A Comprehensive Guide About What Is an E-2 Visa

Investors, entrepreneurs, and people seeking to invest and run their business in the United States may be able to apply for an E-2 visa if their native country has signed a treaty with the United States. This treaty will allow business owners to access the Treaty Investor Visa and further apply for the E-2 visa application process.  Additionally, a foreign national will have to demonstrate that their business is capable of making more than enough income to provide a minimal living for the business owner and his or her family. The E-2 visa classification is flexible enough for entrepreneurs to bring vital employees from their home country to help the business.  An e2 visa does not directly lead to a green card but there is no limit to the number of extensions that can be granted. However, if necessary, e2 visa lawyers can successfully guide investors on other options for a green card.

Who is eligible for an E2 Visa?

Businesspeople from countries that entered into treaties with the United States such as Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Pakistan, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine and others can apply for an E2 Visa that will allow them to work in the U.S. for a business in which they have invested. You may wish to consult an E2 visa attorney for a full personal analysis of your E2 Visa eligibility, and help with the application process.

What are the advantages of an E2 Visa? 

The various benefits of an E2 Visa include having an unlimited number of extensions at two years intervals. Moreover, the treaty investor can bring along their dependent spouse along with unmarried and minor children.  The dependent spouse may also accept employment in the U.S. Some people call the E-2 the next best thing to U.S. permanent residence, because it is possible to obtain via self-employment, and it comes with an unlimited number of extensions. To understand other advantages in detail, contact an e-2 visa lawyer. 

What are the documents required for an E2 Visa? 

The Salinas Law Firm in Houston can help you prepare the documentation to meet the application requirements.  Depending on the procedure, some of the documents will consist of-

• A Filed Form DS-160, Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
• Form DS-156E, Nonimmigrant Treaty Trader/Treaty Investor Application.
• Your valid passport.
• Corporate documents.
• Evidence of substantial investment.
• Source of funds.

Proof that the business you will invest in is real, active and operating:

• Business licence and registration documents
• Financial statements
• Office lease agreements
• Organizational chart
• Tax returns
• Bank statements
• Contracts with employees and customers, etc.

Proof that your investment is substantial, such as:

• Your personal or business bank statements
• Investment earning statements
• Assets

What are the Investment Requirements for an E2 Visa?

The applicant must make a substantial investment to qualify for the E2 Visa Process.  However, the law does not state a minimum dollar amount.  Generally, the applicant should be prepared to invest at least $100,000 in the business to have a good E2 visa case.  The actual amount required will depend on the type of business the investor chooses.  Investments less than $100,000 may potentially qualify for some low cost start-up businesses.

The investment for E2 visa must be for an active and real business, producing some service or commodity.  The business must have all the necessary licenses and permits as required by the government for the particular type of business.  The business cannot be a paper organization or a passive investment in the form of properties, bonds or stocks. Contact your e2 visa lawyer who will be your best guide in order to meet the requirements.

How long does it take to get an E2 Visa? 

The time it takes to get your e2 visa is dependent on various stages which consist of document gathering, legal preparation and consular processing or change of status. When you have hired an experienced e2 visa lawyer from Houston, expect to receive an honest assessment on your case along with a specific list of documents and information that will need to be compiled.  This step is followed by legal preparation wherein your legal representative will complete the paperwork on your behalf in under two weeks as well as your e2 petition. In the last step, your application will be filed at the US consulate of your home country (consular processing) or if you are in the US, you can change to e2 status by filing your application with the USCIS office. Applicants should keep in mind that consular processing as well as change of status through USCIS both may take at least 2 to 3 months.  Depending on where the US embassy/consulate is located, it may take longer.  USCIS processing can be shortened to 15 days by paying a premium processing fee of $2,500.00.

We understand that the investor visa process can seem complicated.  If you are thinking about filing for an e2 visa, think about Salinas Law Firm in Texas for all of your immigration needs.