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
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 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 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
Who qualifies 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 is the difference between E 1 and E2 visa?
The E1 visa is for 'Treaty Traders', and the E2 visa is for 'Treaty Investors'. Holders of an E1 visa can move to the US on a temporary basis to carry out their trade activities, and E2 visa holders for the purposes of investment.
What is an E2 visa for the US?
What is an E-2 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 can I do with an E2 visa?
The E2 Treaty Investor visa allows the investor to live and work in the US to direct and develop the business, and allows entry of Executive, Management and Essential skills employees. In larger businesses management and executive level employees may be sent to the US instead of the owners of the business.
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.
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.
Is E2 visa hard to get?
E2 Visa Denial Reasons 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 you work in US 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 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.
What is the minimum investment 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.
Is E2 visa good?
The E-2 Visa continues to be a desirable nonimmigrant visa because it does not require sponsorship from U.S. citizens or businesses, giving foreign entrepreneurs and investors control over their business and livelihood in the The United States.
What is the meaning of E1 visa?
The E1 Visa allows individuals or employees of companies to enter the United States for the purpose of carrying out international trade which may include the trade of goods, services and much more.
Can E1 visa apply for green card?
Can I apply for a Green Card while on E-1 visa? Yes, you may apply for a green card while on a visa, provided you meet the conditions. Most of the time, the options are family-based immigration, labor certification (employment-based immigration), EB-1, and National interest Waiver.
How long is E1 visa valid?
two yearsE-1 Visa Processing Time, Length of Stay and Extensions The E-1 visa grants a stay of up to two years and may be followed by an extension of up to two years, provided the visa holder continues to meet the initial E-1 visa conditions. There is no limit to the number of extensions.
Do E2 visa holders pay taxes?
But do E2 visa holders need to pay tax? The short answer is yes. E2 visa taxes are required by the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) on all qualifying income. The degree to which you pay tax is determined by your tax status, however.
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.
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.
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 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.
What is an E2 visa?
The E2 or E-2 visa is the “treaty trader” visa, which allows traders from a set list of 32 foreign countries, with which the U.S. has reciprocal agreements, to come to the United States to set up business.
What is E2 Visa Limit?
The E2 Visa is technically a non-immigrant visa , not an immigrant visa (aka green card), so it does not give permanent residency rights. However, the E2 visa is special in that it may be extended any number of times, and even for an indefinite period, provided that the business that the investor set up in the United States continues to be commercially viable.
How much investment is required for an E2 visa?
The E2 visa requires substantial investment, which could be at least US$100,000 if you apply at your local U.S. Consulate through the Department of State. The minimum investment amount can be lower when applying for an E2 visa through USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services), but we recommend you watch the video below to understand some important differences that may affect how and when you are permitted to travel, depending on the option you choose.
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 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.
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.
What are the two types of E visas?
Two types of E visa applications: E-1 (for traders) E-2 (for investors)
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 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 the E2 visa USA?
An E-2 investment visa is considered an entrepreneurial undertaking, one which welcomes qualifying investors to place capital, including funds and other assets, in the U.S, with the aim of generating a profit. The investor must establish a business venture, or buy an existing business.
What is an E-2 investment visa?
An E-2 investment visa is considered an entrepreneurial undertaking, one which welcomes qualifying investors to place capital, including funds and other assets, in the U.S, with the aim of generating a profit. The investor must establish a business venture, or buy an existing business.
What is the difference between EB-5 and EB-5?
The key difference is that the EB-5 is designed to give the principal applicant the opportunity to secure a permanent green card, with citizenship possible after a set number of years.
What are the disadvantages of E2?
Disadvantages include: The program isn’t open to everyone. Rather, only nationals of countries with investment treaties with the U.S qualify (more on this below). You can only work for the specific employer or self-owned business that acted as your E2 visa sponsor.
How long does it take to change visa status?
A change of status through USCIS takes around 2-3 months. By paying an extra $2,500 you can go through premium processing. Meaning, the processing time is cut back by 15 business days.
What is an investor visa?
They’re known as Investor Visas that allow an individual to enter and work in the United States lawfully, provided that a qualifying investment in a U.S. business is made.
How often is an E visa approved?
The e visa category is approved every two-years, with extension only possible if you maintain your investment activities in the country.
Who is Eligible for an E-2 Visa?
Citizens of countries that hold an E-2 Visa treaty with the USA may be eligible to apply for a US residency visa via a business investment. As it currently stands, over 80 countries across the world hold this treaty, but the terms and validity of the visas vary depending on each countries personal agreement.
How Much does an E-2 Visa cost?
Applicants need to invest in a US business of which they own at least a 50% share of. There is no official minimum investment amount stipulated, however it is advisable to invest approximately $100,000 + to ensure an application is successful.
What type of business do I invest in?
Visa applications based on business franchise models tend to have the highest approval rate in this category. Many foreign investors tend to favour a franchise opportunity as they like the concept and security of investing in an already established brand.
How long does the process take?
The E-2 visa process will take roughly two-three months and applicants will be issued with a residency visa based on the terms that their home country holds with the US. Should applicants need to firstly apply for CBI in another country, this application may also take around three-six months.
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.
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.
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.
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 an E-2 Visa?
The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa is designed to facilitate investment and trade with the United States. This temporary visa allows entrepreneurs and investors from certain countries to live and work in the U.S. to develop either a new or existing business . It is also available to executives, managers, and employees with specialized skills from qualifying countries . This visa is usually valid for two years and can be renewed indefinitely as long as it continues doing business in the U.S. and meets other visa requirements. There is no cap on the number of E-2 visas that can be issued in a year.
How much does an E-2 visa cost?
The E-2 visa application fee is $205 and must be paid whether your visa is approved.
What is the Processing Time for an E-2 Visa?
Because there are so many consulates that process E-2 visas, visa processing times vary greatly, but they span from a few days to several months. E-2 visa renewal applications are typically processed more quickly than initial applications.
How many countries have E-2 visas?
There are over 75 countries that have signed treaty investor agreements with the U.S. You must be a citizen of one of those countries to qualify for an E-2 visa. Two notable countries that do not have such a treaty with the U.S. are India and China.
How long do you have to wait to get an E-2 visa?
Depending on the consulate, you might be able to schedule your appointment only a few days in advance. You might have a waiting time of several weeks with other consulates.
What is DS 160?
The DS-160 is a non-immigrant application form that all people seeking temporary visas must complete and submit online . You will receive a login code and select the answer to a security question when you start completing the form.
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.