- Obtain citizenship to one of the E-2 countries through descent, marriage, residence and naturalization, or investment (if you don’t already have it)
- Apply for an E-2 visa online and pay the fee
- Check out the US Embassy website to make an appointment at a nearby consulate
- Inquire about the specific documents they will require for your case
- Show up for your interview with all required documents and hope they don’t ask you to come back
- Get fingerprinted and pay the issuance fee
- Wait a few weeks for your passport to be returned with the E-2 visa inside
- Enter the United States
- Launch your business enterprise and live the American dream, but for no more than 120 days per year to avoid triggering the Substantial Presence Test and taking on the full ...
How can I apply for an E-2 visa?
Where do I apply for the E2 Visa? The E visa is generally applied for at the U.S. Consulate of the country of nationality or residence of the applicant. Alternatively, one can apply for a change of status in the United States with USCIS if you are admitted to the U.S. with the treaty country passport. Back to E2 FAQs
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
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 to qualify for E-2 visa?
The applicant for an E-2 visa must meet the following criteria:
- Live in a country that has a trade agreement with the United States
- Plan to live in America while working for a company where the applicant has a 50 percent ownership interest
- Have a title that indicates ownership or executive-level employment in the company
- Have a substantial financial stake in the American business
How do I get an 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 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 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.
How much money do you need for 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.
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.
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 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.
Can I work 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.
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 I apply e2 visa within 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 much do I need to invest to get a US visa?
The standard minimum investment amount has increased to $1.8 million (from $1 million) to account for inflation. The minimum investment in a TEA has increased to $900,000 (from $500,000) to account for inflation.
How much does e2 cost?
E-2 visa minimum investment amount is typically over US dollars $150,000. E-2 visa cost for investor present in USA – Form I-129 fee $460 (Form I-539 – $370 per dependent), 15 days premium processing at $1,440.
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.
Can you apply for E2 visa while in USA?
Filing for the E2 Visa through USCIS If you are in the United States in valid status, you can apply for the E2 Visa through USCIS. This process involves submitting: Form I-129 with Supplement E. Form I-907(if premium processing is requested)
Can you work 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.
Can I travel with E2 visa?
What are the Advantages of an E-2 Visa? The visa holder can: Travel freely in and out of the U.S. Stay on a prolonged basis with unlimited two year extensions as long as you maintain E-2 qualifications.
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 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.
Why do nomads need multiple passports?
But for more and more internationally-oriented Nomad Capitalists, collecting multiple passports is key to establishing citizenship insurance and opening up business, international investment, and travel opportunities around the world.
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.
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 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 a business must be owned by a foreigner?
At least 50% of the business must be owned by the foreigner from a country which has a treaty with the United States; The investment must create enough profit to provide a living for more than just the applicant and his/her family.
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.
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.
What are the requirements for an E2 visa?
There are 8 main requirements to qualify for an E2 visa: You must be a national of a country with an E2 treaty with the United States. You must have the intent to depart the US once your E2 status ends. You must make a substantial investment in a US company. Your E2 business must be an active, for-profit business.
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.
How to get an E-2 visa?
In conclusion, the steps to get your E-2 Visa for the United States include the following: 1 Determine if you are eligible for an E-2 Visa by scheduling a consultation with our E-2 Visa attorneys. 2 Decide what kind of business you want to invest in. 3 Form your US business entity. 4 Transfer your funds to the US entity bank account. 5 Start spending money in business related expenses, such as construction, rent, equipment, lawyers, accountants, etc. 6 Put together and file your E-2 Visa application with the US Embassy in your country. 7 Schedule and attend the consular interview. 8 Pick up your passport with your brand-new E-2 Visa!
How much is the E-2 visa fee?
The E-2 Visa beneficiary and his family members will be charged $205 each at the time of the DS-160 online filing. An additional $305 will be charged to each one of them if the visa is approved. Attorney’s fees are charged in addition to said expenses.
How long is an E-2 visa valid?
E-2 Visas can be valid for periods of up to 5 years and can be renewed indefinitely if the individual and the business maintain the necessary qualifications. E-2 Visa approval rates are much higher than those of other visas.
What is the importance of E-2?
A marginal business is one that is capable of providing a living solely for the investor and his or her family. A business is not marginal, and therefore meets the E-2 Visa requirements, if it has a significant impact on the US economy by creating jobs and expanding business opportunities for other players.
Can an E-2 visa be used for an executive?
The E-2 Visa is also available for the investor’s employees as long as they hold the same nationality as the investor and will be employed in an executive or managerial capacity, or if they can show skills or specialized qualifications essential to the efficient and successful operation of the business.
Can a spouse work on an E-2 visa?
Once in the United States, the spouse shall be allowed to work for the E-2 Visa business, to work for any other business, or to create his or her own business. The spouse is required to file form I-765 (work authorization) and obtain the EAD (Employment Authorization Document) to legally work in the United States.
Can family members get an E-2 visa?
In addition to the investor, certain family members and employees may be eligible for an E-2 Visa. Knowing who can apply and how to do so can help expedite your E-2 Visa process.
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 E2 visa?
In case you are wondering, an E2 visa is the work visa assigned by the Korean government for foreign English teachers.
How Long Does It Take to Get an E2 Work Visa?
Nevertheless, expect it to take between two to six months.
How long does it take to get a visa in Korea?
The Korean immigration office will issue a confirmation of your visa issuance number within 7 to 10 working days.
How to get an E2 visa to work in Korea?
In order to get an E2 visa to work in Korea, you obviously have to find a school that will hire you. Before a school will consider your application, some requirements have to be met.
Can a non white teacher be hired by a Hagwon?
From what I know, racism is not an issue with the EPIK program. However, racism is an issue with private language schools ( hagwons) throughout the country. While it is not impossible to get hired by a hagwon for non-white applicants , it can be difficult. However, you shouldn’t let racist attitudes deter you from teaching in South Korea.
Do you have to have a background check to teach English in Korea?
You must get an FBI background check and have it apostilled to teach English in Korea.
