How long are E2 visas valid?

E-2 Visas are valid for up to 5 years, but it can vary based on reciprocity. The E-2 visa holder is free to move in and out of the US throughout this time.

Can family members come with you if you possess an E-2 Visa?

The spouse of the E-2 Visa holder can move to America and get work authorization. This tends to provide more work flexibility than H-1B Visa. Dependents under 21 years can also accompany the parent(s) to America.

What can the E-2 Visa be used for?

An E-2 visa can be used for starting a business or acquiring an existing franchise or business. However, the business must comply with certain E2 visa rules.

Can children of E-2 Visa holders attend school in the United States?

Yes, the children of E-2 Visa holders are free to attend schools in the United States. They can even attend college if they are under 21 years old. Parents can select the school(s) they want their children to attend.

What are the limitations of the E-2 Visa?

E-2 Visas are for those nationals who have treaties with the U.S. Further, the E-2 Visa holder is also constrained to work with the specific employer who acted as the E-2 visa sponsor.

How can you apply for an extension of your E-2 Visa?

The applicant needs to submit form I-129 along with other documents, including an E supplement. If relatives are also accompanying, they need form-I-539 to modify their nonimmigrant status. Copies of other documents including Form I-94, original form I-797, passport with an E-2 Visa letter for extension, and other income tax returns for the past 2 years are also required.

What nationalities can apply under the E2 visa scheme?

Some of the countries permitted for The E-2 Visa are Australia, Japan, Argentina, the United Kingdom, and Ethiopia. Some of the countries that do not have a treaty with the US for the E2 Visa are Vietnam, Kenya, India, China, and Dubai.

E2 Visa Lawyer

What Is An E2 Visa?

The E2 Visa is for treaty investors, and it permits the nationals of E2 treaty countries to shift to the US. Treaty investors are individuals who direct operations of a business in which they have invested or are actively investing. Their main purpose for visiting the United States should be to develop and direct the investment enterprise.
The Department of labor oversees the protection of jobs in the United States. They declare that an individual seeking an E2 visa must own at least 50% of the enterprise in question. The applicants can also bring their spouse and dependent children.

It’s permitted to begin a new business, but you also may acquire an existing business. In any case, it is vital to discuss your business plan with an E2 Visa lawyer before proceeding with your application.

Eligibility Criteria For E2 Visas

You can speak to an experienced E2 visa attorney for more detailed information and to determine whether you qualify for the visa or not. Following are some of the eligibility criteria for E-2 visas:

Must be the citizen of a country with which the United States maintains a treaty of commerce or navigation.
The applicant must have invested a substantial amount of capital.
The investment should be made in a bona fide enterprise in the United States.
The applicant’s purpose for visiting the United States should be exclusively for developing and directing the investment enterprise.
The bona fide enterprise must be either entrepreneurial or commercial.

Under this type of visa, you are not required to employ many people in the United States. However, if your visa gets approved, it will be much easier for your employees to secure their visas, as well.

Unfortunately, the process for getting an E-2 visa can be confusing. You can consult with an E2 immigration attorney to determine whether you will be able to fulfill all of the required conditions. For example, you will need to prove with proper documentation that you own at least 50 percent of the investment enterprise that you wish to develop and direct within the United States.

What is the E2 Visa Processing Time?

If you have an E-2 Visa, you are allowed to work legally in an organization that has invested in the United States. You are also permitted to travel freely within and outside the United States.

USCIS states the processing time for E-2 Visa is nearly 2 months. However, the time may vary depending on the consular post. You can take help from a competent E2 Visa Lawyer to know the expected processing time for your unique situation.

An individual with an E2 Visa can stay in the US for 2 years, and can also extend the time if needed. Dependents under 21 and a spouse can accompany an E2 holder. The spouse is also permitted to work in the United States with a work authorization document.

What are the benefits of an E2 Visa?

Some of the benefits of an E2 Visa are as follows:

The visa requires a low investment (usually less than $100,000)
The E2 Visa owner can travel to and from the United States freely
There are unlimited renewals for the holder
The visa provides an opportunity for the spouse to freely work in America
Quick processing time
Many tax benefits are available

Contact our experienced Philadelphia immigration lawyer to start the E2 visa process as soon as possible. We are focused on processing our E2 visa applications efficiently and quickly. Our lawyers are well versed in E Visa, USCIS, and consular processing.

How can a proficient E2 Visa Lawyer help?

If you live in a foreign country and want to work in America, you must consult an experienced immigration lawyer. An immigration law firm with more than 20 years of experience like The Law Offices of Greg Prosmushkin can help you in every step of the immigration process. Schedule a consultation now for a free case evaluation.

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