E2 Visa LawyeR
At B&A Immigration, our experienced E2 visa lawyers are dedicated to providing comprehensive guidance and support for individuals seeking to obtain an E2 Treaty Investor visa. We understand the complexities and nuances of the E2 visa application process and work diligently to help our clients successfully navigate the system. Our attorneys will assist you in gathering the necessary documentation, preparing the application, and addressing any potential challenges that may arise during the process.
E2 Visa USA
The E2 visa is a non-immigrant visa category designed for foreign nationals who wish to enter the United States to invest in, develop, and manage a business. To qualify for an E2 visa, the applicant must:
Be a national of a country that maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States.
Have invested, or be in the process of investing, a substantial amount of capital in a bona fide enterprise in the United States.
Be entering the United States solely to develop and direct the investment enterprise.
The E2 visa is an attractive option for many entrepreneurs and investors, as it allows the visa holder to live and work in the US, bring dependents, and travel in and out of the country without restrictions. Moreover, the E2 visa can be renewed indefinitely, as long as the investment enterprise continues to meet the requirements.
US Investment Visa
The United States offers several investment visa options to foreign nationals who are looking to invest in a US-based enterprise. These options include the E2 Treaty Investor visa, as well as the EB-5 Immigrant Investor visa. Each visa category has its own set of eligibility criteria and requirements.
E2 Treaty Investor Visa: As discussed earlier, the E2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to enter the US to develop and manage a business in which they have invested a substantial amount of capital.
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa: The EB-5 visa is an immigrant visa designed for foreign investors who are willing to invest a minimum of $900,000 in a US-based enterprise that will create at least ten full-time jobs for US workers. In return, the investor and their immediate family members (spouse and unmarried children under 21) can obtain conditional permanent residency, which can later be converted into a green card if the investment project fulfils the job creation requirements.
At B&A Immigration, our team of skilled attorneys can help you evaluate your investment options, determine the best visa category for your needs, and guide you through the application process to maximise your chances of success.
E-1 Treaty Trade & E-2 investment Visas
Treaty Trader visas (E-1) and Treaty Investor visas (E-2) are for nationals of a country with which the U.S. maintains a treaty of friendship, commerce and navigation, who wish to go to the U.S. for one of two purposes:
To carry on substantial trade, principally between the United States and the treaty country (E-1); or
To develop and direct the operations of an enterprise in which the national has invested or is in the process of investing a substantial amount of capital (E-2).
The U.S. Embassy in London has seen a dramatic increase in the number of applications for E-2 visas in the last decade. One cause of this increase has been the strength of the pound against the dollar and another has been the growth in value of U.K. real estate.
The Treaty
The United States and the United Kingdom have maintained a treaty of commerce and navigation since 1815. In order to be covered by it, citizens of the U.K. must own at least 50% of the business and must actively develop and direct that business. In addition, in order to be eligible for the E visas, U.K. applicants must reside in the British Isles.
Investors and Employees
Both owners and employees of treaty trader and treaty investor businesses receive the same kind of visa (E-1 or E-2); the law makes no distinction between them. Investors and employees, however, go through different processes to get their visas.
Length of Visa
The maximum length for which an E-1 or E-2 visa can be issued to a citizen of the United Kingdom is 5 years. In London, trends show that the first E-1 or E-2 is usually issued for two years, but is renewable provided the investment or trade continues to meet all applicable requirements of U.S. immigration laws and regulations.
Proper Use of B1/B2 Visas and Visa-Waiver (ESTA) Travel for Investors:
Potential investors may seek out investment opportunities, sign contracts, and take other steps to purchase or establish a business while traveling on B1/B2 status or on the Visa Waiver Program. However, applicants may not develop and direct a business while in such status.