How do I 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 must include: DOS Form DS-156, Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
How much does a 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 does it take to get an E2 visa?
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.
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).
How long is E2 visa valid?
The correct answer is that if your E-2 Visa validity period is 3 months, you will have three months from the date of issuance to enter the United States. However, upon arrival, you will be allowed to stay in the country for a period of 2 years at the time.
What is the minimum investment to get E2 visa?
$100,000 US dollarsThe 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.
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.
What businesses qualify for E2 visa?
Businesses eligible for an E-2 visa are generally any legitimate and lawful business that has the intent to hire U.S. workers. Depending on the type of business, a small about of capital may only be required and the business may not be required to hire employees right away.
Can I work with E2 visa?
E2 spouses on a valid, E-2 dependent visa can make an application for an employment authorization document (“EAD”) once they are in the US. An EAD card confirms the E2 spouse's eligibility to work, with few restrictions on the type of work that they can take on.
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.
Can E2 visa be 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.
Do you need a degree for E2 visa?
The E2 visa is only issued to qualified personal who citizens of one of the seven recognized native English speaking countries: the United States, Canada, UK, Republic of Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Applicants must hold at least a bachelors degree in any field.
Can I apply E-2 visa within USA?
Applying From Within the United States You cannot apply for E-1 or E-2 status from outside of the U.S. There is a different classification for E-2 CNMI-Only Investors.
What businesses qualify for E-2 visa?
Businesses eligible for an E-2 visa are generally any legitimate and lawful business that has the intent to hire U.S. workers. Depending on the type of business, a small about of capital may only be required and the business may not be required to hire employees right away.
Can I drive Uber on E-2 visa?
Yes it is allowed if you are the owner of the Uber associated vehicle and licensure and your E2 visa investment was one in this very Uber associated enterprise.
How much does it cost to renew E-2 visa?
For E2 visa renewals, the filing fee for the DS-160 is currently $205 per applicant.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
How to apply for an E-2 visa?
The first step to apply for the E-2 visa is filling out the online non-immigrant visa form, also known as DS-160, and uploading a passport photo. The application must be filled out entirely in English. You will also be asked to pay the application fee and print the receipt.
Who Should Consider the E-2 Visa?
The US E-2 visa is designed for individuals who have active business interests in the US. Unlike other investor visa programs, passive investments like stocks and bonds will not grant you eligibility for the E-2 visa.
What is The US E-2 Investor Visa?
Utah has been voted one of the most pro-businessa US states and is growing quickly as a potential home for E-2 visa holders.
What is required to bring an E-2 visa?
An employee you bring with you on an E-2 visa must serve in a supervisory or executive role within the company or hold special qualifications that make the employee essential to the operation.
What is the worst thing about an E-2 visa?
One of the best and worst things about the E-2 visa application is that not all of the requirements are set in stone. That means that there is a lot more flexibility in the kind of entrepreneurs who can apply, but also a lot of guesswork.
What to do if you have an error in your application?
If you’ve made any errors filling out your application, you may be asked to leave, try again, and schedule another appointment – obviously, an enormous frustration and a waste of time.
How much does it cost to file an I-29?
A filing fee of $460 for I-29 petitions. (Each employee and family member needs to file a separate I-129.)
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.
How long does an E2 visa last?
The E2 visa may be issued for up to 5 year validity period and may be renewed indefinitely, as long as the applicant continues to satisfy the visa requirements. The actual length of the E2 visa depends on the treaty between the US and the applicant’s country and the visa officer’s discretion.
Can an E2 investor apply for a visa extension?
If the E2 investor or employee is already in the US with valid visa status, he or she may be eligible to apply for change of status, extension of stay, or change of employment directly in the United States with the USCIS without leaving the country.
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 long is an E-2 visa valid for?
For Canadians, the E-2 visa is valid for five years at a time, and may be renewed indefinitely so long as the business continues to operate.
How does a Canadian look for a U.S. business to purchase in order to apply for an E-2 visa?
Canadian citizens looking to purchase a U.S. business can contact a business broker in the state that they are looking to move too. Other options may include looking for websites that list businesses for sale.
What is considered a substantial investment for a Canadian to qualify for an E-2 visa?
The Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) does not quantify or define what is considered a “substantial investment” to qualify for an E-2 visa. There is common belief that the investment amount should be at least $100,000.00. However, that is not a hard and fast rule. In fact, applications with less investment than this have been approved. Often, the amount of required investment depends on the nature of the business. For example, a small deli may only require $70,000.00 of investment to be fully operational and thus an E-2 may be approved. For situations where an active Canadian company is looking to expand to the U.S., the E-2 investment amount may be lower and still be approved. In these types of situations, the investor may also want to consider an L-1 visa.
Should I buy an existing business or start a new business for an E-2 visa?
A question that often comes up with whether it is easier to obtain an E-2 visa by buying an existing business or starting a new business. First of all, starting any type of business is a major decision and requires a lot of emotional, financial and physical investment. So the decision to buy an existing business or to start a new business should be based on personal decisions that fit best with your goals.
Can a Canadian apply for an E-2 visa based on a contingent investment in a business?
You’re asking “why should you invest the money when there’s no guarantee of a visa?” However, the U.S. Consulate is asking “why should we give you a visa if you haven’t invested any money?” Spoiler alert: the Consulate wins.
How long are E-2 visas valid for Canadian citizens?
Canadian citizens who are approved for E-2 visas are usually given a validity period of five (5) years. Furthermore, every time a Canadian citizen enters the U.S. in E-2 status, they will be admitted for up to two (2) years on that entry. At that time, they will have to depart and then re-enter at which time they will be admitted for another two (2) years.
Can a Canadian E-2 spouse apply for employment authorization?
Yes – spouses of E-2 investors are entitled to employment authorization – meaning that they can seek employment anywhere in the United States without restrictions or limitations.
What is an E-2 visa cover letter?
A cover letter describing the enterprise and the beneficiary. This letter should address all the requirements for E-2 visa eligibility. This letter should address all the requirements for E-2 visa eligibility which are described in depth in U.S. Department of State Foreign Affairs Manual (9 FAM 402.9) and require the applicant to show that the:
What is the DS-160 form?
DS-160 Confirmation Sheet: All E-2 principal investor applicants and employees are required to complete the DS-160 online electronic visa application form and submit their application confirmation sheet. Contact information provided on the DS-160 should include an e-mail address.
What is evidence of UK residency?
Evidence of the applicant’s ongoing residency in the UK ( including, as appropriate, a copy of the current lease or mortgage for the applicant’s primary residence in the UK; the applicant’s most recent UK pay stub;
