E2 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions

The E-2 treaty investor visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals of countries with which the United States has a treaty of commerce and navigation to enter the United States to develop and direct the operations of an enterprise in which they have invested a substantial amount of capital. Some common questions about the E-2 visa include:

What are the requirements for an E-2 visa?

To qualify for an E-2 visa, the applicant must be a national of a country with which the United States has a treaty of commerce and navigation, must have made a substantial investment in a bona fide enterprise in the United States, and must be coming to the United States to develop and direct the enterprise.

E2 visa
E2 Visa as inserted in the passport

How long can I stay in the United States on an E-2 visa?

E-2 visa holders can stay in the United States for an initial period of up to five years, depending on their country of origin, and the visa can be renewed indefinitely as long as the E-2 holder continues to meet the requirements for the visa.

Can I bring my family with me to the United States on an E-2 visa?

E-2 visa holders can bring their spouse and children under 21 years of age with them to the United States. The spouse can apply for work authorization, and can work for any employer. The children can't work.

Can I apply for a green card while on an E-2 visa?

It is generally not possible to apply for a green card while on an E-2 visa. However, E-2 visa holders may be able to apply for a different type of visa that allows for permanent residence in the United States.

Are there any restrictions on the type of business I can invest in on an E-2 visa?

The business must be a bona fide enterprise and the investment must be substantial. There are no specific restrictions on the type of business that can be invested in, but the investment must be more than a marginal one solely for the purpose of earning a living.

What are the benefits of an E2 Visa?

E2 visa holders are allowed to work in the United States and their dependents are also allowed to study in the United States. There are many benefits to holding an E2 visa, including the ability to live and work in the United States and the ability to bring your family with you.

What are the E2 Visa Requirements?

The E-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign nationals of treaty countries to enter the United States to engage in substantial trade, invest in a U.S. business, or develop and direct the operations of an enterprise in which they have invested a substantial amount of capital.

To be eligible for an E-2 visa, the foreign national must:

  • Be a national of a treaty country;
  • Have invested, or be in the process of investing, a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business;
  • Be seeking to enter the United States solely to develop and direct the investment enterprise; and
  • The enterprise must generate sufficient income to provide a living for the investor and his or her family.

How Long Does it Take to Get an E2 Visa?

The E2 visa process generally takes between two and four weeks, although the specific processing time will vary depending on the country of origin and the specific consulate where the visa application is filed. Applicants for an E2 visa must submit a completed visa application, along with supporting documentation, to the appropriate consulate.

How Long Can I be in the US on an E2 Visa?

The E2 visa is valid for up to five years and can be renewed indefinitely. There are no specific requirements for renewing an E2 visa, but you must maintain your status as a trader or investor and meet all other requirements of the visa.

If I Get an E2 Visa, Do My Family Members Get Immigration Benefits?

The E2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to enter the United States to engage in investment activities. The principal E2 visa holder is the one who actually applies for and receives the E2 visa. However, family members of the principal E2 visa holder may also be eligible for certain immigration benefits. For example, the spouse of a principal E2 visa holder may be eligible for an E-2 dependent visa, and unmarried children under the age of 21 may also be eligible for an E-2 dependent visa.

How much does an E-2 Visa Cost?

An E-2 visa is an investor visa that allows foreign investors to enter and work in the United States. The minimum investment amount for an E-2 visa is $50,000 but it is usually recommended to invest at least $100,000, and the investment amount must be at least 50% of the total investment in the business. Lawyers' fees and consular costs are additional costs associated with an E-2 visa.

How to Apply for an E-2 Visa?

To apply for an E-2 visa, you must be a national of a treaty country. You will need to submit a visa application, including a business plan, to the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country of origin. Processing time for E-2 visa applications can vary, but is typically around two weeks to six weeks.

The E-2 visa depends on there being a treaty between the United States and the applicant's country of origin. The treaty investor must be coming to the United States to invest in a business. The business must be at least 50% owned by treaty investors from the applicant's country of origin.

What are treaty countries?

A treaty country is a nation with which the United States has a formal agreement called a treaty of friendship, commerce and navigation, or a bilateral investment treaty. The United States has treaties with most nations of the world, including Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, and Japan. If you are from one of these countries, you may be eligible for certain types of visas, such as the E-2 visa for investors or the EB-5 visa for immigrant investors.

What documentation do you need to apply for an E-2 Visa?

To apply for an E-2 Visa, you will need to submit a visa application, a business plan, and evidence of investment funds. You will also need to show that you have a qualifying business under the Treaty Investor category, which includes businesses that are already established or in the process of being established. Additionally, you will need to provide proof of your citizenship and submit a tax return if you are buying an existing business.

Where to apply for the E-2 Investor Visa?

There are a few ways to apply for an E-2 Investor Visa. The most common way is to go through a U.S. embassy or consulate. The other way is to apply for a change of status if you are already in the United States on another type of visa.

How Much Money Do I Need to Invest for an E-2 Visa?

To qualify for an E-2 visa, you must make a minimum investment in a U.S.-based business. The amount of the investment will vary depending on the type of business and the investor's circumstances. Generally speaking, the larger the business and the more established it is, the more money the investor will need to put down. It is usually recommended to invest more than $100,000 to get better chances of success.

What are the Differences Between Doing a Change of Status to E2 and Getting an E2 Visa?

There are a few key differences between doing a change of status to E2 and getting an E2 visa. First, with a change of status, you are already in the United States, whereas with an E2 visa, you are applying for permission to enter the United States. Second, the investment amount for an E2 business is generally lower than for an e-2 visa. Finally, you may be able to apply for an e2 visa without having your business already established, whereas a change of status requires that you already have a business up and running. The change of status will not allow to leave the US and come back, a visa will be better if you intend to travel.

Some Drawbacks of the E2 Visa

One potential drawback of the E2 visa is that it is only available to citizens of countries with which the United States has a treaty of commerce and navigation or a bilateral investment treaty. As of 2019, there were only 82 such countries. This means that if you are not a citizen of one of these countries, you will not be eligible for an E2 visa.

Another potential drawback of the E2 visa is that it is valid for only three months to 5 years, depending on your country of origin, and has to be renewed. This means that if you want to stay in the United States on an E2 visa, you will have to leave the country every now and then and reapply for a new visa.

Finally, although the E2 visa does allow you to live and work in the United States, it does not lead to a green card. If you want to obtain permanent residency in the United States, you will have to apply for a different type of visa.

Is it easy to get an E2 visa?

No, it is not easy to get an E2 visa. The requirements are very specific, and the process can be quite complicated. However, if you meet all the requirements and can navigate the process successfully, it is possible to obtain an E2 visa.

Can E2 visa apply for SSN?

Yes, e2 visa holders can apply for a social security number (SSN). To do so, they must first complete an application form and submit it to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Once the application is approved, the SSA will issue the SSN.

Do e2 visa holders pay taxes?

Yes, e2 visa holders are required to pay taxes in the United States. This includes federal, state, and local taxes.

Can E2 visa holders work for another company?

No, an e2 visa holder cannot work for another company.

Are e2 visa holders resident aliens?

E2 visa holders are resident aliens. This means that they are allowed to live and work in the United States indefinitely, as long as they maintain their status. E2 visa holders can also bring their spouses and children with them to the United States.

Can e2 visas spouse work?

Yes, the spouse of an E-2 visa holder can work in the United States. Until spring 2022, they needed to apply for an EAD. It is not the case anymore. When entering the USA, they are given a I94S that gives them the right to work in the US.

Can E2 visas children work?

No, unfortunately, they can't which is another drawback of E2 visa.

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