E-2 visa lawyer is your surest way of migrating to the US with little or no stress attached. How may that be? Keep reading to fulfill your Japa dream in 2024 with the help of E2 visa lawyers, which should be cost-effective and stress-free.
The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa offers nationals of eligible nations the opportunity to reside and work in the US by making a significant investment in a US firm. However, understanding the complexities of this visa may be overwhelming. An E-2 visa attorney is essential for successful US immigration in 2024.
The E-2 visa provides benefits like expedited processing, reduced investment requirements, renewal possibilities, and family sponsorship eligibility. An E-2 visa attorney remains informed about immigration rules and interpretations to guarantee that your application complies with current regulations. They can evaluate specific situations, recognize possible obstacles, and develop a tactical plan to enhance your chances of success.
Strong documentation skills are essential for approval, and an E-2 lawyer guarantees that your application package is thorough, well-structured, and successfully highlights your qualifications. Preparing for an interview can be stressful, but an E-2 lawyer can assist you by preparing you for probable questions and helping you respond confidently and clearly.
Choosing the correct E-2 visa attorney is crucial. Give priority to attorneys with a demonstrated history of successfully managing E-2 visa applications. Look for attorneys with expertise in E-2 visas who can showcase their thorough understanding of the program’s details and offer transparent communication, price arrangements, and practical outlooks during the procedure. Select a lawyer with accessible communication methods and promptly address your inquiries and issues.
The E-2 visa can serve as your pathway to achieving your business goals in the United States in 2024. Collaborating with a skilled E-2 visa attorney enables you to manage the intricacies confidently, enhancing your likelihood of completing your US immigration process and achieving your American dream.
Table of Contents
How Do I Check if an E2 Visa Lawyer is Competent and Experienced?
How Do I Apply for an E2 Visa?
What is the Investment Amount in an E2 Visa?
What is the Validity Period and Period of Stay for an E2 Visa?
Can My Dependents Come with Me to the U.S.?
How Much Money is Required for E2 Visa in USA?
How Long Does the E2 Visa Take?
Does E2 Visa Lead to Green Card?
Is Nigeria Eligible for E2 Visa?
Can I Bring My Parents to US on E2 Visa?
What is an E-2 Visa?
The E-2 Visa is a temporary visa that permits persons from specific nations to come and work in the United States by making a significant investment in a U.S. firm. The provision is a component of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act, designed to enhance commercial activities and exchanges between the United States and other nations.
The E-2 Visa is intended for company owners and entrepreneurs looking to start a new firm or invest in an existing one in the U.S.
To be eligible for an E-2 Visa, an applicant must:
Be a citizen of a nation with a treaty with the United States enabling E-2 Visa eligibility.
Allocate a significant sum to a U.S. firm, ensuring it is sufficient for the business’s success rather than only for self-employment purposes.
Intend to grow and direct the business in which the investment is being made (but this only sometimes means the applicant needs to be active in day-to-day operations).
Plan to depart the United States at the expiration of the E-2 status.
E-2 Visa holders are restricted to working exclusively for the firm they have invested in. They can bring their spouse and children under 21 to the U.S., who may receive E-2 dependent visas. An E-2 Visa holder’s spouse can acquire an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to work in any location inside the United States.
Not all nations have a treaty with the United States that permits their nationals to apply for an E-2 Visa. It is advisable to refer to the U.S. Department of State or an immigration attorney for the latest information on qualifying nations, as the list may be subject to modification.
Who is an E2 Visa Lawyer?
An E2 visa lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in immigration law and helps clients with the E2 visa application procedure. The E2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that permits persons from treaty nations to come and work in the United States. Applicants for an E2 visa must make a significant financial investment in a U.S. firm and actively participate in its operations. E2 visa attorneys assist individuals in understanding and managing the intricate legal procedures and documentation necessary for acquiring the visa. They also offer advice on how to sustain E2 visa status post-approval.
Duty of an E2 Visa Lawyer?
An E2 visa attorney provides legal support and guidance to those applying for an E2 visa to conduct commercial investments in the United States. This involves performing a first session to comprehend the client’s condition, objectives, and qualifications for the visa.
The lawyer evaluates the client’s qualifications by considering nationality, kind of company, and investment size.
They assess the client’s business plan to verify compliance with E2 visa criteria, focusing on feasibility and employment generation.
The lawyer aids in completing and submitting essential forms and accompanying documents for the E2 visa application, communicates with USCIS on the client’s behalf, prepares for interviews at the U.S. embassy or consulate, offers support after approval, and helps with appeals or legal action concerning the E2 visa application.
An E2 visa lawyer’s primary responsibility is to assist and advise the client throughout the entire E2 visa procedure, from the first evaluation to acquiring and upholding the visa.
How Do I Check if an E2 Visa Lawyer is Competent and Experienced?
When looking for legal help, be sure the lawyer is skilled and has expertise in dealing with your particular issue. To evaluate the proficiency and expertise of an E2 Visa Lawyer who focuses on immigration law and E2 Visa cases, consider the following steps:
1. Research the Attorney’s Background: Begin by investigating the attorney’s history and qualifications. Seek details like the legal school they attended, their bar admission date, and any pertinent connections or organizations.
2. Assess Their Track Record: Examine the attorney’s history of success in handling E2 Visa cases. This may be testimonials from previous clients, case studies, or press stories regarding their performance.
3. Inquire about their experience: Feel free to question the attorney about their experience with E2 Visa issues. Inquire about their success record, the number of E2 Visa cases they manage annually, and any intricate instances they have dealt with.
4. Request references from the attorney, particularly from clients who have experience with comparable E2 Visa matters. Reach out to these references to gain more insight into the attorney’s proficiency and expertise.
5. Examine online reviews: Look for evaluations of the attorney on the internet. Seek reviews on trustworthy platforms like Google, Yelp, or Avvo. Remember that reviews may be biased thus, it is crucial to evaluate the general opinion.
6. Verify Disciplinary History: Determine if the attorney has faced disciplinary actions or complaints. You can achieve this by contacting the state bar organization or utilizing internet tools such as the American Bar organization’s Lawyer Disciplinary Record.
7. Evaluate Professional Recognition: Check for any accolades or distinctions the attorney has earned for their expertise in immigration law, specifically with E2 Visas.
8. Interview with the attorney. Lastly, arrange an initial meeting with the attorney. This will allow you to inquire about particular details about your case and determine if you are at ease collaborating with them.
Choosing a skilled and knowledgeable E2 Visa Lawyer for your case is crucial. Make sure to conduct complete research before making a decision.
Requirements of an E2 Visa?
To get an E-2 Treaty Investor Visa, one must fulfill particular criteria established by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Below are the essential needs with source links for more information:
Key Requirements
Nationality requirement: You must be a citizen of a nation with a trade and navigation treaty with the United States.
To qualify, you must have invested significant money in a legitimate business in the United States.
Business Purpose: Your intention for entering the U.S. should be primarily to oversee and manage the investment firm. This usually entails possessing ownership or holding a managerial role with substantial authority.
Departure Requirement: You must clearly show your plan to leave the United States once your E-2 status expires.
Further crucial information:
The investment amount labeled as “substantial” is variable and contingent upon criteria such as the nature of the firm, its location, and the level of risk involved. Seek advice from an immigration lawyer.
Business type: The company must be an active and functioning business entity, not a passive investment or exclusively for personal gain.
Marginality: The investment should not be viewed as marginal, meaning only to sustain your livelihood. It should have the capacity for expansion and employment generation.
Funding must be obtained through lawful means and recorded thoroughly.
Your investment must be exposed to risk and firmly dedicated to the U.S. company.
Benefits of an E2 Visa?
The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa permits qualified persons to reside, work, and invest in the United States.
The visa provides advantages such as living and working in the US, initiating or investing in any business, no specified minimum investment, a lengthy validity period, and the option to extend the visa to essential staff. E-2 visas can be extended to spouses, dependant children, and those who can travel freely.
Only individuals from nations with a treaty of trade and navigation with the US are eligible for the E-2 visa. Investment needs are significant and directly related to the business, emphasizing generating employment and economic effects.
It is advisable to seek advice from an immigration lawyer knowledgeable in E-2 visas because of the intricate nature of the process.
Before starting on this journey, it is essential to evaluate eligibility, investing strategies, and long-term objectives thoroughly. E-2 visa holders can seek an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and engage in their chosen profession in the US with any company.
How Do I Apply for an E2 Visa?
The procedure for obtaining an E-2 Treaty Investor Visa may differ based on whether the application is made domestically in the United States or internationally from another country. Here is a broad outline of the stages involved:
If you are applying from within the United States:
1. Submit Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The form and instructions may be located on the USCIS website.
2. Collect the necessary supporting documents. This will require proof of your nationality from a country with a commerce and navigation treaty with the United States, a significant investment in a U.S. business, proof that the business is actively operating and not insignificant, and a commitment to leave the United States once your E-2 status expires.
3. Submit your petition and accompanying papers to USCIS. You can submit your documents electronically or by traditional postal service.
4. Attend a biometrics appointment, if necessary. Your fingerprints and pictures will be captured.
5. Await a decision on your petition. USCIS usually decides within 2 to 3 months.
If you are applying internationally:
1. Contact the closest U.S. embassy or consulate to arrange an interview.
2. Fill out the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) online.
3. Collect the necessary supporting paperwork. This will require the same documents for applicants applying from within the United States, along with a passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in the United States and two passport-sized pictures.
4. Submit the visa application fee.
5. Participate in your visa interview. An interview with the consular official will assess your eligibility for an E-2 visa.
6. Await a verdict on your visa application. The consular official will usually inform you of the decision on the day of your interview.
Click here to start your application process.
What is the Investment Amount in an E2 Visa?
To apply for an E-2 visa, you need to make a significant investment in your firm that is considerable concerning the entire cost, not easily converted to cash, and enough to demonstrate your financial dedication to the enterprise’s success.
Setting a target of $100,000 or more enhances the likelihood of acceptance, whereas smaller sums are less frequent. The necessary investment varies based on the nature and expenses of your firm. A $500,000 business may necessitate a 75% investment, while a multi-million dollar business would only require 50%.
Incorporate all expenses associated with your firm, beyond the buying price, into your investment total. Exceeding the specified minimum amount can enhance your argument.
It is advisable to seek guidance from an immigration lawyer to evaluate your circumstances and determine the suitable investment sum for your case. For further details, go to USCIS E-2 Treaty Investors, Ashoori Law’s E2 Investor Visa Minimum Investment Amount, and Legalpad’s advice on E-2 visa investment criteria.
What is the Validity Period and Period of Stay for an E2 Visa?
The validity term and duration of stay for an E2 visa are separate concepts with varying timelines. The validity period indicates the duration during which your E2 visa is valid for travel, determined by the treaty country you belong to.
Many nations have a maximum validity duration of 5 years, while some might be as little as 3 months. Refer to the U.S. Department of State’s website to determine the precise validity period for your nation.
The term of stay denotes the maximum duration allowed for any visit to the U.S. Upon arrival, you will be allowed a maximum of 2 years regardless of the visa’s validity length. You may request extensions in 2-year intervals as long as your treaty investor business continues to meet the requirements.
Key point: Despite having a visa that permits numerous entries, each visit to the U.S. may result in a maximum 2-year stay. If your visa expires while abroad, you must apply for a new one to return to the U.S.
Can My Dependents Come with Me to the U.S.?
Bringing your dependents to the U.S. is influenced by factors such as your immigration status, the relationship between you and your dependents, and the visa category you seek.
The U.S. Department of State website provides a visa wizard tool to assist in identifying the visa criteria for your particular visa category.
Consulting your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate can offer precise advice on the prerequisites for your circumstances. Seeking guidance from an immigration attorney can provide counsel tailored to your situation and assist in navigating the application procedure.
Additional resources to explore include the U.S. Department of State websites, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). The resources seek to offer a thorough overview of the process and assist you in navigating it.
Frequently Asked Question
Who Qualifies for E2 Visa?
An E-2 Treaty Investor visa is issued to individuals from a nation with a commerce and navigation treaty with the United States. The visa necessitates a significant investment in a lawful business in the United States commensurate with the firm’s size and kind.
The firm has to oversee and maintain control of its activities actively. Additional elements to consider include investment kind, marginality, finances and risk, workers, and family.
Stocks or bonds cannot be used for passive investing. Some employees or specific organizations may qualify for E-2 visas.
Spouses and children under 21 who are not married may qualify for dependant visas. It is advisable to get guidance from an immigration attorney for tailored counsel and support with the E-2 visa application.
How Much Money is Required for E2 Visa in USA?
The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa does not specify a fixed minimum investment, but USCIS deems an investment significant if it is commensurate with the entire business cost, at risk, not easily converted to cash, and has led to a considerable number of job opportunities for American workers.
Typically, successful E-2 visa petitions need investments of $100,000 or higher, however some low-cost firms matching all requirements have been approved.
Additional criteria taken into account when assessing the significance of an investment include the individual’s business expertise and credentials, the financial feasibility of the company proposal, and the economic influence of the firm on the U.S. society. Seeking advice from an immigration attorney is crucial to ascertain the correct investment sum required for an E-2 visa.
How Long Does the E2 Visa Take?
Applying for an E2 visa typically involves a processing period of around 3 months. The processing period for a change of status varies depending on whether you choose premium processing or standard processing.
Does E2 Visa Lead to Green Card?
One primary concern for individuals holding E2 visas is that the visa does not automatically result in obtaining a green card. The E2 visa is a non-immigrant visa, meaning it is temporary and does not result in permanent residency. This situation might be particularly challenging for E2 visa holders with children listed as dependents on their E2 visa.
Is Nigeria Eligible for E2 Visa?
Citizens from non-E2 treaty countries such as China, India, Nigeria, Russia, South Africa, or Vietnam are not eligible to immediately apply for an E-2 Treaty Visa. Prior to that, you need to acquire citizenship in an E-2 Treaty Country. There are several nations on the list for you to select from.
Can an E2 Visa Be Rejected?
The E2 visa allows individuals from Treaty nations who are not US nationals to invest in and establish a business in the US. There is no limit on the quantity of E2 visas that may be issued, but the requirements for eligibility are strict and denials of E2 visas are frequent.
Can I Bring My Parents to US on E2 Visa?
If an E2 visa holder wants their family to accompany them, the family members must apply for visas that permit them to reside in the US alongside the primary visa holder.