U.S
immigration policy supports investors
and foreign commerce in a variety of
ways. The E-2 visa is one way the U.S.
ensures healthy commerce with the world.
The E-2 visa is issued to individuals
known as 'treaty investors'. A treaty
investor is defined as a national of a
country with which the United States
maintains a treaty of commerce and
navigation.
You should be coming to the U.S. to
partake in a substantial investment.
Your investment may be less than that
demanded for the EB-5 ($500,000).
However, if the investment becomes equal
or greater than $500,000, you may
petition for permanent immigration
status.
Your spouse and/opr children under the
age of 21 may accompany you under E-2
status. Your employees may also be
eligible for the E-2 Visa.
Steps
You may apply for an E-2 visa at a U.S.
Consulate in your country. We recommend
you do not apply at a U.S. Consular
Office outside of your permanent
residence, since that process is more
difficult.
Documents
To apply for an E-1 Visa, you must
supply the following documents:
- A filled-in visa application
Form OF-156.
- One recent photograph 1 & 1/2
inches square (37mm x 37mm) of
each applicant, with the entire face
visible. The picture should
be taken before a light background
and without head covering.
- A passport, valid for travel to
the United States for at least
six months longer than your intended
visit.
- Documents that establish that
your cmpany is owned by foreign
nationals.
- A letter from your employer
detailing your position and stating
that you possess highly specialized
skills essential to the efficient
operation of the firm.
You may also be asked
to prove that:
- Your company meets the
requirements of the law.
- The trade is substantial; there
should be a continuous flow
of trade between the U.S. and the
treaty country.
- You intend to leave the U.S.
after the validity date of the
E-2 Visa.
- You have invested a
'substantial' amount.
- The investment must be active.
You may also be asked
to describe in detail:
- What type of investment you are
involved in.
- The future prospects for the
investment.
- Other documents that establish
your eligibility for the E-2
Visa.
