Investor or Trader Treaty Visas
Do you have a business, trade, or investments in the United States? Would you like to? An E-1 visa or an E-2 visa, otherwise known as treaty investor visas and trader treaty visas, can allow you to enter the United States so that you can carry out your business. Which visa is right for you, and how can you qualify?
Let our immigration attorneys guide you and answer your common questions about these two visas and how you can ensure your application is approved.
What are E-1 and E-2 Visas?
The E-1 and E-2 visas are authorsized by the US treaty.
The E-1 visa is a treaty trader visa. It allows citizens of a country with which the United States has a trade agreement to come to the United States in order to complete that trade.
The E-2 visa is a treaty investor visa. It allows citizens of another country to enter the United States if they are directing or overseeing significant investments on U.S. soil.
Who is qualified for an E-1 Visa or an E-2 Visa?
In order to qualify for an E-1 visa, you must be a citizen of a country with which the United States has a trade agreement. You must be conducting substantial trade between that country and the United States. “Substantial” is not strictly defined in the law, but the immigration attorneys at Amaryllis Law can help you determine if your trade is considered substantial.
In order to qualify for your E-2 visa, you must be a citizen of one of the countries which have a suitable treaty with the United States. You must have invested or be currently investing a substantial amount of money in the United States. You must be overseeing or directing that investment.
This visa category is complex, and the U.S. Embassy in a treaty country has its own defined processes for application. Because the foregoing qualifications are not exhaustive and fail to document every requirement, it is critical to have competent immigration assistance for this visa.
What is the difference between an E-1, E-2, and EB5 Visa?
In order to qualify for an E-1 or an E-2 visa, you must be entering the United States intending to do business, not with any other intention. These are non-immigrant visas.
If you also intend to become a lawful permanent resident and are investing $500,000 or $1 million (depending on the geographic area in which you are investing), you should consider applying for an EB5 visa instead. The EB5 visa is for investors who want a green card.
Family members and employees
If you obtain an E-1 visa or an E-2 visa, your spouse and children may accompany you as dependents, no matter their nationality. Children must be under 21 years of age and unmarried.
How long will it take for me to get an E-1 or E-2 Visa?
E visa application processing times depend on the U.S. Embassy in the treaty country.
Can I get an extension for my E-1 or E-2 Visa?
Existing E-1 and E-2 visa holders can get extensions for an additional two years. You can continue extending these visas indefinitely.
How can Amaryllis Law help?
Working with Amaryllis Law for Treaty Trader or Investor Visas is simple and predictable. We handle most E-1 and E-2 visas on a flat fee basis, which means you know precisely how much the process will cost before you start. Our services help you increase your chances of being approved for the visa of your choice and ensure the process is convenient so that you can get back to business.
