At Veritas Immigration Law, P.A., our team provides a range of legal services aligned with the needs of our clients. When you hire us, you will always receive one-on-one client attention and representation that helps you get the best outcome for your legal situation. If you need an attorney in Florida, contact us at (305) 384-6889 to schedule a consultation and get the advice and representation you need.
Immigration
The United States Provides unique immigration options for foreign nationals who wish to come to th U.S. as entrepreneurs and stimulate the U.S. economy. However, the paperwork and supporting documents can be time-consuming. The entire process can be very confusing, especially to those who are not familiar with the immigration system. Our legal team has the resources and skills necessary to help you obtain the necessary visa and/or other immigration documents you may need. Don’t face the USCIS alone, let us guide you through the process and make your dreams a reality.
The Best US Visas For Immigrant Entrepreneurs
The following article will cover:
- The accessibility and popularity of the E-2 visa for immigrant entrepreneurs and investors due to its lower capital investment requirement and exemption from job creation obligations.
- The eligibility criteria for the E-2 visa, which is exclusively available to citizens of treaty countries that have established commerce or navigation treaties with the United States.
- The possibility of applying for an E-2 visa while already in the United States on a different visa.
What Are The Best US Visas For Immigrants, Entrepreneurs, And Investors To Consider?
As an immigrant entrepreneur or investor looking to move to the US, it’s important to consider different visa options. The E-2 visa often stands out as the most accessible and popular choice. The primary reason for its popularity is the relatively smaller capital investment required compared to other visas.
While other investment visas demand large capital inputs, often exceeding a million dollars, the E-2 visa is a more attainable option. It’s also unique in that it does not necessitate the creation of a specific number of jobs. Unlike other investment visas requiring the creation of at least ten or more full-time positions, the E-2 visa has no such stipulation. Moreover, the E2 visa does not require the applicant to have a physical brick-and-mortar office space.
These features make the E-2 visa notably more accessible and thus an excellent option, particularly for those intending to launch a startup.
Which Countries Are Eligible For The E-2 Visa Status?
Not all countries qualify for the E-2 visa. This visa is exclusively available to individuals who are citizens of a treaty country. A treaty country refers to one that has an established treaty of commerce or navigation with the United States. Currently, there are over 60 such countries.
To check if your country is on the list, visit the Department of State’s website where you will find a comprehensive list of eligible countries. This is a crucial preliminary step toward qualifying for the E-2 visa.
Your eligibility is determined by the country of the passport you hold. Thus, your passport’s nationality becomes your country of nationality for E-2 visa purposes.
What Are Some Of The Most Basic Requirements For Obtaining An E-2 Visa?
Acquiring an E-2 visa involves meeting some fundamental requirements. Primarily, you should hold the nationality of a treaty country. Additionally, you must be in the process of or have already made a significant capital investment in a US-based business.
Contrary to what some believe, simply depositing a large sum of money in a US bank account does not qualify as a valid investment for this visa. Instead, the invested funds must be actively engaged in the running of a business. You should have already allocated the funds towards business operations such as purchasing furniture, securing a lease, or procuring assets like vehicles. This is a critical aspect of the E-2 visa requirement, as it involves demonstrating that your investment is at risk.
Can An Individual Apply For The E-2 Visa If They’re Already In The States On Another Visa?
Yes, it is possible to apply for an E-2 visa while already in the United States on a different visa. However, it’s essential to understand that this course of action is not typically recommended unless you have no other options. The reasoning behind this advice is that when you apply for an E-2 visa from within the United States and get approval, you only receive E-2 status, not an actual E-2 visa.
The critical difference lies in travel privileges. An E-2 visa, like other visas, serves as an entry document to the United States. Without it, if you leave the country for any reason, you will lose your E-2 status and be unable to re-enter.
Despite this, some individuals in the US on different visas such as tourist or student visas may choose to apply for an E-2 visa from within the country. It’s worth noting that this route usually incurs more costs and comes with the significant drawback of not receiving an actual E-2 visa, especially if you have frequent travel needs. For more information on Best US Visas For Immigrant Entrepreneurs, an initial consultation is your next best step.
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