WORK-BASED VISAS Investor E-2 WORK-BASED GREEN CARDS MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL IMMIGRATION FAMILY- SPONSORED IMMIGRATION GREEN CARDS FOR ABUSED OR WIDOWED US CITIZENSHIP BUSINESS INVESTOR OPTIONS Back to Home Page
Our Web Site is available in: CZECH FRENCH GERMAN HUNGARIAN SPANISH		Investor Visa E-2 One of the best and most flexible types of work visa may be obtained through investment in the U.S. This type of visa is called the E-2 Investor Visa, and it is available to citizens of more than 77 different countries with which the U.S. has signed a bilateral treaty regarding investment. It is also possible for an investor to bring employees from his homeland to work for him in the U.S. business under an E-2 Manager Visa or E-2 Specialist Visa. For any of these three visas, both the U.S. business and the individual must qualify. In order for the U.S. business to qualify, it must: belong at least 50% to a person with citizenship of a country having a qualifying investment treaty with the U.S. be real and active by providing goods or services on a regular basis, and producing steady income, (e.g., the following investment activities would not qualify: investments in stocks, bonds, or mutual funds, or in undeveloped land for speculation, though, investment in multiple units of residential or commercial real estate may qualify). be a substantial investment. While the laws and regulations do not state a specific minimum investment, the investment must be sufficient to establish a business that will operate effectively and profitably. The smaller the investment, the greater the percentage of the investment that must come from the investor’s own funds. For example, investments of less than $100,000 must typically come 100% from the investor’s own funds. contribute to the local economy to an extent that is not just marginal. This requirement can be met by showing with the help of a business plan, that within 5 years the business will either hire U.S. workers or it will be able to produce sufficient income to pay the investor a living wage and still produce a profit. In order for the individual applicant to qualify: the individual applicant must show that he/she has work experience and credentials, which qualify them to perform the job that the company is offering them. Qualifications are more important in the cases of managers and specialists than in the case of the investor. There are two ways to apply to live and work in the U.S. as an E-2 Investor. Generally, the preferred method is to apply to the consulate in the applicant’s place of residence for an E-2 visa, which, if approved, is issued for the period of time permitted under the treaty with that country. In some cases, this is five years, but in other cases, it may be a short as one month. Even if the visa is issued for just one month, the person can still enter the U.S. for a period of two years, and then extend their E-2 status for two years at a time an unlimited number of times. If the person is present in the U.S. under most types of non-immigrant visas, the person can apply to change to E-2 status for a period of two years. If the person is in the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program, the person must apply for the E-2 visa at the U.S. consulate in their country of residence. Additional advantages of the E-2 visa: The spouse of an E-2 visa holder can obtain a work authorization, and then work for any employer in any type of job. Presently, there is no limit to the number of times an E-2 visa can be renewed. The business activity of the investment company can be changed or expanded into new fields of business. The information above is intended as a general description. Each individual's case requires specific advice and our firm offers an introductory consultation to review your case, the cost of which can be rebated against any retainer. We can assist you in getting settled in any U.S. state, and if so required, we will gladly form your U.S. corporation in the state of your choice.
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		© 2003 Anthony Olson, P.A. All logos and trade marks or names are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. Page uploaded 11/27/2007.