United States has trade treaty with many countries. The Nationals of these countries are eligible for E visa. This visa does not require one million investment as required by the EB-5 visa. Nor does it require hiring of ten US workers. It is helpful for small business.
- Applicability: E-2 Visas are typically targeted towards “business owners, managers, and employees who needs to remain in the U.S. for extended periods of time” to conduct trade or oversee an investment in the U.S. The visa can be used by both the company’s principals, and the employees. Family members (spouses and single, minor children) can enter with the visa holder.
- Duration: The initial period is two years, but can be extended after every two years for indefinite period.
- Process: The application must be made at a U.S. Consulate abroad or if the person is already in the United States, can apply for change of status to E visa.
- Requirements:
- A treaty must exist between the U.S. and their country (country list provided below).
- Majority ownership or control of the company must be held by the nationals of the other country.
- The applying employees and principals must all have the citizenship of that foreign nation.
- What counts as “substantial trade?”
- There is NO minimum dollar value in determining whether trade is substantial.
- The trade is measured by:
- Volume of trade: flow must be existing, continuous, and numerous
- Number of transactions: one large transaction is not enough
- Continued course of trade: commitment to future trade
- What countries have an E-2 treaty with the U.S.?
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bolivia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Canada
- Chile
- China
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Estonia
- Ethiopia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Honduras
- Iran
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Jordan
- Korea (South)
- Latvia
- Liberia
- Luxembourg
- Macedonia
- Mexico
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Paraguay
- Philippines
- Singapore
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Suriname
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Thailand
- Togo
- Turkey
- K.
- Yugoslavia
- Albania
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Bulgaria
- Cameroon
- Congo (Brazzaville)
- Congo (Kinshasa)
- Czech Republic
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- Georgia
- Grenada
- Jamaica
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Lithuania
- Moldova
- Mongolia
- Morocco
- Panama
- Poland
- Romania
- Senegal
- Slovak Republic
- Sri Lanka
- Trinidad & Tobago
- Tunisia
- Ukraine
Contact Wani and Associates P.C. for high quality immigration lawyer services for Investor Visa. E Visa category is one of the most difficult and expensive categories in terms of gaining eligibility. Our diligent attorneys through their experience and intelligence will guide you through this complicated process and help you to establish your eligibility for E visa.
Wani & Associates, P.C. 