E2 Visa Overview

Assisting Clients With the Investor Visa

If you’d like to enter the United States and invest money into a company, the E-2 visa is meant for your specific situation. Unfortunately, the application process for an E-2 visa requires extensive paperwork and proof of your finances. By working with an immigration attorney, you can expedite the application process and increase your chances of success.

At Veritas Immigration Law, P.A., we understand how essential it is to get your visa application approved in a timely manner. With our years of experience in immigration law, we are confident that we can help you through the application process, addressing challenges and hurdles along the way. If you’d like to learn more about our services or have any questions about the visa process, please call 305-680-1747 today.

What is the E-2 Visa?

The E-2 visa, also called the investor visa, is a non-immigrant visa that allows citizens of a treaty country to enter the United States. To qualify for the E-2 visa, you must plan to invest a “substantial amount” of money into a United States business. Anyone who receives an E-2 visa can live in the United States and work for the company for which the E-2 visa was granted.

Spouses of E-2 visa holders can also apply for work authorization in the United States. Spouses do not have to work for the same employer for which the E-2 visa was granted.

The E-2 visa is a temporary visa that lasts from two to five years. Fortunately, the visa can be renewed indefinitely.

Who is Qualified for the E-2 Visa?

The first step in your E-2 visa application process is determining whether or not you are eligible to apply. There are a few specific requirements you must meet; otherwise, your application will be denied.

You may be qualified for the E-2 visa if you meet the following criteria:

Minimum Investment

The eligibility criteria for the E-2 visa include a “minimum investment” into a U.S. business. However, there is no dollar amount attached to this criterion. The amount will vary depending on the type of activity, the location of the business, and whether you are creating a new business from scratch.

National of a Treaty Country

A treaty country is a country that maintains a treaty of commerce with the U.S. You must have citizenship in that country, but you don’t necessarily need to live there. You can find a list of treaty countries on the Department of State’s website.

Active Investment

You must have invested enough funds into a business so that it’s close to the start of actual business operations. You must be able to prove that your business has started or is close to starting before you apply.

Investment in a Real and Operating Enterprise

To qualify for the E-2 visa, you must create a new business or buy an existing one. It must be an actual business that generates profit and provides income and employment in the United States.

Possession of Funds

The funds can be a sale, a business, savings, or an inheritance. You must provide documentation showing that you have the funds and that they are ready to be invested or have already been invested.

Intention to Depart

The E-2 visa is a temporary visa that will eventually expire. During your visa interview, it’s important to explain that you plan on leaving the United States when your visa expires. However, you do not need to specify whether or not you intend to renew your visa or return to the United States on a different visa.

What Are the Benefits of the E-2 Visa?

The E-2 visa application is complex, and many wonder whether it is worth the effort to apply. However, there are many benefits to the E-2 visa, especially if you are interested in funding a business in the United States.

Benefits of the E-2 visa include:

• The E-2 visa holder can work and live in the United States
• The visa holder can seek a change of status in the United States
• Applicants may be able to seek extensions indefinitely based on their home country
• The spouse of the E-2 visa holder is eligible for work authorization
• The E-2 visa holder may be eligible for permanent residence through an EB1 visa petition

What is the E-2 Visa Renewal Process?

Depending on the country you’re from, the E-2 visa only lasts for two to five years. However, you can renew your visa indefinitely, although there is no guarantee your renewal will be approved.

There are several factors that influence whether your renewal will be accepted, including how many employees you have, the salary you earn, the profits generated, and the benefits to the U.S. economy.

Working with an E-2 visa lawyer is the best way to get your renewal application accepted. If you’d like to renew your visa, contact our law office today.

How Can an Immigration Attorney Help With the E-2 Visa?

The E-2 visa is invaluable for investors who want to live and work in the United States. Because of its flexibility and many benefits, the application process for the visa is stringent and can be complex. Working with an attorney allows you to submit your application on time and without any mistakes.

Veritas Immigration Law, P.A. has years of experience helping individuals apply for visas into the U.S., and we are confident that we can get you the outcome you deserve. If you’d like to apply for an E-2 visa, please call 305-680-1747 today for a consultation about your case.