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.
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.
What are the US E1 visa requirements?
You may be granted an E-1 visa if you meet all of the following requirements:
- You are a TFN, or at least 50% of your company is owned by TFNs;
- You enter the U.S. ...
- This level of trade is already active at the time you apply for E-1 status; existing trade includes binding contracts which call for the immediate exchange of goods or services.
How to apply for E2 visa and documents required?
Your E2 visa application must include:
- DOS Form DS-156, Nonimmigrant Visa Application
- DOS Form DS-156E, Nonimmigrant Treaty Trader / Investor Application
- DOS Form DS-157, Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application, for all male applicants between the ages of 16 and 45
- A copy of your passport which is valid for at least six months beyond the period of stay in the U.S. ...
Who is eligible for E1 visa?
To qualify for a Treaty Trader (E-1) Visa You must be a citizen of a treaty country. The trading firm for which you plan to come to the United States must have the nationality of the treaty country, meaning persons with the treaty country's nationality must own at least 50 percent of the enterprise.
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 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.
What is E1 E2 E3 visa?
The E1 visa is available for treaty traders and the E2 category is available for treaty investors. The E3 category is available to Australian specialty occupation workers and has similar requirements to the H1B category.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Can I work on E1 visa?
Conclusion. The E1 visa is a special visa for businesspeople from certain treaty countries. The E1 visa allows to work in the US and carry out substantial trade between individuals and firms in the United States and the country of which they are a citizen or national.
How much money do I need for e1 visa?
Normally a minimum investment of $100,000 will be required, although this may be reduced in the event that a certain business simply does not require such an investment. An absolute bare minimum of $75,000 will likely be required, although the rules envisage that $50,000 may be suitable in certain circumstances.
What is E2 visa for USA?
Treaty Trader (E-1) and Treaty Investor (E-2) visas are for citizens of countries with which the United States maintains treaties of commerce and navigation.
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.
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).
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.
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 does it take to get an E2 visa USA?
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.
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.
What is an E1 Visa?
An E1 visa allows individuals or employees of companies to enter the United States for the purpose of carrying out international trade. “Trade” may apply to the trade of goods, services, and banking. There is no set limit to the amount of trade that must take place, although the greater emphasis is placed on the number of transactions over total value.
What Are The Requirements For An E1 Visa?
At least 50% of the volume of trade carried out must be between the United States and the designated treaty country.
What is the difference between E1 and E1?
A variety of subtle but important differences exist between the two different types of visas. E1 treaty trader applicants must be a citizen of the country from which they wish to apply. However, according to the U.S. Department of State website, “the investor, either a person, partnership or corporate entity, must have the citizenship ...
Which countries have E2 visas?
Six different countries have signed treaties that would allow for E2 visas to take place, including Russia, Jordan, Haiti, Azerbaijan, Albania and Nicaragua, but these treaties have yet to be ratified for the United States, leaving them in bureaucratic limbo for investment activity.
Who handles visa placement cases?
Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal, an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.
Can an investment be used to create a job solely for the individual investor?
The investment can either be put into a new company or into an existing company, however, the investment cannot be used to create a job solely for the individual investor.
What are the differences between E1 and E2 visa?
But what are the differences between E1 and E2 visa? The most notable differences between E1 and E2 visa are:
How are E1 and E2 visas similar?
First, in terms of similarities, both the E1 visa and E2 visa are based on the existence of a treaty of commerce and navigation between the United States and another country, and promote bilateral trade and investment, allowing individuals to engage in business and trade in the US. Second, to qualify for the E1 or E2 visa, applicants must be nationals of a treaty country. Third, both visas are temporary and provide the principal visa holder the right to work in the United States for the E1 or E2 business, respectively. Fourth, both visas can be renewed indefinitely as long as their respective legal requirements are met and do not automatically lead to a US green card. Fifth, the spouse and children (unmarried children under the age of 21) of a principal E2 visa holder or E1 visa can obtain the E2 or E1 visa, respectively, and the spouse can apply for work authorization to work in the United States while the children can attend public and private schools and universities. Sixth, the E1 and E2 visas have the same validity period and are generally processed at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy, but foreign nationals can also apply with U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) if they are in the United States and conditions are met. And finally, both provide the ability to bring certain executives, managers or specialized knowledge employees to the US as long as they have the same citizenship as the business owner.
How much investment is required for an E1 visa?
Instead, to qualify for an E1 visa, you must provide evidence showing that the trade between your treaty country and the United States is substantial and is primarily between the U.S. and the treaty country. While substantial trade is not a set dollar amount, the value of international trade should be at least $100,000 per year. On the other hand, for the E2 visa, you must show that a substantial amount of capital is invested in an active U.S. business and that the business is likely to employ U.S. workers in the future. The investment of a substantial amount for the E2 visa is not a set dollar amount but depending on the type of business it can range from $50,000 to $100,000 or more or less. However, unlike the E1 visa, no trade between your treaty country and the United States is required for the E2 visa.
Who qualifies for an E1 Visa?
Under the Treaty Trader visa, a foreign national can engage in trade with the United States on his or her own behalf. The definition of “trade” applies to the trade of goods and services, including banking, insurance, transportation, tourism, communications and technology. To qualify for an E1 Treaty Trader visa, the foreign national must:
What is an E visa?
The E visas promote trade and investment between countries. The E1 visa is reserved for treaty traders and E2 visas is for treaty investors. To qualify for either E1 or E2, the applicant must be from a U.S. Department of State treaty country. Many countries on the list are classified as both E1 and E2, and thereby nationals may be eligible for either visa type. However, some countries have only a treaty trader or treaty investor agreement with the United States. Unfortunately, China, India and Brazil are not on either list.
How long can an E1 visa be extended?
The E1 and E2 visas allow for an initial stay of up to two years, with extensions of up to two years. The number of extensions for both the E1 and E2 visas is unlimited, provided all conditions of the visa are still met.
Which countries are not on the E1 visa list?
However, some countries have only a treaty trader or treaty investor agreement with the United States. Unfortunately, China, India and Brazil are not on either list.
What is Carry on substantial trade?
Carry on substantial trade, defined as, “continuous flow of sizable international trade items, involving numerous transactions over time”; and
What is the Difference between the E1 and E2 Visa?
To be able to move to the US on a temporary basis to do business, you will need to have secured the relevant US business visa.
What is the role of an E-2 visa?
E-2 visa holders must take an active role in directing and developing the E-2 company during their visa period and should they wish to extend their visa, they will need to evidence sufficient growth in the company, including job creation for US resident workers.
How much of a company's international trade must be between the US and your treaty country?
At least 50% of the company’s international trade has to be between the US and your treaty country.
Do you have to demonstrate you intend to engage in substantial trade?
You must demonstrate you intend to engage in ‘substantial trade’. There are no rules on the amount of trade required to qualify under the route – the application process places more emphasis on the number of transactions the company can evidence with the US market rather than the total value of the transactions.
Can an E-2 spouse work in the US?
E-2 spouses and dependent children can apply to join the principal visa holder, and the spouse can apply to work in the US.
What is an E-1 visa?
The E-1 visa, also known as an E-1 treaty trader visa or an E-1 international trade investor visa, allows individuals or employees of companies to enter the United States for the purpose of carrying out substantial international trade. The term trade includes the trade of goods, services, and banking. Even though there are no set limits to the amount of trade the individual engages in, the government does place an emphasis on the number of transactions compared to their total value. Qualified treaty traders and employees will be allowed a maximum initial stay of two years but they can apply for regular extensions that can last up to two years each.
What is the form for an E-2 visa?
The form needed for an E-2 visa is the same form as the one needed for an E-1 visa – Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker. You also need to provide the required evidence and supporting documents as well.
What are the E-1 requirements?
Be a citizen of a treaty country or a country with which the United States maintains a qualifying international agreement, or which has been deemed a qualifying country by US legislation;
How do I apply for an E-2 visa?
Therefore, it is still our recommendation that you schedule a consultation with an experienced employment-based immigration lawyer who can guide you through it.
How long can a spouse stay on a visa?
Spouses are permitted to work, but their children are not. Duration – the initial stay for both visas is generally up to five years, with the possibility of an extension of up to two years. There is no limit to the number of extensions, ...
Who is eligible for the E1 Treaty Trader visa?
The USCIS rules state that the E1 visa is for nationals of a treaty country who wish to be “admitted to the United States solely to engage in international trade on his or her own behalf”.
Who is eligible for the E2 Treaty Investor visa?
Whereas the USCIS rules state that the E1 visa is for nationals of a treaty country who require entry to in international trade on his or her own behalf, the E2 visa is for those who wish “to be admitted to the United States when investing a substantial amount of capital in a US business”.
Final words
If you are unsure which visa to apply for or if you are eligible, speak to an immigration solicitor with expertise in US global mobility & visa law who can assist you.
What is E-1 classification?
The alien must engage in principal trade between the United States and the treaty country which qualified the treaty trader for E-1 classification ( trade qualifies as “principal trade” between the U.S. and the treaty country , when more than 50% of the total volume of international trade is between the U.S. and the trader’s treaty country.).
How long can an E-1 stay in the US?
Requests for extension of stay can be filed and may be granted for periods of up to two years each. Notably, there is no maximum limit to the number of extensions an E-1 nonimmigrant may be granted, as long as the alien maintains the intention to depart the U.S. when their status expires or is terminated.
Who must hold the E status?
A treaty must exist between the United States and the foreign country under whose treaty the E status is sought; Majority ownership or control of the investing or trading company must be held by nationals of the foreign country under whose treaty the E status is sought; and.
Can a beneficiary from Tunisia get an E-2 visa?
A beneficiary from Tunisia, however, would only be eligible for an E-2 visa because the treaty that exists between the U.S. and Tunisia is a BIT. Please refer to the chart below for a list of the specific countries that qualify for each visa. Both E-1 and E-2 visa holders are initially allowed a maximum stay of two years.
Can an alien be an employee of a treaty trader?
To qualify for an E-2 visa as the employee of an individual treaty trader, an alien must meet set specifications: The alien must be of the same nationality as the alien employer (thus, both being of the nationality of the treaty country); The alien must meet the legal definition of an “employee”;
