How Does E2 Visa Work? The E2 Visa allows foreign national of certain countries to enter the US to run a for profit business in which they have made a substantial investment. The process begins by applying through a foreign consulate or by filing form I-129 with USCIS.
What are the requirements for an E-2 visa?
The E-2 Visa requirements for an employee include: Be of the same nationality as the employer Satisfy the meaning of an "employee" under the relevant law Either remain in an executive or supervisory role within the E-2 business or hold unique qualifications if employed in a lesser capacity
What constitutes an investment for an E-2 visa?
What constitutes an investment for an E-2 visa
- General Qualifications of a Treaty Investor. Looking forward to enter the United States exclusively to develop and direct the company. ...
- Investment: The central point of the E-2 visa. ...
- Marginal Enterprises. ...
- Conclusion: A common ingredient to all successful E-2 cases is a detailed Business Plan and explanatory Cover Letter.
How much investment is required for E2 visa?
Well, in order to acquire an E2 visa, an investor must make a “substantial” monetary E2 investment amount in the business. Any investment amount is possible as there is no minimum capital specified by the immigration regulations but one on average E-2 visa minimum investment should be more than $150,000 to get the visa.
Do you need Bussiness experience to get an E2 visa?
There are a couple of things to keep in mind when you are deciding what type of business is best in order to increase your chances of getting an E2 visa. Choose a Type of Business in which You Have some Experience. You will, in most cases, submit a resume as part of your E2 visa packet.
How easy is it 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).
Who qualifies for E2 visa?
The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa is part of the family of U.S. visas available to citizens or nationals of 30+ countries that have trade treaties with the United States. Individuals with significant funds to invest can come to the U.S with an E-2 visa to set up a business, practice, or office.
What is the benefit 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.
How long does it take to get an E2 visa?
The processing time for an E2 visa can vary by Consulate but generally ranges from about two weeks to four months. After an initial review is completed, the Consulate will set up an interview with the applicant and if the E2 visa is approved, it may take up to a week for the visa itself to be issued.
How long is the E2 visa valid for?
E2 visas are valid for a period of five years and can be renewed with two-year extensions as long as you maintain the necessary qualifications. As it stands, there are no limits on the number of extensions you can take.
Does E2 visa lead to green card?
The E2 visa is a great option that allows you to live and work in the United States by investing in a US company. Yet, the E2 visa is a non-immigrant visa, so it does not directly lead to a green card. In order to go from an E2 visa to green card, you must apply for and get approved for an immigrant classification.
How much does an 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 E2 visa holder work in USA?
The E2 visa is a special non-immigrant visa category for investors and entrepreneurs. The E2 visa allows you to live and work in the United States based on making an investment in a U.S. business.
Can spouse of E2 visa holder work?
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.
How do I prepare for an E2 visa interview?
1:576:12Tips for USA E-2 Visa Interview - GrayLaw TV - U.S. visa - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlan what business you will be doing in the United States how much money you've put into yourMorePlan what business you will be doing in the United States how much money you've put into your business and really you know when you receive that package from the attorney.
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.
How do I get an E2 visa for USA?
To get an E2 visa, you must invest a substantial amount of capital into a US business and you must direct and develop that business. You can either start a new business or invest in an existing business to qualify for an E2 visa.
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.
How do I get an E2 visa for USA?
To get an E2 visa, you must invest a substantial amount of capital into a US business and you must direct and develop that business. You can either start a new business or invest in an existing business to qualify for an E2 visa.
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 E2 visa holder work in USA?
The E2 visa is a special non-immigrant visa category for investors and entrepreneurs. The E2 visa allows you to live and work in the United States based on making an investment in a U.S. business.
What Is an E-2 Visa?
The E-2 visa allows a citizen of a foreign country to enter the United States to finance and manage a business.
What Are the Rules for Acquiring an E-2 Visa?
To qualify, the business owner must live in a treaty country. The United States has trade agreements with more than 70 countries. Anyone from these foreign states can buy an ownership stake in an American business. They can either invest in an existing company or start a new one.
What Are the Financing Rules for an E-2 Visa?
They have the right to finance some of the cost. A consular officer will decide the amount. Generally, financing 25 to 30 percent of the purchase price is OK .
How Old Is the E-2 Visa?
This type of visa is one of the oldest in America. Its roots go all the way back to a treaty signed at the end of the War of 1812. The details have changed over the years, but the premise remains the same.
How Does the E-2 Visa Compare to the E-5 Visa?
Other options, such as the E-5 green card, require $1 million at a minimum. The E-2 visa is popular due to its affordability. It's only a visa and not a green card, though. Some investors prefer the security of a green card.
How long does a first visa last?
The first visa lasts for up to five years, but the recipient can ask for extensions over and over again. During first entry into America, the investor is given a period of stay of two years. They can ask for an extension when they need one.
Why is the visa length shorter?
The length of the original visa depends on America's agreement with the investor's country of origin. A new company will have a shorter duration for its visas. The government wants to study whether a business is trying to succeed. Some people start fake businesses to buy their way into America. The shorter visa protects the government against such attempts.
How to get an E2 visa?
To get an E2 visa, you must make an investment that is at risk and your investment funds must be irrevocably committed to the E2 business. Basically, what this means is that your investment funds must actually be spent on the business and cannot just be sitting in your operating account.
How long is an E2 visa valid?
The length of time your E2 visa is valid for depends on the country issuing the visa. The period of visa validity generally ranges from 1 year to 5 years.
What is an EB-5 visa?
The EB-5 visa is an investment based immigrant visa. This means that it leads to a green card.
What business must be invested in for an E2 visa?
The business invested in for an E2 visa must be an active, for-profit, business . The business must conduct some sort of entrepreneurial activity.
How much investment is required for an E2 visa?
There is no set minimum investment amount to qualify for an E2 visa. Investments as low as $50,000 or even lower have qualified for E2. There is no limit to the number of times you can extend your E2 visa. Some E2 visa holders stay in the United States for 15 years or longer.
How much of a business is E2?
To qualify for E2, the business must be at least 50% owned by nationals of the treaty country. If less than 50% of the business is owned by nationals of the treaty country, it may still qualify for E2 if the business is restructured so that treaty nationals own at least 50% of the business.
What do you need to qualify for an E2 visa?
To qualify for an E2 visa, you must make a substantial investment in a US company.
How to apply for an E2 visa?
To apply for an E2 US investor visa, you must first establish that the enterprise meets the requirements of law. You may also be required to provide evidence, which demonstrates that your stay in the U.S. will be temporary. Your E2 visa application documents must include: DOS Form DS-160, Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
How long can you stay in the US with an E2 extension?
You can obtain E2 status extensions for up to two years at a time from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Since there is no limit on the number of extensions you may obtain, you can stay in the U.S. indefinitely.
Can a spouse apply for an E2 visa?
Spouses and children under the age of 21 who wish to accompany or join you in the U.S. for the duration of your stay can apply for an E2 treaty investor visa. Your spouse may also be eligible to take up employment during his/her stay in the U.S. by applying for an employment authorization document.
What is the E-2 Visa?
The E-2 Visa is known as the Treaty Investor Visa and is a nonimmigrant visa designed for individuals to come to the United States for the purposes of engaging in trade between the U.S. and the applicant’s home country.
How to apply for the E2 Visa
Depending on the situation of the applicant, the application process is different for treaty traders and investors.
Document checklist for E2 Visa
There is an extensive checklist of documents required for the E-2 Visa application.
E2 Visa to green card
The E-2 Visa does not lead directly to a green card (also know as permanent residence).
Terms and conditions of the E-2 Visa
As with all visas, there are rules that must be followed if the individual is to stay in the United States legally.
Processing time
The processing time for the E-2 Visa depends on where the applicant applies from. If the investor is based in the U.S., they can expect to wait for approximately five months for a decision on their application.
Application fee
The E-2 Visa application fee is $205. It may be possible to pay an additional fee to have your case processed quicker.
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-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 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-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.
What is the purpose of an E2 visa?
A company or an individual investor who seeks to send an employee to the US on an E2 Visa must demonstrate that they (the company or investor) will develop and direct the enterprise in the US. In some cases, an individual must show the intent to develop and control. In other circumstances, the company must show such intent.
Why is an E2 visa better than an L1 visa?
There are a number of reasons why an E2 Visa for your employee may be a better fit than other non immigrant work visas such as the H1b Visa or the L1 Visa. One unique perk of the E2 Visa is that it can be extended/renewed indefinitely as long as your employee and your company continue to meet the requirements. Another advantage of the E2 Visa is that there is no annual cap on the number of visas that can be issued. Also, the E2 Visa is advantageous due to the fact that spouses of E2 Visa holders can obtain work authorization. Finally, unlike with the L1 Visa, there is no required period of employment abroad before the employee can qualify for the E2 Visa.
What is the investment requirement for an E2 visa?
In order to qualify, the applicant must have invested (or be in the process of investing) lawfully obtained money in a “real and operating commercial enterprise.” The investment must be “at risk” and qualify as “substantial” under the regulations. Additionally, the E2 Visa applicant’s investment must be more than a “marginal” investment that is intended to provide a living solely for the applicant and their family
What are the disadvantages of an E2 visa?
The main disadvantage of the E2 Visa is that there is no direct path to a green card. Indeed, E2 Visa applicants cannot have immigrant intent when they enter the US. In order to obtain an E2 Visa, applicants must satisfy the adjudicator ...
Who qualifies for E2 visa?
There are two categories of employees that can qualify. The categories include 1) Executives or Supervisors and 2) Employees that perform essential duties.
Is an E2 visa good for investors?
You may already know that the E2 Visa is an amazing option for individual investors. However, many people do not know that they can be great visas for employees as well. In this post, I provide general information about the benefits of an E2 Visa. I also discuss the requirements and the process for obtaining E2 Visas for employees.
Can an E2 visa bring you to the US?
Then, consult with an immigration lawyer who can guide you and take a lot ( not all) of the stress out of the process.
How to get E2 visa?
1. Go to an interview with the E2 visa applicant. If the applicant is approved and if the E2 derivative applicant is approved, both passports will be taken at the consulate or embassy. E2 visas will be printed and affixed to the passports. About five business days later, the passports will be mailed to the E2 visa applicant and spouse.
Who needs an E2 visa?
Who does need the separate work permit (EAD card)? Your spouse. Your spouse was granted the E2 derivative visa when you were issued your E2 visa. This means that he or she is not tied to employment at any specific location. Your spouse , once he or she has the EAD card can work anywhere in the United States, including at your business or even starting a new business. But, he/she must have the EAD card (there are a few arguments to the contrary, but the safe bet is get the EAD card). Although the freedom to work anywhere is appealing, the application process for the EAD card is not. See the following steps for how to get the EAD card as a spouse of an E2 visa holder.
How long does it take to get an E2 work permit?
Now the E2 spouse must wait in order to be approved. Historically, this could take 8-12 weeks. It is now taking 12-16 weeks and sometimes longer. Until the E2 spouse gets the work permit, he/she cannot work.
Where to present E2 visa?
2. Travel to the United States and present the E2 visas at the border (usually, the “border” is an airport).
Can an E2 dependent child work?
E2 Dependent Children Cannot Work. The children of E2 visa holders cannot work, regardless of their age. They may go to school, but they do not have permission to work. As a result, children of E2 visa holders do not need to apply for a separate work permit (EAD card). September 10, 2019.
