E-2 Visa

Investment Requirements for E-2 Visa

As a general guide, we recommend the E-2 route to people with a minimum of $100,000 – $200,000 USD to invest. In exceptional cases, USCIS will consider applications with amounts as low as $50,000 USD.

Investors can borrow money for the E-2 visa, but cannot secure the loan with the companies’ assets, or USCIS will determine that the lender is the actual investor.

A key component to securing an E-2 visa is a business plan complying with the Matter of Ho lawsuit.

Check the example link below 
Developing a Business Immigration Plan 

The individual investor must demonstrate that their sole purpose for entering the U.S. is to run or develop an enterprise.

Evidence showing the investor's business development intentions can be owning a minimum of 50% of the business or occupying a significant managerial or leadership position that gives them operational control.

Showing the risk of capital loss is necessary to qualify as an "investment." The investor must also show that the funds have not been generated through illegal means, either directly or indirectly. 

(That's why you can't invest in real estate.)

Any investment must not be viewed as marginal, meaning that it must have a good chance of generating sufficient income to provide for the visa holder and any family within five years of entering the U.S.

In addition, the business must have a dedicated premise. E-2 companies cannot operate from the investor's home.

Both new and existing companies can qualify for E-2 investments. Individual investors can't use assets for the sole purpose of creating a job for themselves. Our experience with these applications suggests that the business must employ at least three to five other people.

E-2 Visa Processing Time, Length of Stay & Extensions 

E-2 visas are valid for up to two years, with the possibility of an unlimited number of two-year extensions.

The length of time it takes to get an E-2 visa depends on the consulate you are applying to and can take anywhere from two weeks to five months to complete. After the initial review, the consulate will set up an interview with the applicant.

E-2 premium processing is available for a $1,225 fee, and USCIS will approve, deny or issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) within fifteen days. If USCIS issues a RFE, they will make a second decision within 15 days of submitting the additional evidence.

Note that all persons covered by E-2 visas are permitted to travel in and out of the U.S. The primary visa holder will automatically get a two-year extension granted on re-entry to the country.

However, this does not apply to family members, who are encouraged to carefully monitor how long they can stay and apply for any E-2 extensions on time.

E-2 Employee Requirements

Like the E-1 "Treaty Trader" visa the E-2 visa may extend to other personnel provided they meet the following conditions:

• Occupy supervisory or executive positions.
• Are Essential to the running of the business.
• Meet the legal definition of "employee."
• Come from the same country as the E-2 applicant.

Alternatives to the E-2 Visa

The Most Common E-2 Fees and Their Associated Costs

• Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker: This is the main form required for an E-2 visa application if the applicant is already in the United States and wishes to change to E-2 status or extend their E-2 status. The cost of Form I-129 is $460.
• Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application: This form is required when applying from outside the United States at a U.S. consulate. The fee for Form DS-160 is $160.
• Form I-539, Application To Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status: This form is used when the E-2 visa holder is seeking an extension or change in their status while in the United States. The cost of Form I-539 is $370.
• Form I-134, Affidavit of Support: This form is needed if the applicant must prove they have the financial resources to support themselves during their stay in the United States. The cost of Form I-134 is $0.
• Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service: This form is optional and used when the applicant wishes to speed up the application process. The fee for Form I-907 is $2,500.

In addition to these application fees, the applicant may also incur other costs such as those related to travel to the U.S. embassy or consulate, translation of documents, and costs for obtaining necessary supporting documents like copies of passports, a birth certificate, or marriage certificates. The total cost of an E-2 visa application can vary greatly depending on the individual's circumstances, but the applicant should expect to pay at least a few hundred to a few thousand dollars in application fees and other related costs.

Contact OnlineVisas to arrange your visa strategy session, where an E-2 visa attorney will take you through every step of the process.