By significantly investing in a U.S. company, the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa presents a special chance for international entrepreneurs to reside and operate in the United States. For prospective investors, this article offers a thorough summary of the E-2 visa criteria, application procedure, advantages, and main factors of importance.
Learning About The E-2 Visa
Available to citizens of nations with whom the United States maintains treaties of commerce and navigation, the E-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa. The visa lets people enter and work in the United States depending on a significant investment in a U.S. company.
Important Criteria for the E-2 Visa
- Nationality: Candidates must be nationals of a treaty nation. The U.S. Department of State lists qualified nations here.
- Significant Investment: The investment has to be large enough to guarantee the business runs successfully. Although there is no set minimum, the investment has to be substantial in respect to the whole cost of running or starting the company.
- Ownership and Control: The investor has to own at least half of the company or have operational control via another corporate tool or managerial post.
- Investment: The investment needs to be in an actual, running commercial business. Not eligible are passive investments like buying a house without intending to run the company.
- Marginality: The business has to either have a major economic influence in the United States or create more than enough money to cover a minimum lifestyle for the investor and their family.
When their E-2 status expires, applicants have to show they intend to leave the United States.
Applying for the E-2 Visa
- Find Eligibility: Make sure you satisfy all eligibility criteria—including those pertaining to nationality and investment requirements.
- Create a thorough business plan including the type of company, the investment size, expected financial statements, and income generating strategy of the company.
- Make the investment; dedicate money to the company. This can entail buying a current company, launching a new business, or significantly investing in an established company.
- Get all the required paperwork like proof of nationality, proof of the investment, ownership records, company strategy, and financial records.
- Complete and turn in your Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) via the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website.
- Plan a visit for an interview. Make an interview reservation at your own country’s U.S. embassy or consulate. Pay the non-refundable visa application cost.
- See the interview. Present your case to a consular officer with the necessary papers and proving your investment satisfies the E-2 visa requirements.
- Should your application be approved, you will acquire your E-2 visa, which would let you enter the United States and start business activities.
Awesome Benefits of E-2 Visa
- The E-2 visa can be extended forever as long as the company keeps running profitably and satisfies all visa criteria.
- The E-2 visa lets the investor’s unmarried children under 21 and spouse accompany him. American spouses can seek for work authorization.
- E-2 visa holders have unfettered travel rights in and out of the United States.
- No Quota Limits: The E-2 visa does not have annual quota restrictions unlike certain other visas.
- Investors can increase the extent of their company activities and maybe generate more American job prospects.
Important Considerations
- Non-Immigrant Status: The E-2 visa offers no straight road to green card, or permanent residence. Still, while in the United States, investors could look at other immigration possibilities.
- Visa holders have to keep following E-2 visa criteria, which include keeping the investment and guaranteeing the company stays running.
- Living and working in the United States could cause the investor tax consequences. See a tax consultant to learn your tax responsibilities.
- Though the E-2 visa can be extended indefinitely, each renewal calls for proving that the company keeps meeting all visa conditions.
- Dependents have to follow visa rules; children have to alter their status or visa once they turn 21 years of age.
For those from foreign nations wishing to invest in and run a company in the United States, the investment visa USA E-2 treaty offers a fantastic opportunity. As long as they grasp the criteria and follow the application procedure thoroughly, investors can use their visa to grow their company and appreciate living and working in the United States. Those who want to apply should consult experts and get ready extensively since the E-2 visa application process is so difficult.