India. Still, the E-2 visa offers some big advantages over the EB-5: 1 Currently, the process for a foreign investor to become a Grenada citizen takes about five to seven months. The processing time for an E-2 is usually four months or less. That means the whole process of obtaining Grenada citizenship and an E-2 visa will take far less time than the two years or more foreign investors currently face waiting for an EB-5. Chinese investors face an even longer wait to obtain EB-5 because of a backlog. 2 The EB-5 Regional Center Program faces an uncertain future. It is set to expire on Sept. 30, unless Congress reauthorizes it. 3 An E-2 visa offers unlimited extensions, as long as the conditions under which the visa was granted remain in place. 4 The spouse of an E-2 visa holder is eligible for an Employment Authorization Document. That means a spouse of an E-2 visa holder may work in the U.S. 5 Employees of the E-2 visa holder may also be eligible for E-2 visas.
How long does it take to get an E-2 visa in Grenada?
Still, the E-2 visa offers some big advantages over the EB-5: Currently, the process for a foreign investor to become a Grenada citizen takes about five to seven months. The processing time for an E-2 is usually four months or less.
When does the EB-5 expire?
The EB-5 Regional Center Program faces an uncertain future. It is set to expire on Sept. 30, unless Congress reauthorizes it.
Does an E-2 visa lead to permanent residence?
The E-2 investor visa does not lead to permanent residence (a green card) or U.S. citizenship like the EB-5 green card. The EB-5 has become a popular option among many foreign investors, particularly those from China and India. Still, the E-2 visa offers some big advantages over the EB-5:
What are E-2 Visa Requirements for India?
India does not have a signed treaty with USA. You will first need to get a second passport through Grenada or another country that has E-2 treaty signed with the US.
How much does E-2 Visa Cost for Indian citizens?
After you have got a second passport from a country that has a Treaty with US. From that point on, minimum investment amount is typically over US $150K (INR 1.12 Crore). For investor present in USA – Form I-129 fee $460 (Form I-539 – $370 per dependent), 15 days premium processing at $1,440. Investor in Home-country – $205 fee per DS-160 form. Lawyer’s charges, Business entity formation costs.
How long does it take to get an E-2 visa for Indian citizens?
The processing time for an E-2 visa depends on Indian Investor. Once you have a second passport from another country like Grenada. If present in the USA, the average time is 5 months. Premium processing time is 15 days for $1,225. For outside of the US, E2 visa processing time through a Consulate varies from 2 weeks to 4 months. Above timeline is after you have a passport from a country that has Treaty with the US.
What is E-2 visa?
The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa Program is indirectly available to residents of India by getting a second Passport from a country that has a treaty with USA.
What languages does EB5 speak?
EB5 BRICS can help you navigate the E-2 Visa Program through our presence in India in conjunction with our U.S. Legal Partner. Our Team speaks English, Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi.
How long does it take to get an E2 visa?
Premium processing time is 15 days for $1,225. For outside of the US, E2 visa processing time through a Consulate varies from 2 weeks to 4 months. Above timeline is after you have a passport from a country that has Treaty with the US. Details on USCIS E-2 processing times.
Is there a list of businesses under the E-2?
There is no specific list of businesses under the E-2 treaty. As long as the investor has made a significant investment in a business and is approved by the US citizenship and immigration services.
How to notify USCIS of an E-2?
Where there has been such a substantive change, the treaty investor or enterprise, if it wishes to continue to employ the alien in E-2 status, must notify USCIS by filing a new Form I-129 with fee , and may simultaneously request an extension of stay for the treaty investor or affected employee. The Form I-129 must include evidence to show that the treaty investor or affected employee continues to qualify for E-2 classification. An employer who no longer employs an E-2 nonimmigrant is urged to inform USCIS of this upon termination of the E-2 nonimmigrant’s employment.
How long can an E-2 stay in the US?
Qualified treaty investors and employees will be allowed a maximum initial stay of two years. Requests for extension of stay in, or changes of status to, E-2 classification may be granted in increments of up to two years each. There is no limit to the number of extensions an E-2 nonimmigrant may be granted. All E-2 nonimmigrants, however, must maintain an intention to depart the United States when their status expires or is terminated.
How much ownership of an investment enterprise is required to enter the United States?
Be seeking to enter the United States solely to develop and direct the investment enterprise. This is established by showing at least 50% ownership of the enterprise or possession of operational control through a managerial position or other corporate device.
Do I need to file an I-129?
A treaty investor is not required to file a new Form I-129 to notify USCIS about non-substantive changes. A treaty investor or E-2 employee enterprise may seek advice from USCIS, however, to determine whether a change is considered substantive. To request advice, the treaty investor or enterprise must file Form I-129 with fee and a complete description of the change.
Can an E-2 employee work for a parent company?
An E-2 employee, however, may also work for the treaty organization’s parent company or one of its subsidiaries as long as the:
Can an E-2 investor travel abroad?
As discussed above, the E-2 treaty investor or employee may travel abroad and will generally be granted an automatic two-year period of readmission when returning to the United States. Unless the family members are accompanying the E-2 treaty investor or employee at the time the latter seeks readmission to the United States, the new readmission period will not apply to the family members. To remain lawfully in the United States, family members must carefully note the period of stay they have been granted in E-2 status, and apply for an extension of stay before their own validity expires.
What is an E2 visa?
Other Treaty Trader and Investor Visas. The E2 visa is a Treaty Trader and Investor Visa for the United States. It is a US non-immigrant visa category, and it is issued for individual investors or investing companies from countries that have a treaty with the United States. The investment can be in any industry or business such as tourism, IT, ...
How to change status on E2 visa?
This can be done by filing Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The application must contain proof of your nationality, investment, and intent to return.
What are the Eligibility Criteria for the E2 visa?
To be eligible for an E2 visa, there are several criteria that you must meet, such as:
What Are the Advantages of the E2 Visa?
First, there is no quota for it, so anyone who qualifies can be granted this visa. Additionally, it is a much better option of entering the US than with the EB5 investor Green Card, which requires people to invest more than $500,000 in the US and generate employment for at least 10 people.
How long Does it Take to Go From an E2 Visa to a Green Card?
Depending on which option you choose to go from an E2 visa to a Green Card, it can take quite some time. If you choose to go with an EB-1, EB-5, or family petition then it might take you from six months to more than a year to get the Green Card. If you choose to adjust to a dual intent visa, it will take several years.
How to Adjust Status From an E2 Visa to a Green Card?
If you get approval for one of the immigrant visas from an E2 visa, then you must adjust your status. This is done by filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status to USCIS. They will take some time to process it and will mail your Green Card to you once completed.
How much does it cost to get an E2 visa?
For the E2 visa, the application fee is $205. You might also be required to pay additional fees such as visa issuance fees or reciprocity fees based on your home country. After you pay all your fees, save the receipts, as you will need them later.
What is an E visa?
The E visa category includes treaty traders and investors who come to the United States under a treaty of commerce and navigation between the United States and the country of which they are a citizen or national. This category also includes Australian specialty occupation workers.
What is E-2 investment?
Treaty investors (E-2) invest a substantial amount of money and direct the operations of an enterprise they have invested in, or are actively investing in.
What is an E-2?
Treaty investors (E-2) invest a substantial amount of money and direct the operations of an enterprise they have invested in, or are actively investing in. Australian specialty occupation workers (E-3) perform services in a specialty occupation. See U.S. Department of State's Treaty Countries for a current list of countries ...
What is E-1 or E-2 classification?
E-1 or E-2 Classification as an Employee of a Treaty Trader or Treaty Investor. To qualify for E-1 or E-2 classification, you must: Be the same nationality as the main alien employer (who must have the nationality of the treaty country); Meet the definition of “employee” under relevant law; and.
Can an Australian trader get an E-1 visa?
Eligibility. Before entering the United States, treaty traders or investors and Australian specialty occupation workers must apply and receive an E-1, E-2, or E-3 visa from a U.S. consulate or embassy overseas. A U.S. company may also request a change of status to E-1, E-2, or E-3 for a nonimmigrant that is already in the United States.
Who will be given priority in India?
Priority will be given to compelling cases in distress, including migrant workers/ labourers who have been laid off, short term visa holders faced with expiry of visas, persons with medical emergency/pregnant women/elderly, those required to return to India due to death of family member, and students.
Is international travel prohibited in India?
In order to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, international travel of passengers has been prohibited under MHA's Orders related to lockdown measures. As per information available, many persons are stranded in India who desirous to travel abroad urgently for various purposes.
Can asymptomatic people cross the border into India?
Passengers arriving through the land borders will also have to undergo the same protocol as above, and only those who are asymptomatic will be enabled to cross the border into India.
Can foreigners travel to India?
Such foreign nationals will not be permitted to travel to India on the strength of any electronic visa obtained earlier.
How to get an E-2 visa?
The first step to getting your E-2 visa is usually to actually invest in the U.S. enterprise. The USCIS is unlikely to approve any petition for an E-2 in which the funds are not irrevocably invested.
What is an E visa?
Tags: E visa. Of the many visas that are used to live and work in the U.S., few are as sought after as the E class visas. A perfect option for certain entrepreneurs and traders, E visas are relatively inexpensive to obtain (aside from your investment), do not require a job offer, and can be renewed an unlimited number of times.
Do you have to be from the same country for an E-2 visa?
Also, if you are bringing an employee over through the E-2 visa, that employee does not have to be from the same treaty country as you. You will need to file a separate petition on their behalf (also for any family members you bring) but generally, employees and family are granted the same period of stay as the principle E-2 investor, which is two years initially.
Can a French citizen apply for an E-2 visa?
However, you do not need to be currently living in the treaty country. For example, if you are a French national living in Israel, you can petition for the E-2 visa even though Israel is not an E-2 visa treaty country. So, without further ado, here is a comprehensive list ...
