In this article, you will discover:
- What an E-2 treaty investor visa is and how long it is valid.
- How E-2 visas work for essential employees.
- The difference between change of status and consular processing for the E-2 visa.
Are E-2 Visas Available For Citizens Of The United Kingdom?
Since the United Kingdom is a treaty country with the United States, E-2 visas are available for United Kingdom (UK) citizens. The maximum validity period is five years and allows multiple entries.
If approved for an E-2 visa, you can live and work in the US for five years. During that time, you can depart and reenter the US as often as needed. When those five years are up, you can renew it. There is no limit on how many times you can renew your E-2 visa.
What Is An E-2 Treaty Investor Visa For United Kingdom Nationals?
An E-2 visa for United Kingdom nationals is a non-immigrant visa that allows you to live and work in the US if you are developing and directing a business in which you’ve invested substantial capital. It is an amazing opportunity that allows the applicant to live and work in the US to run a business.
What Is An E-2 Essential Workers’ Visa For United Kingdom Nationals?
There are instances where someone obtains an E-2 visa for themselves but also needs to bring essential workers to help with the business. These essential workers are going to be engaging in duties that are at the executive or supervisory level of the E2 business.
There are a few considerations to take into account. The main applicant must have UK nationality, and so does the essential worker. If that essential worker is not an immediate family member, they have to be listed as an essential worker.
Furthermore, to qualify as an essential employee, they need to have skills relevant to the business’s success. They need to have some specialized skills that are essential to the operation of the business. You can prove this in a variety of ways. What’s important is that those skills are directly linked to increasing the business’s success.
If you can meet that definition and provide evidence or proof, then the person will also get an E-2 visa valid for the reciprocity period for that country.
What Is The Difference Between Change Of Status And Consular Processing For The E-2 Visa?
Changes of status happen from within the United States, and consular processing happens in your home country. If you change status, you will obtain E-2 status, but you will not get a visa. The visa is what gives you the travel privilege.
If you go through consular processing of your E-2, you will obtain a visa through a US Embassy the embassy. The actual visa, not the status, is what allows you the five years and the multiple entry travel privileges. A change of status doesn’t permit you to travel; you’ll be landlocked in that status. Also, it’s only valid for two years instead of five.
Can United Kingdom Residents Bring Their Family To The United States On The E-2 Visa?
A United Kingdom E-2 visa recipient can bring their immediate family. This would be your spouse and children under 21 years old. Once over the age of 21, your children automatically lose E-2 status.
For more information on US E-2 Visas For Citizens Of The United Kingdom, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (305) 306-7833 today.
