Live Your American Dream With E2 Visa

The USA is the world’s most desired business destination. With an annual GDP of $20 trillion and a population of over 325 million, United States is the world’s most attractive consumer market. Setting up business in the USA with reference to qualifying for business Investor Visa program is a complex matter and the only hard fast rule for the preparation of business is the practicality and viability of the business as per the Investor’s vision and scope.

One such business visa is E2 Treaty Visa.

E2 business Visa is a nonimmigrant visa that is only issued to the citizens of countries with whom the USA has a treaty; a few of these countries include Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey, Grenada, Iran, Jordon, Oman, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines. With the help of this visa, an investor from the treaty country can live with his or her dependents and do business in the USA. This visa is also meant for executive and management-level employees from treaty countries.  

Key features for USA E2 – Non-Immigrant Business Visa

• One of the conditions is that the person should have invested in a business as per the business plan and only then the petition for an E2 visa has to be filed.
• There is no requirement that an applicant has worked for the business outside the USA for a set period of time.
• There is no requirement that the business continues to operate outside the USA.
• There is no requirement that the business continues to operate outside the USA.
• The E2 visa is only meant for the nationals of a country with which the United States maintains a treaty.
• There is no requirement to generate a minimum number of employees.

Some of the primary conditions to take advantage of an E2 Business Visa are as follows:

• One has to make a substantial amount of investment in the USA under an E2 visa application. It is generally recommended that a minimum of USD 50,000 onwards investment in business should be done in order to have bright chances for success of an application. Some of the businesses where one can invest include travel, sales, and marketing, equipment purchases besides many others. However, it is a difficult task to register for an E2 visa with a minimum investment.
• One has to make an upfront investment in the business regardless of the success or failure of the application. However in certain cases where an existing business is being purchased the person can hold the payment in an escrow account and release it to the seller of business once the E2 visa application is approved.
• The investor needs to have at least fifty percent ownership and control of the US business.
• The investor under this visa has no requirement to employ a particular number of US citizens or residents. However, they can always show that they plan to employ two or three employees in the next one or two years.
• A detailed business plan showing the information about the new business and plans to hire new staff in the USA needs to be there.
• If there is any requirement then the investor should be able to provide details of the skills, qualifications, and work history of the prospective applicant.
• As the E2 is a non-immigrant visa category the principal investor and any other E2 visa staff, must be able to leave the US upon the termination of their E2 visa status. Whereas those with the E2 Treaty Investor visa can continue to be extended indefinite period.

Step by step Process:

• Choose the business model which you want to execute, and have it discussed with the consultant.
• Connect with the seller or franchisor to start the business bargain in case of the existing business or franchise or start the registration process of the business with the help of the consultant.
• Do thorough market research and prepare a detailed and extensive business plan.
• Register the Company and Obtain Tax Identification Number (EIN)
• Open a Business Bank Account and Transfer the funds to the USA and finalize the business deal.
• Connect with an attorney for application preparation.
• Submit the petition.
• Be ready for the RFE (request for evidence) from USCIS and an interview in case of consular processing.
• Visa approved – enjoy your American Dream

Lastly, it may be interesting to note that the processing times at US Embassies and Consulates to register an E2 US Investor Visa varies greatly around the World.  If you are lucky you may be able to complete applications in a few weeks. Applications made directly to the USCIS in the US can be approved fast but that is possible only if you apply from within the US.

If you are interested in the E2 Visa then please feel free to contact us at +971 4 4542366 or email us at info[at]flyingcolour[dot]com.

Please Note: This article was published on 23rd March 2021. The information provided in the article is based on the policies and rules applicable at the time of writing it. Talk to one of our consultants for any recent updates or changes.