What to Know About the E-2 Visa for Entrepreneurs

 Posted on December 28, 2023 in Immigration

The E-2 “treaty investor” visa provides an exciting opportunity for eligible entrepreneurs and investors to grow a business in the United States. This special visa allows recipients to live and work in America while actively developing and directing a genuine commercial enterprise. With options for indefinite renewals, the E-2 offers ambitious foreign business owners a pathway to long-term residency tied to the success of their ventures. An Illinois immigrant lawyer can help you apply for this visa.

What is the E-2 Visa?

The E-2 visa allows eligible entrepreneurs and investors from designated treaty countries to enter and remain in the U.S. for up to five years, with indefinite renewals possible. You must commit to developing and directing an actual operating commercial enterprise that meets substantial investment and job and revenue creation requirements. It is an excellent option for ambitious business owners seeking hands-on managerial control and long-term residency.

Country and Investment Requirements

To qualify for E-2 classification, you must be a national of a country that holds a qualifying commercial treaty with the United States. Examples include Germany, Spain, Turkey, and many others. You should also commit at least 50-100% of the funds needed to begin viable operations or purchase an existing business in the U.S., meeting the employment creation benchmarks. Real estate does not count. Plan on a minimum $100,000-200,000 investment.

The Business Plan Matters

When applying for your E-2, you must submit a comprehensive and credible business plan fully detailing your self-funded venture’s objectives. It must offer convincing evidence that your company has the financial backing, infrastructure, and hiring intentions to generate significant and continual U.S. employment within five years through regular, productive commercial enterprise. Any marginal or idle investment plans will result in denial.

Additional Application Materials

Along with proving your nationality, investment assets, and business initiative, your E-2 application must document:

• Your entrepreneurial experiences, skills, and credentials establish the ability to develop/direct the enterprise
• If purchasing an existing business, records verifying it has been operational for at least five years with a significant return on investment
• Where did the capital invested come from, and how was it obtained legally
• Contingency plans for possible disruption, dissolution, or disaster scenarios

E-2 Renewals are Possible

An approved E-2 visa enables residency for an initial stay of up to two years. From there, unlimited extensions are possible in two-year increments, granting you a prolonged ability to live in the U.S. while actively directing your business. You must file updated financial statements proving your venture’s ongoing substantiality to qualify for renewal.

Contact an Euless, TX Immigration Lawyer

The E-2 offers remarkable potential. However, applications can be complex with exacting eligibility requirements. To save time and avoid missteps, working with an Irving, TX, immigration attorney can help. Call John W. Lawit, LLC at 214-609-2242 to get started today.