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The E-2 visa is an appealing option for foreign business persons and investors seeking to live in the United States to conduct business operations on a nonimmigrant basis. Our experienced E-2 Visa Lawyers have a stellar record of supporting clients in securing visa approvals.
Read along to learn how an E-2 Visa Lawyer can provide legal support throughout the process, and find useful information about the E-2 Visa.
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The E-2 visa is a nonimmigrant investor visa for people of eligible countries to come to the United States to develop and direct a U.S. business enterprise in which they already have or are actively investing a substantial amount of capital.
Our expert E-2 visa attorneys at VisaNation can guide you through the process of securing an E-2 visa. From assessing eligibility to preparing documentation, we ensure a smooth and successful application. Contact VisaNation
Our expert E-2 visa attorneys at VisaNation can guide you through the process of securing an E-2 visa. From assessing eligibility to preparing documentation, we ensure a smooth and successful application.
For an E-2 visa, individuals must invest substantial capital in a U.S. business. The investment must be significant enough to ensure the successful operation of the business. But what is a “substantial investment?”
While there is no specified minimum investment, official policy in the §214.2 code of federal regulations offers guidance:
The amount invested should be enough to show that the investor is financially committed to making the business successful.
The investment should be enough to increase the chances that the investor can successfully grow and manage the business. In general, if the business is less expensive, the investment needs to be larger in comparison to be considered “substantial.”
Because the offered guidance may still leave you wondering what qualifies as substantial capital, it’s important to work with a qualified E-2 Visa Lawyer to ensure:
The E-2 Visa has a two-year validity, but can be renewed indefinitely as long as the trade or investment continues to meet the visa requirements.
According to USCIS, E-2 treaty investors and their employees generally receive an automatic two-year period of readmission when returning to the United States after traveling abroad. This does not automatically apply to dependents.
Yes, E-2 visa holders can bring their spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age as dependents. These dependents can also apply for E-2 visas, which allow them to live in the US while the E-2 principal holder is in the US.
The E-2 visa isn’t just for anyone who invests. According to section 101(a)(15)(E)(ii) of the § 214.2 act, treaty investors:
Additionally, the E-2 visa is only eligible for “treaty countries.” Applicants must be nationals of a country that holds a treaty of trade and commerce with the United States. The regulations state that you must be a national of one of these countries, but you do not necessarily need to be currently living there. If you are unsure whether or not you qualify under this requirement, speak with your E-2 visa attorney.
You can also see comprehensive list provided by the Department of State.
Employees of E-2 Visa Investors can also work in the United States if they:
Share the same nationality as the employer,
Come to the U.S. in a managerial/executive role or have specialized skills essential to the business, and
Plan to depart when their status ends,
For those applying from outside the U.S., applications for E-2 visas are generally submitted at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Although visa applicants may apply at any U.S. consular office abroad, it may be more difficult to qualify for the visa outside your country of permanent residence.
An applicant for a Treaty Trader visa must first establish that the trading enterprise or investment enterprise meets the requirements of the law and complies with the many requirements for the E visa classification. The consular officer may provide the applicant with special forms for this purpose.
The applicant can expect the consular officer to request additional documentation to decide on the eligibility for a treaty investor visa. It is impossible to specify the exact documentation required since circumstances vary greatly from one applicant to the other.
VisaNation’s experienced lawyers handle the complexities of your E-1 or E-2 visa application. We specialize in providing comprehensive support to ensure all required documents are correctly submitted. Contact VisaNation
VisaNation’s experienced lawyers handle the complexities of your E-1 or E-2 visa application. We specialize in providing comprehensive support to ensure all required documents are correctly submitted.
Our immigration attorneys can help with every step of the E-2 Visa process:
In this step, our immigration lawyers provide exact guidance:
Prepare all documentation, such as:
The preparation phase is arguably the most important step to have an immigration lawyer well-versed in the E-2 Visa process. Our lawyers can help ensure your business plan and other documents are “bullet-proof,” ensuring a successful outcome when it comes to the application.
When you apply for the E-2 Visa, you will either file:
If the USCIS requires further information, the agency sends a request for evidence (RFE). In the case this happens, the USCIS will provide information on:
The E-2 Visa application requires strict attention to detail. Any missing information can lead to RFEs or denial. In the case of an RFE, a qualified immigration law firm can support you in preparing the evidence required for approval.
Work with VisaNation E-2 Visa Attorneys Today Contact VisaNation
Work with VisaNation E-2 Visa Attorneys Today
Inside U.S.:
USCIS approval automatically changes your status to E‑2 (no visa stamp).
You’ll receive a new I‑94 record showing your E‑2 admission class and validity.
Outside U.S.:
If approved, the consulate issues an E‑2 visa stamp in your passport.
Visa processing generally takes 2–8 weeks.
Fortunately, investor visas have relatively short processing times of around 6 months. Your I-129 petition will take the bulk of the wait time. However, this depends on the caseload of the USCIS service center that processes your petition.
For consular processing, the processing time depends on how busy your home country’s U.S. consulate or embassy is. You will need to make an appointment for your interview and then wait until that date, which can range from a few weeks to a few months.
Yoy can expedite processing time by opting for the premium processing service. This optional feature shortens your visa processing time to 15 calendar days. If the USCIS fails to meet this deadline, you will be refunded your premium processing fee.
The total cost and fees for your investor visa depend on whether you are currently inside the U.S. or outside. For those who are already working in the U.S. under a different visa status, you can simply file an I-129 and have your status adjusted as soon as your petition is approved.
However, if you are currently outside the U.S., you must undergo consular processing. This involves making an appointment with the U.S. consulate or embassy in your home country to schedule an interview with a consular officer. This also requires you to complete a DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application.
Here is the breakdown of the fees:
An E-2 visa applicant will need to consider these costs in addition to the appropriate investment amount. Speak with your E-2 visa attorney to learn how much the investor visa will cost overall.
Taking a wrong turn when applying for an investor visa can be detrimental. Here are the top three red flags to avoid:
VisaNation law firm’s legal team has supported numerous foreign investors immigrate to the U.S. to expand their existing businesses or start new ones. When it comes to investment immigration, we understand that our clients have a long-term vision not only for their business in the U.S. but also for their life in the country. Thus, we take utmost care of every case and ensure that our clients and their families are confident, comfortable, and happy when it comes to immigration. The process can be exhausting, but it doesn’t have to. At VisaNation, we have many client success stories that will inspire you to take the next step. – Shilpa Malik, Managing Attorney
Below are some viable alternatives to investor visas:
The Immigration Attorneys at VisaNation will prepare and file the necessary applications and supporting documentation on your behalf. If you would like to get in touch with one of our investor visa attorneys, fill out our contact form.
Our lawyers have helped countless investors establish businesses in the United States. During a consultation, we’ll outline the best course of action based on the information you provide.
If we determine that you do not qualify for an E-2 visa, we will explain other options that may be available.
Get in touch with one of our E-2 Visa attorneys. Contact VisaNation
Get in touch with one of our E-2 Visa attorneys.
