How to Get an E-2 Investor Visa to the US: Requirements & Services
Do you want to start or invest in a business in the U.S.? Watch this video about E-2 visas. Then fill out our immigration assessment form and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours to discuss your eligibility and options.
How to Get an E-2 Investor Visa to the US: Requirements & Services
Do you want to start or invest in a business in the U.S.? Watch this video about E-2 visas. Then fill out our immigration assessment form and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours to discuss your eligibility and options.
Individuals who wish to work in the US by starting or investing in a US business may be eligible for an E-1 or E-2 investor visa, or an L-1 business expansion visa. While not all countries are eligible, business owners and investors from those that are may qualify if they meet several criteria. Employees as well as spouses and children of the principal visa holder may also be eligible for a visa.
There are 2 types of E-visas for investors: the E-1 and the E-2 Visa. Under each one, only certain countries' citizens are eligible to apply, and both have subtle yet important requirements that set them apart.
The EB-5 immigrant investor visa was created by Congress to attract foreign capital to the US and create jobs for American workers in the process. The investor would then be eligible for permanent residence. To obtain the EB-5 visa, the investor must fit a few main requirements, and submit documentation to prove they are eligible.
The O-1 visa is for individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, business, education, or athletics. While it is considered a work visa, it can be applicable to investors in some of these areas, particularly business, in which one may have extraordiary skills.
If you wish to work in the U.S. by starting or investing in a U.S. business, an E-2 Visa may be an option for you. E visas are U.S. work visas for people
working in the U.S. in trade or in investment. E visas can only be issued to countries where there is a treaty between the foreign national's country and the USA.
Two types of E visa applications:
E-1 (for traders)
E-2 (for investors)
How to Qualify for an E-2 Investor Visa
E-2 visas are for owners and investors in businesses in the United States. The E-2 is a temporary U.S. work visa that may be granted for "substantial" investments in the U.S. An investment must meet several criteria in order to qualify
for an E-2 visa.
Employees of E-2 companies may be granted E-2 visas if they are or will be engaged in duties that are executive, managerial, or supervisory in nature. If employed in a minor capacity, the employee may be granted an E-2 visa if he or she has special
qualifications that make the services to be rendered essential to the enterprise.
The spouse and children (unmarried and under 21) of E-1 or E-2 visa holders are entitled to the same E-1 or E-2 classification as the principal.
In order to qualify for the E-2 Visa as an investor, you have to:
Show that a "substantial" investment or funds is available and committed to the investment;
The investment must be for an active business as opposed to passive investment such as purchasing a home;
At least 50% of the business must be owned by the foreigner from a country which has a treaty with the United States;
The investment must create enough profit to provide a living for more than just the applicant and his/her family.
How Much Money Do I Need to Invest for an E-2 Visa?
There is no minimum amount of investment necessary to obtain an E-2 visa. The investment just has to be "substantial". What is considered a substantial amount will depend on factors such as the type of business involved, the number of
jobs created by the investor's personal assets, etc. In most cases, the investment should be at least $100,000USD, but sometimes it may be less than this.
What if I am an employee? Can I qualify for an E-2 Visa?
To qualify for E-2 Employee classification, the employee or prospective employee of a treaty investor must:
Be the same nationality of the principal alien employer (who must have the nationality of the treaty country)
Meet the definition of "employee" under relevant law
Either be engaging in duties of an executive or supervisory character, or if employed in a lesser capacity, have special qualifications.
How to Qualify for an E-1 Trader Visa
E-1 visas are for individuals involved in the exchange, purchase or sale of goods/services or merchandise. Services include technology transfer, architecture and engineering services, management consulting or accounting. The trade in goods and services
should be substantial in terms of value, volume or a large number of small transactions.
The trade must also meet the following criteria:
The trade must be principally with the treaty country.
More than 50% of the total volume of international trade must be between the U.S. and the treaty country.
The amount of trade must be sufficient to ensure a continuous flow of international trade between the U.S. and the treaty country.
Trade can be binding contracts that call for the future exchange of items.
Income derived from the value of numerous transactions that is sufficient to support the trades and his/her family is a favourable factor.
Is your Country on the E Visa List?
In order to qualify for an E visa, you have to be a national of a country that has a Treaty with the U.S. for E visas. Below is the list of countries that have an E visa treaty for both types of E visas.
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Bosnia
Canada
China (Taiwan)
Colombia
Costa Rica
Croatia
Estonia
Ethiopia
Finland
France
Georgia
Germany
Honduras
Israel
Iran
Ireland
Italy
Jamacia
Japan
South Korea
Liberia
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Mexico
Netherlands
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Paraguay
Philippines
Serbia
Montenegro
Slovenia
Spain
Suriname
Sweden
Switzerland
Thailand
Togo
Turkey
United Kingdom
New Zealand
Countries with Treaties conferring only E-1 treaty-trader status:
Bolivia
Brunei
Denmark
Greece
Latvia
Countries with Treaties conferring only E-2 treaty-trader status:
Armenia
Bangladesh
Bulgaria
Cameroon
Congo(Brazzaville)
Congo(Kinshasa)
Czech Republic
Ecuador
Egypt
Grenada
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Moldova
Mongolia
Morocco
Panama
Poland
Romania
Senegal
Slovak Republic
Sri Lanka
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Ukraine
Why Seeking Professional Help for an E-2 Visa is Crucial
When applying for an E visa, all the criteria must be met. With all of the paperwork and documentation required, it is easy to miss important details that can lead to a rejected application. Without any legal help, navigating through the complicated application process is frustrating and potentially fruitless. When it comes to preparing an application for investors or traders, experienced legal teams will know the best way to prepare
a successful application package.
Why Hire Us to Help You With Your E-2 Visa Application?
With over 15 years of experience of working with investors and traders, we know what the U.S. immigration department requires. We have helped thousands and thousands of foreign nationals successfully enter the U.S. with E visas and we can help
you too!
The first step towards a successful E-2 visa application is getting an assessment of your case. Fill out our immigration assessment form and we will get back to you within 24 hours to discuss your eligibility
and options.
The first step towards a successful E-2 visa application is getting an assessment of your case. Fill out our immigration assessment form and we will get back to you within 24 hours to discuss your eligibility
and options.
I have now gotten my SECOND visa for working in the US with Visa Place, and I have referred several peers who have successfully gotten visas as well. The team (specifically Danielle, Fadi and Preejo) went above and beyond to ensure that I was very well taken care of. We encountered an issue in the application process (which was no fault of theirs), and the team regrouped and put all hands on deck to resolve it as soon as possible and push my approval past the finish line. It was amazing to say the least and I am so grateful that I can continue my career across the border where the vast majority of work in my industry lies.
Alex Brownin the last week
I recently had the pleasure of working with the VISA place on my E2 Visa. This was a great experience through all the highs and lows Ezekiel was there, he was Amazing a true professional. I feel like I could not have done it without him. His professionalism, understanding and genuine caring for us during this was unbelievable. I will miss our frequent phone calls.
I would recommend VISA PLACE to everyone.
Ryan Joa2 weeks ago
The team here is wonderful. They are so professional and capable of handling any immigration matters. I just received my Work Permit thanks to them. Thanks Alicea again for helping me! I highly highly recommend to try their services ❤❤
