What Is An E2 Visa And Who Can Apply?
The E2 visa is also known as the investor visa, it is meant for owners and investors. This visa offers the individual the ability to enter and work within the U.S. based on an investment he/she will be in control of. This visa is only available to treaty countries, list of these countries can be found online. The investment made must be of substantial value. For new start up businesses, the investment must be enough to start and operate the business. The amount will vary from business to business. If the investment is not enough to capitalize the venture, then the investment will be considered unsubstantial. The USCIS will be making use of something called an ‘Inverted Sliding Scale’ to figure out whether the investment you are making is substantial enough. The holder of an E2 visa may leave the U.S. at anytime; however, they must least when their business in the U.S. is done.
How To Qualify For An E2 Visa?
There are certain requirements when applying for an E2 visa. These requirements/qualifications include:
- You must be a citizen of a country that has a relevant treaty with the U.S.
- You must be coming to work in the U.S. for a company that you either own or is at least 50% owned by others from the country of origin.
- You must be either the owner or key employee of the business.
- You must be coming to the U.S. to invest in a new or existing enterprise.
- The investment being made must be in a bona fide enterprise and of significant importance.
- You must have the funds that you wish to invest and the funds must be committed to your enterprise.
- You must be able to show where the money came from.
- The reason for coming to the U.S. must be to develop and direct the enterprise.
How Much Money Do You Need To Invest For An E2 Visa?
There is no set amount of money that an individual needs to qualify for the E2 visa. The amount of money varies depending on the type of enterprise. The investment must be substantial enough to capitalize the venture. Also, if an individual is going to start up an enterprise, then the investment must be enough to start and operate that business. The USCIS will be making use of something called an ‘Inverted Sliding Scale‘ to figure out whether the investment you are making is substantial enough. A substantial investment is defined as an amount sufficient enough to ensure the investor’s financial commitment to the successful operation of the enterprise as measured by the proportionality test. The proportionality test compares the total amount invested with the cost of establishing a business of the nature contemplated or that amount of capital necessary to purchase an existing enterprise. Generally, a substantial investment is anywhere from $50 000.00 to $100 000.00. Now this obviously can be lower or higher depending on the business you are investing in.
We Can Help You with your E1 Visa
If you have any further question about E1 visa for USA, please call us today! Let us help you move forward in the right direction. At Akrami & Associates, there is Always a Way!