What is the E2 Visa?

The E2 visa is a non-immigrant visa for investors, entrepreneurs, and people looking to run a business in the United States. With an E2 visa, you can start a US business or invest in a US business and work for that business.

There are two types of investor visas so before looking into E-2 visa requirements for investors you want to make sure the E-2 visa is the right fit for you as a foreign investor. If the E-2 visa isn’t the correct fit for you, there is also the option of an EB-5 investor green card.

There is no limit to the number of times the E2 visa can be renewed. So as long as the E2 business continues to operate and meet the E2 visa requirements, and E2 visa holder can continue to renew their visa and live and work in the United States.

The Investment Must Be a Real Operating Enterprise

A real operating enterprise means that the enterprise must be offering a tangible good or service. Examples of these enterprises are restaurants, retail stores, medical offices, etc. Speculative or idle investment such as real estate investments, undeveloped land, or stocks held by an investor who has no intent to direct the enterprise does not qualify. Similarly, uncommitted funds in a bank account or similar security are not considered an investment.

What are the Requirements for the E-2 Investment Amount?

Unlike the EB-5 visa that has specified minimum investment amounts for its two categories, the E-2 visa does not have a minimum for business capital and instead looks for “substantial capital”. What determines an appropriate investment amount varies widely depending on the size and nature of each business.

Officials at the embassy or USCIS use their discretion to consider whether an amount of investment capital is appropriate or not. Though it is widely believed that having a minimum of $50,000 capital is a good rule of thumb, in some cases, you may need more or less. For instance, a small shop or firm may be approved with an investment amount in the tens of thousands of dollars. In general, however, having a large investment amount will be helpful and make your case stronger. This is another critical area that requires working with an experienced E-2 visa immigration attorney which is where Migrate Compass comes in.

E-2 Visa Processing Time

The processing time for an E-2 visa varies widely depending on the embassy from which you are applying. In some embassies, the process may take just a few weeks, while in others you may have to wait a number of months. If you are applying from within the United States, you may use the premium processing service to have your visa application processed within 15 calendar days. Another factor that could help expedite the process is if you are buying an existing business that is already registered as an E-2 treaty enterprise.

What are the E2 Visa Requirements?

• You must be a national of a country with an E2 treaty with the United States.
• You must make a substantial investment in a US company or Yours.
• You must be entering the United States to direct and develop your E2 business.
• Business licenses.
• The source of your investment funds must be lawful.
• You must be a national of a country with an E2 treaty with the United States.

What are the E2 Visa Benefits?

• Unlike other non-immigrant visas, you do not need to maintain a foreign residence to get an E2 visa.
• There is no set minimum investment amount to qualify for an E2 visa. Investments as low as $50,000 or even lower have qualified for E2.
• With an E2 visa, you can start a business in the United States and work for that business.
• Your spouse can apply for work authorization, to work in the United States.
• Your children have access to schools in the United States.
• By getting an E2 visa, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old can also qualify for E2 visas.

Incomplete information.,

Insufficient evidence, Incomplete documentation and legal obstacles often lead to long processing times, please let your assigned officer or SupportLine be aware...

Your spouse and dependent children can come to the United States.

Guess what? With the E2 visa, your family gets to join the adventure too! If you have kids under 21 who aren't married, they can hop on board. And the best part? They can go to school in the U.S. Your spouse isn't left out either. Once they've sorted out their work documents or gotten their green card, they're free to work.

Migrate Compass is here to offer you a hassle-free experience and make sure you receive your U.S. Business visa as quickly as possible.