Welcome back to the Immigration Lawyer Blog, where we discuss all things immigration. In this video, attorney Jacob Sapochnick answers one of your frequently asked questions: how can I apply for an E-2 investor visa despite the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic and suspension of routine visa services at Consulates and Embassies worldwide.
Want to know more? Keep on watching for more information.
Overview
More and more our office is receiving inquiries from prospective E-2 visa applicants who are stuck in the application process due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.
First, what are the requirements for an E-2 visa?
The E-2 visa is a treaty trader investor visa that allows foreign investors from select countries to invest in an existing or new business enterprise in the United States.
Requirements:
- The investor, either a person, partnership or corporate entity, must be a citizen of a treaty trade/investment country
- You must have invested or be in the process of investing in the business and show the path of funds for the investment from your home country to the US account
- The investment must come from the investor and the money must be “at risk,” meaning that the investor must take action to invest the money into equipment, renting the business premises, and other such investment activities
- You must actually start the business and hire workers before applying for the E-2 visa
- You must be in a position to direct the business with your experience and/or skills and be involved in the management or operation of the business. You cannot be a passive investor
- There is no set investment amount required however the investment must be sufficient to start the particular business (this amount will vary depending on the type of business enterprise)
- The business cannot be marginal –the business should not be established solely for the purpose of earning a living for the applicant and his or her family.