E2 Visa Lawyer in Fresno Helping You Obtain an E2 Visa

An E2 Treaty Investor Visa is one of the visas available for foreign nationals of the more than 30 countries that have trade treaties with the United States. If a person has significant funds to invest, they can obtain an E2 visa to come to the United States to set up a business. The E2 visa does not provide residency the way a Green Card does, but it may be extended for as long as the business that was set up under the visa is operational.

The lowest amount of investment funds the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) will consider for an E2 visa is $50,000. Investors with less than that amount to invest will not be considered. Additional requirements for the E2 visa include the investor’s ability to prove that the funds to be invested were not obtained illegally, that he or she intends to own at least 50% of the proposed business, or hold a position that grants operational control of the business. Obtaining an E2 visa can be a complex process full of required documentation and bureaucratic red tape. An experienced E2 visa attorney from Bains Law Offices can guide you through the process and minimize stress. Call our Fresno office today at 559-890-1007.

Are Business Owners the Only Ones Eligible for E2 Visas?

While the majority of E2 visa holders are likely to be business owners, E2 visas can also be extended to certain personnel. In order to be eligible, employees must hold executive or supervisory positions in the E2 business, be essential to the operation of the business, meet the definition of “employee” and not work as contractors or in other capacities than as an employee, and come from the same country as the main E2 applicant.

Can I Bring My Family to the U.S with Me on an E2 Visa?

Family members including a spouse and dependent, unmarried children under the age of 21 may also be covered under an E2 visa. In order to work in the United States, the spouse may be required to obtain an Employment Authorization Document in addition to the E2 visa, which will allow employment in any job except certain governmental positions that require citizenship. Unlike employees in the U.S. under an E2 visa, these family members do not need to come from the same country as the primary E2 visa holder. Children in the U.S. under an E2 visa may attend any public or private school up to the age of 21. Upon reaching age 21, many children of E2 visa holders obtain their own F1 student visas in order to complete their schooling.

What is the Difference Between an E1 and E2 visa?

An E1 visa is a “Treaty Traders” visa and the E2 visa is a “Treaty Investors” visa. Both require that the visa applicant lives in one of the countries that have trade treaties with the United States. An E1 visa is for a person who is entering the U.S. to conduct international trade on his or her own behalf, while an E12 visa is for a person entering the U.S in order to invest a substantial amount of money in a United States business. Without the training and skill of an experienced E2 visa lawyer, it is difficult to determine which type of visa would be best to fulfill your goals in entering the United States. Call Bains Law Offices today at 559-890-1007 for sound legal counsel in your E2 visa case.

Can I Invest in Real Estate on an E2 Visa?

Because obtaining an E2 visa requires that the applicant prove that their substantial investment is at risk of partial or total loss, investing in real estate, which could protect the capital invested, is restricted. Furthermore, the E2 visa requires that the investment be in an “active business,” so passive investments like investments in real estate or the stock market do not qualify. There are ways to structure real estate investment; however, those that do qualify for E2 visa status. Contact a lawyer helping clients with immigration law at Bains Law Offices today for more information.