E1 and E2 Treaty Trader and Treaty Investor Visas
The E1 and E2 Treaty Trader and Treaty Investor Visas were established to facilitate and enhance economic interaction between the United States and other countries. E visa applicants must be nationals of a country with which the United States has a treaty of commerce and navigation.
The E visa can be a great way for foreign nationals not only to enter US markets, but also to secure long-term residence in the United States without having to go through the process of obtaining permanent residency.
While the requirements are many, here is a quick list of the top ten things to know about E visas:
- E visa applicants must be nationals of a country with which the United States has a treaty of commerce and navigation. Check out the US Department of State’s list of treaty countries.
- E-1 visas are for treaty traders. E-2 visas are for treaty investors. E1 treaty traders must be entering the US solely for the purpose of engaging in substantial international trade, either for themselves or for a foreign employer, and principally between the United States and the treaty nation from which the E-1 applicant hails. E2 treaty traders must be entering the US solely to develop and direct an enterprise into which he has invested, or is currently investing, a substantial amount of capital. See 4 Tips to Know About Marginality Requirements.
- For E-1 treaty traders, there is no minimum monetary value or volume for each trading transaction. While the monetary value of the trade item being traded is a relevant factor, USCIS gives greater weight to more numerous transactions of greater value.
- For E-2 treaty investors, there is no minimum required investment. The investment need only be substantial in proportion to what it would cost to buy a business of the same nature, or start up such a business from scratch. Again, while there is no minimum investment, a good rule of thumb is a minimum investment of $100,000. The more, the better. See 4 Tips to Know Abour Marginality Requirements and 3 Strategies for E2 Visa Foreign Investors with Insufficient Funds.
- If you are in the United States in one temporary status, and want to change status to an E visa, you can apply to do so.
However, you should try to maintain your previously accorded status while you wait for the E visa application to be decided. Even if you applied for change of status before your original I-94 expired, you are considered out of status when the I-94 expires, even if your application for change of status is still pending. In such a case, if USCIS approves the change of status, your new E status will be backdated to the expiration of your previously accorded status. If USCIS denies the change of status, you will need to depart the United States immediately. - If you are in the United States in some other status and want to change to E-1 or E-2 status, you are eligible to file for premium processing, which guarantees processing of the case within 15 calendar days. The premium processing fee is $1,225. If USCIS fails to process the case within 15 days, they will return the premium processing fee.
- Both treaty traders and treaty investors, when applying for their respective E visas, must demonstrate intent to depart the US when their status expires or terminates. This can be accomplished through a sworn statement indicating as much submitted with the E visa application.
- Initial E visa status is granted for a maximum of two years. Extensions of such status can also be granted in maximum increments of two years. There is no limit on the number of extensions that may be granted.
- Dependent spouses of E visa principals can obtain employment authorization in the United States.
- Subject to certain restrictions, E visa holders can use their status to employ other people, who will receive derivative E visa status. E visa employees must possess the same nationality as the principal E visa employer. See E2 Visa Strategy for Foreign Top Talent.
Related Articles
E2 Visa Business Opportunities Frisco TX
VERDIN E2 Visa Business Solutions Update June 2017
4 Tips to Know About E2 Visa Marginality Requirements
Top 10 Financial Transactions That Can Be Treated as Investment for E Visas
Top 10 Things to Know About E Visas
To E-2 or not to E-2. Four factors that may sink your chances.
Interested in E-2 Visas? Some Common Questions Regarding E-2 Visas
E-2 Treaty Investors and Their Dependents
E Visas Rise in Popularity Among Foreign Investors
$100,000 or Less, Potential Small-Scale Business Models for E-2 Investors
2016 Top 4 Latin American E2 Visa Investor Countries
VERDIN E2 Visa Business Solutions Update June 2017
E2 Visa or Immigration Questions? Please Contact VERDIN
Isaul Verdin has extensive experience advising multinational companies and entrepreneurs on complex US immigration matters involving investments.
Mr. Verdin focuses on advising companies on structuring entities, acquisitions, and strategic expansion to satisfy US immigration E-1, E2, L1A, L1B, or EB-1 objectives in a variety of fields.
Investment visa business opportunities include real estate, aviation, technology, manufacturing, retail, luxury goods, and professional services. Additionally, he litigates deportation defense matters throughout the US.
VERDIN boasts a combined 70 years of experience in immigration law. Since its inception, VERDIN has gained a reputation for prevailing in even the most complicated immigration matters.
“As a Board Certified, Immigration Lawyer (Texas Board of Legal Specialization) with over 17 years of experience, my passion is immigration law. We will listen to your concerns, answer all your questions, and expertly guide you through your immigration process.” ~ Isaul Verdin, Founder and Managing Attorney
VERDIN business hours are from 8-5PM Monday through Friday.
There are several ways to contact VERDIN. Please read the options below and reach out to us.
- To schedule an appointment at any of our locations please call our main number listed below.
- If this is your first time contacting VERDIN, please enter your information in side bar and someone will contact you shortly. If you contact us after business hours or over the weekend, we will contact you the next business day.
- If you prefer to
Skype, please provide us with your Skype caller identification. - If you are an existing client and wish to speak with a specific person at VERDIN, please click on “Our Team” in the navigation menu above and choose from one of our team members.
SkypeDallas Office Address & Hours of Operation:
900 Jackson St. Suite 535
Dallas, Texas 75202
Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
See Map
Main Number: (214) 741-1700
Call Now
Photo Copyright: welcomia / 123RF Stock Photo