Here are the steps you must go through to apply for an E2 Visa:
- File the Form DS-160.
- Pay the application fee.
- Schedule your visa interview.
- Prepare your document file.
- Attend the interview.
Is it hard to get an American E2 visa?
There is no minimum investment requirement! As long as your business has sufficient funding to make it a success, you can obtain an E2 Visa after making a modest investment. Although the E2 Visa is a great option for many, it is not perfect.
How much to invest for an E-2 visa?
E2 visa requirement:
- Be a citizen of a country that has signed a treaty with USA.
- Requires investor's investment be typically over US $150K with minimum 50% ownership.
- Move to US to establish and manage the business.
- Generate significant returns for investors and economy - employing US workers.
- Funds must be "at risk"
What is considered an investment for an E2 visa?
- The regulations state that the investment must be “substantial.”
- I typically recommend that your investment should be at least $100,000 to $150,000 or more.
- However, I have seen investments for less than this qualify.
- To determine whether your investment is substantial, a proportionality test is used.
How much investment is required for the E2 visa?
- 75 percent investment in an enterprise costing $500,000 or less. If the cost of the enterprise is substantially lower than $500,000, 85 percent to 100 percent investment may be required.
- 50 percent investment in an enterprise costing more than $500,000 but no more than $3 million.
- 30 percent in any enterprise costing more than $3 million.
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.
Who is eligible for E2 visa?
To qualify for E-2 classification, the treaty investor must: Be a national of a country with which the United States maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation; Have invested, or be actively in the process of investing, a substantial amount of capital in a bona fide enterprise in the United States; and.
What documents do you need for an E2 visa?
Biographic DocumentsComplete copy of current and expired passports.Copies of all US visa documents, including I-797 approval notices, I-20s, and DS-2019s.Curriculum vitae (CV)Copies of diplomas for college or university education.
When can I apply for E2 visa?
To be approved, an E2 visa requires that (1) the applicant be a citizen or national of a country that has a commerce and navigation treaty with the United States, (2) he or she make a substantial investment in a commercial enterprise in the United States, (3) he or she have already invested or be in the process of ...
Is E2 visa easy to get?
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).
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.
How long is E2 visa valid?
five yearsE2 Visa Validity Period 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.
How long does an E2 visa take?
about two weeks to four monthsThe 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.
Can 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 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 do I pay for my E2 visa?
The USCIS requires that you make your fee payments in the form of either a cashier's check or money order. On the whole, many experienced attorneys will advise you to make each payment out separately rather than combining them into one large E-2 visa fee payment.
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.
How long is E2 visa valid?
five yearsE2 Visa Validity Period 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.
Can you work in USA with E2 visa?
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.
Is E2 visa permanent residency?
The E2 visa is a non-immigrant visa, and so it is temporary and does not lead to permanent residence.
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 much investment is required for an E-2 visa?
There is no minimum amount of investment necessary to obtain an E-2 visa. The investment just has to be “substantial”. What is considered a substantial amount will depend on factors such as the type of business involved, the number of jobs created by the investor’s personal assets, etc. In most cases, the investment should be at least $100,000USD, ...
What are the two types of E visas?
Two types of E visa applications: E-1 (for traders) E-2 (for investors)
What is an EB-5 visa?
The EB-5 immigrant investor visa was created by Congress to attract foreign capital to the US and create jobs for American workers in the process. The investor would then be eligible for permanent residence. To obtain the EB-5 visa, the investor must fit a few main requirements, and submit documentation to prove they are eligible.
How much of the international trade must be between the US and the treaty country?
The trade must be principally with the treaty country. More than 50% of the total volume of international trade must be between the U.S. and the treaty country. The amount of trade must be sufficient to ensure a continuous flow of international trade between the U.S. and the treaty country.
Do you have to be a national to get an E visa?
In order to qualify for an E visa, you have to be a national of a country that has a Treaty with the U.S. for E visas. Below is the list of countries that have an E visa treaty for both types of E visas.
Can an E-2 be granted?
Employees of E-2 companies may be granted E-2 visas if they are or will be engaged in duties that are executive, managerial, or supervisory in nature. If employed in a minor capacity, the employee may be granted an E-2 visa if he or she has special qualifications that make the services to be rendered essential to the enterprise.
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.
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.
What is the purpose of filing an I-129?
If the treaty investor is currently in the United States in a lawful nonimmigrant status, they may file Form I-129 to request a change of status to E-2 classification. If the desired employee is currently in the United States in a lawful nonimmigrant status, the qualifying employer may file Form I-129 to request a change of status to E-2 classification on the employee’s behalf.
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.
How to apply for an E2 visa?
There are two ways to apply for the E2 visa – in the United States, with USCIS; or through the consulate or embassy in your home country, with the Department of State. The E2 visa is one of the few visas that don’t actually go through both processes.
How to choose an E2 visa?
The best way to choose is to speak with an E2 visa lawyer. Your attorney will be able to give you an assessment and let you know which way is best for you.
What is a visa at the border?
A “visa” is a ticket to get into the United States. You present the visa at the border (in most cases, the border is at the airport) and the officer will review it and almost always allow you to come into the country. (Notice I say, “almost always.”. The officer at the border has the option of turning you away even with a valid visa.
How long does it take to get an answer from USCIS?
This means that you will receive an answer from USCIS in two to three weeks after applying. (If you choose not to “premium process” the application, it will take 3-6 months to receive an answer from USCIS.) There is no interview when applying through USCIS.
Where does Steve fly to?
Steve is notified of the interview and must fly to Ciudad Juarez for the interview. At the end of the interview, Steve is approved! He returns home and receives the visa in the mail about one week later. It’s February 20, and Steve finally can fly back to the U.S. and run his business.
Can a dual national change to E2?
Finally, anyone who is a dual national and entered the U.S. on a non-treaty passport cannot change status. (For example – Jane has an Indonesia passport and a Bangladesh passport. She enters the U.S. on a B1 visa in her Indonesia passport. After four months, Jane wants to change status to an E2 status.
What is the requirement to get an E2 visa?
In order to qualify for an E2 Investor Visa, your country of nationality must have an E2 Visa treaty with the USA.
What is the most frequently asked question on E2 visa?
The most frequently asked E2 Visa question is — “how much do I have to invest?” This is understandable. It would certainly be my first question. The answer to this common question depends on the business that you are starting.
What happens after filing an E2 visa?
After filing the E2 Visa application, the adjudicator will apply a proportionality test to your investment. Using this test, they will determine if you have invested enough money to make your particular business a success.
How to protect money from a visa denial?
You can protect yourself by placing part of your investment in escrow. This escrow agreement will contain the sole condition that the money will be released only if the E2 Visa is granted.
How long is an E2 visa valid?
For some countries, your E2 Visa will be valid for a few months and one entry into the USA. For others, your E2 Visa will be valid for several years and unlimited entries.
How to prove that you are a national of an E2 treaty country?
You will usually submit a copy of your passport or other identification documents to show that you meet this requirement.
Is there an immigration option for entrepreneurs?
Unfortunately, there is no perfect immigration option for amazing entrepreneurs who come to the US to start innovative companies and create thousands of jobs.
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 the E2 visa?
The E-2 visa application involves a number of stages. Issues or errors with your application can result in delays or even refusal of your petition – a scenario best avoided with the E-2 visa where the requirement is to have already made an upfront investment regardless of whether your application is granted. Take advice before you embark on your E-2 application, including completing the E2 visa form, to ensure you are meeting the required steps.
What is required for an E-2 visa?
Your application for an E-2 visa also requires submission of a formal business plan, detailing your projections for the business, and how your E-2 investment is going to be utilized to make the business operational and successful in meeting your growth targets. Useful areas to include would be:
How to book an interview for a visa?
To book your interview, once you have filed form DS 160, create a Visa Appointment Service account online, pay the fee and provide details for the return of your passport should your visa be approved. During the interview, you will be asked questions about the information you have provided in application form and business plan.
What is the management structure of an E-2 visa?
The management structure should allow you as the E-2 visa holder to develop and direct the company, with other individuals performing the skilled or unskilled labor demands of the business.
What is the purpose of a cover letter for an E2 visa?
The purpose of the cover letter is to present in a concise format how you satisfy all of the E2 visa criteria. By way of summary:
How long does an E-2 visa last?
The plan should provide financial projections and elaborate on how the business will achieve sufficient success and profitability to support you (the investor), your dependents and employees, and create new jobs within the duration of the E-2 visa (maximum 5 years ).
When is an E visa completed?
E visa company registration is completed only when the individual applicant (or first applicant where there are multiple for the same E2 business) has been granted their E2 visa.
What is an E-2?
Treaty Trader (E-1), Treaty Investor (E-2), Employee of an E-1 or E-2, Australian Specialty Occupation Worker (E-3) The E category includes treaty traders, treaty investors, and certain nonimmigrant employees of such people (and their spouses and children) who come to the U.S. under a treaty of commerce and navigation between the U.S.
Who is eligible for E-1 or E-2?
In addition, the spouses and children of these people, as well as treaty traders and investors, are also eligible for E-1 or E-2 classification, respectively. E-1 and E-2 spouses are also eligible to apply for employment authorization. Before entering the U.S., treaty traders or investors and their nonimmigrant employees must apply for ...
What is the I-9 form?
In Section 1 of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, the employee in E status should check, “An alien authorized to work” and enter the admission number and expiration date of their status as indicated on Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. When presented together, the unexpired Form I-94 and unexpired foreign passport is an acceptable List A document. For completing Section 2 (or Section 3 for reverification), employers should follow the applicable instructions.
Can a non-immigrant spouse work with a USCIS?
E nonimmigrant spouses are only authorized to work if USCIS has issued Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document, to them. The spouse’s foreign passport and Form I-94 are not evidence of identity and employment authorization for purposes of Form I-9.
Can a nonimmigrant file an extension of stay in E-1?
However, a U.S. company may also request a change of status to, or an extension of stay in, E-1 or E-2 classification for a nonimmigrant that is already in the United States. USCIS processes change of status and extensions of stay requests for nonimmigrants whose companies have filed such petitions.
Can an Australian work in the US?
Australian specialty occupation workers perform services in a specialty occupation. Before entering the U.S., Australian specialty occupation workers must apply for and receive an E-3 visa from a U.S. Consulate or Embassy overseas. However, a U.S. company may also request a change of status to E-3 for a nonimmigrant who is already in ...
Can a nonimmigrant get an E-1 visa?
Before entering the U.S., treaty traders or investors and their nonimmigrant employees must apply for and receive an E-1 or E-2 visa from a U.S. Consulate or Embassy overseas and subsequently be admitted to this country by CBP. However, a U.S. company may also request a change of status to, or an extension of stay in, E-1 or E-2 classification for a nonimmigrant that is already in the United States. USCIS processes change of status and extensions of stay requests for nonimmigrants whose companies have filed such petitions.