E-2 visas are for foreign investors from specific countries called treaty countries. These are countries with a treaty of commerce and friendship with the United States. An E-2 visa allows you come to the U.S in order to establish, purchase, or manage a business enterprise.
Why should you get an E-2 Visa?
With an E-2 visa you would be able to manage your business while you reside in the United States. E-2 visas also allow your spouse and children to stay with you in the US.
Your spouse will be able to legally work in the United States while your children will also be able to access free public education. However, only children under the age of 21 qualify to follow you on an E-2 visa.
What is the validity period for an E-2 visa?
If your E-2 visa application is granted, it can be valid for a period of two to five years. You can also renew it indefinitely as long as you can establish that you need to stay in the US to manage your business.
Why you need a business plan
One thing you need to make your application easier is a business plan. This plan should extend for a period of five years and would demonstrate to the USCIS that your planned investment is a viable one. At Jurado & Associates P.A we work with a team of immigration business analysts to come up with the best business plan that will pass the toughest USCIS vetting.
How to choose the right Immigration lawyer
The quality of service your immigration lawyer offers determines how easily you would get your application approved. When choosing an immigration lawyer, you should be on the lookout for the following traits:
- Your immigration lawyer should be a specialist in E-2 visa applications.
- You need a lawyer that handles multiple E-2 visa applications a month. This way, he would be up to date on the latest requirements and metrics.
- You need a lawyer that has never been subject to a formal reprimand or client complaint.
- A lawyer with a track record of little or no denial of E-2 visa applications.
- A lawyer who will not turn over your work to a paralegal.
- Your lawyer has to be a member of recognized professional immigration law organizations.
- Gives you 24/7 access to your file.
- Your lawyer has to be available after you have hired him/her.
Turning your E-2 Visa to a Green Card
If you want, there are options our firm offers to turn your E visa status to a green card. However, the E-1 and E-2 visa cannot directly be converted to a green card. Since a green card is a permanent residency classification, it doesnāt fit under an E-2 visa. This is because an E-2 visa requires that you will be willing to go back to your country after completing your investment in the U.S.
The Application Process for an E-2 Visa
If you want to get an E-2 visa you can make an application at the U.S consulate in your own country. If you are already in the U.S, you can make a petition to the USCIS in order to change your status.
You should however note that a change of status does not grant you a new visa. This means that when you re-enter the US after your next travel, you have to apply for a visa at the U.S consulate.
How we can help
Jurado & Asoociates P.A. is a specialized immigration law firm. We help investors and business owners with E-1, E-2, L-1, and E-B5 visa applications. You can reach one of our experienced immigration lawyers at (305) 921-0976, or send us an email at [email protected]