The E-2 visa is a trade visa that permits traders and entrepreneurs from certain countries to set up and run their businesses in the United States. This nonimmigrant visa is issued to citizens of countries with a treaty of commerce and navigation or a relevant international agreement with the US. Besides the E-2 entrepreneurs of a treaty country, employees working for these foreign investors can also apply for this visa and work in the US.
The Benefits of an E-2 Visa
The following are the advantages of E-2 visas:
No minimum amount is required for investment.
The E-2 Visa allows traders to invest less capital than most trade visas, such as the EB5 green card. While the US government requires that the investment amount be proportionate to the type of business, it does not state the specific minimum or maximum figure. Entrepreneurs with small investments of as low as 50,000 USD have been approved and are allowed to set up their businesses in the US. Investor visas like the EB5 green card require at least $500,000, so they are not good for small investors.
The capital for the investment enterprise should, however, come from the investor’s bank account or their family member.
It also grants spouses work permits.
E-2 visas allow the spouses of treaty investors to find employment and work in the US or establish their businesses. Through the E2 dependent visa, the spouse can apply for a document that lets them work or a work permit.
High Success Rate
The E-2 treaty investor visa has a success rate of 89%, increasing the chances of foreign entrepreneurs getting approved to establish their businesses in the United States. The US has a treaty of commerce and navigation with up to 32 countries worldwide and allows access to investors from these states who meet the requirements to conduct trade in the country.
Allows for an extension of stay
A treaty trader with an E-2 visa can renew the visa an unlimited number of times to prolong their stay in the United States. These visas allow these traders to reside and run their business in the US for up to two years and are renewable after this period. So, E-2 visa holders who meet all the requirements can apply for an extension of their stay more than once and stay in the US for two more years for each extension.
No academic qualifications are needed.
Unlike other nonimmigrant visas, E2 visas do not require academic degrees from traders, thus allowing traders in non-educational industries access to the US to conduct their businesses.
Access to education by dependents
E2 visas allow visa holders to live in the United States with their spouses, unmarried children, and family members. In addition, children under 21 can study in schools in the US after filling out and submitting an F-1 visa for approval. While these children cannot work under the E2 dependent visa, they can apply for their nonimmigrant visa after they turn 21. By having their visa, they can work for any business or company in the US.
Employment Opportunities
E2 visa holders can also be employees of existing businesses in the US. During a visa interview, a person can get an E2 visa if they can show that they own at least 50% of a business in the U.S. or that they are an important employee in a supervisory or executive role. Treaty investors can also get work permits and work in their businesses.
Reentry Privileges
An E2 visa holder with a valid visa can freely travel in and out of the US with their family members. They can also opt to live in a different state and will still get easy access to the US if they choose to move back.
While having an E2 nonimmigrant visa has many benefits, the nonimmigrant visa application process can be long and complex. There are also various requirements that treaty investors should meet to be eligible for the E2 visa, like the visa application fee. Hire an immigration lawyer who has experience with E2 visa applications, renewals, and the legal process. This will help you understand the process and figure out how to move through it.
Choose Our Law Firm For Your Immigration Solutions In Atlanta, GA
Elliot Immigration Law is a law firm based in Atlanta, GA, that offers immigration solutions and legal aid to treaty investors and other foreigners. With over 30 years of combined experience, we have helped clients with immigration cases, such as getting employment-based green cards and work visas.
We have a team of professional, honest, efficient, and experienced lawyers and attorneys ready to help you get visas, attain citizenship, and reunite with family members. Contact us at (404) 890-0372 today for citizenship and immigration services.
