In order to apply for an E2 visa there are steps to be taken and requirements to be met. It is strongly advised to engage the services of a highly experienced US immigration attorney to assist you in the process from start to finish.
US Immigration Attorneys at Vazquez & Poudat, PLLC have been practicing U.S. Immigration law exclusively for more than 35 years combined and its founders are board certified by the Florida Bar as experts in US Immigration and Nationality Law, two of only a handful of board certified Immigration lawyers in Central Florida. Contact us today!
The most popular method by which to apply for an E2 visa is to buy an existing business in the United States . You may also start a new business in the United States but there are considerations either way that you want to discuss with an experienced immigration lawyer.
Regardless of whether you want to buy an existing business or start a new business, an initial step an individual must take is to set up a company in the United States. Among other things, you will be required to decide on the type of company structure, a company name, operating agreement or bylaws, and obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN).
US Immigration Laws require you to posses the qualities and skills necessary to develop and direct a business in the United States.
There is no requirement that you must purchase or start a business that is in line with your previous type of work. Additionally, there is no requirement that you previously owned a business. However, it is recommended that you demonstrate transferable managerial skills and/or prior experience in the same line of business prior to venturing into the E-2 visa process.
How much do you need to invest? There is no set amount that you need to spend to buy or start a business which will achieve E2 approval. However, experience has shown that anything less than $100,000 may prove more difficult to obtain E2 approval (see section below "applicant's investment is substantial" for more information). You should consult our law firm to determine whether your activity can justify a lower investment amount. Your investment cannot be marginal, only providing enough income for you and your family.
When the decision has been made on the type of business to purchase or create, it is recommended that a comprehensive Business Plan with financial projections for a five year period be obtained. The Business Plan is an important document as it is your opportunity to explain your business enterprise and make clear you and your investment qualify. It should address the intended growth and economic impact that your company will have in the United States.
Keep in mind that it is your job to convince the United States consular officer or adjudicator that your E2 application is worthy of approval. There is no better way to help you achieve this than to have a comprehensive Business Plan in place that includes sound objectives to grow the company and provide employment for United States workers. You may need or wish to hire a professional who has experience in drafting business plans for E-2 visa purposes, as this will further increase your chances of approval.
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The next step is for our Board Certified Immigration Attorneys to prepare your E2 visa application to ensure that the information provided is sufficient and demonstrates eligibility. Our law firm prepares a comprehensive application packet on behalf of our clients making sure to comply with your country’s specific treaty requirements. We have experience filing E-2 visa applications with various U.S. Consulates around the world including but not limited to France, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Belgium, Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Canada, Sweden, Italy, Spain, South Korea, Morocco and Tunisia. Our law firm can assist you with this process wherever you are in the world and wherever you want to live in the United States.
In some cases, you may want to change your status to E2 in the United States with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services office and seek a visa later. This can be an attractive option for a start-up and allow you to make a lower initial investment. However, there are pros and cons to this approach to discuss with an experienced immigration lawyer.
If you are considering applying for an E2 Visa or need additional information about this visa category call our Immigration Law Firm today. Our experienced immigration attorneys in Orlando may be able to help! Suzanne Vazquez and Maud Poudat are both Board certified as experts in Immigration and Nationality Law by the Florida Bar. Our legal team includes a Hispanic immigration attorney who also speaks Spanish and French. Please call us during office hours at (407) 674-6968. If you have an emergency after office hours please call us at (407) 925-2554 and we will contact you shortly. You may also fill our online form and we will get back to you within 24 hours if received Monday – Friday.