Understanding E-2 Visa Requirements
2/1/2024
If you make a substantial investment in a U.S.-based business, you may be eligible to apply for an E2 Visa. This Visa will allow you to live and work in the U.S. for a minimum of three months and a maximum of five years, although the maximum may be eligible for extension.
Since the E2 Visa comes with complex requirements, you should consult with an immigration attorney. to help you through the process. In the meantime, you can review this list of questions to see if immigration benefits through an E2 Visa may be right for you.
Are You A Citizen Of A Country With Which The U.S. Is A Citizen Of A Country With Which The U.S. Do You Have A Trade Agreement?
The United States and your home country must share an E2 treaty. E2 treaty that helps to simplify economic and commercial collaboration. You can find the treaty countries online or consult with an immigration attorney. You must be a citizen of a trade treaty country, not a legal permanent resident.
Are You Making A Substantial Investment In The Business?
The definition of substantial investment varies from one situation to another and from one person to another. However, for purposes of an E2 Visa, it means that the investment must be significant enough to facilitate the successful operation of the business.
While the EB5 Visa requires a specific minimum dollar amount, the E2 does not. In general, the investment must be $100,000 or more. In some cases, the authorities may grant a Visa for a smaller investment, but usually a larger dollar amount carries more weight.
You can document the importance of the investment to business operations with a list of items you have purchased for the business, receipts, business and personal bank statements, accounting documents and a business plan.
Are Your Funds At Risk?
You need to be committed to your business purchase or start-up effort. To qualify for the E2 Visa, you must have spent the funds and be at risk of losing your money if the business fails. The immigration authorities will not consider a loan that you have backed by investment assets.
You should do your homework on the business in which you want to invest to learn all about the company and its competitors to assess its present status and future potential. Then, to protect your investment, you can negotiate a sales agreement with the existing owner, detailing the terms and conditions of purchase, pending their thorough evaluation.
If you want to demonstrate your commitment while still protecting your funds, you can open an escrow account to hold your entire investment and transfer the funds when your E2 Visa application is approved.
Contact The Lozano Law Firm In South Texas
If you need an E2 Visa lawyer or EB5 Visa lawyer in South Texas, be sure to contact Lozano Law Firm. At Lozano Law Firm, our team is committed to helping families and corporations through the immigration maze because we know that immigrants are good for our country. Attorney Alfredo Lozano is an expert in nationality and immigration law certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. We are dedicated to assisting those seeking immigration status in good standing.
If you have questions about the E2 Visa or other immigration related matters, please complete our online our online contact form or call our team at Lozano Law Firm at ph6. Our experienced team of immigration professionals serves South Texas with offices in San Antonio, Eagle Pass, and San Angelo, Texas.
Lozano Law Firm
5718 University Heights Blvd #104,
San Antonio, TX 78249
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