E2 Visa

What is E2 Visa?

The E2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows individuals from certain countries to enter the United States to invest in and operate a business. The visa is specifically designed for individuals who want to invest a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business or manage an existing business in which they have already invested.

To qualify for an E2 visa, the applicant must be a citizen of a country that has a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States. The applicant must also be able to show that they have invested, or are actively in the process of investing, a significant amount of capital in a U.S. business. There is no set minimum amount for investment, but it must be substantial and should be enough to ensure the success of the business.

In addition to meeting the investment requirement, the applicant must also be coming to the United States solely to develop and direct the business. This means that the applicant must have a controlling interest in the business and must be actively involved in its day-to-day operations. The E2 visa is also not intended for permanent residence in the United States; it is a temporary visa that is usually issued for a period of up to five years, with the possibility of extensions.

How to Apply E2 Visa?

To apply for an E2 visa, you will need to follow these general steps:

1. Determine if you are eligible: As mentioned earlier, to be eligible for an E2 visa, you must be a citizen of a country that has a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States, and you must have invested or are in the process of investing a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business. You must also be coming to the United States to develop and direct the business.
2. Complete the DS-160 form: This is the nonimmigrant visa application form that you will need to fill out and submit online.
3. Pay the visa application fee: You will need to pay the non-refundable visa application fee before you can schedule an interview.
4. Schedule an interview: You will need to schedule an interview with a U.S. consulate or embassy in your home country. The wait time for an interview may vary depending on the location.
5. Gather required documents: You will need to gather all the required documents, including your passport, proof of investment, business plan, and proof of your qualifications to manage and operate the business.
6. Attend the interview: On the day of your interview, you will need to bring all the required documents with you. The consular officer will ask you questions about your business and investment plans to determine if you qualify for the visa.

If your visa application is approved, you will be issued an E2 visa, which will allow you to enter the United States to operate and develop your business. It is important to note that the E2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa, which means that it is temporary and does not provide a path to permanent residency or citizenship in the United States.