Over the past 50 years, the United States’ economy has taken on an increasingly global form. It is now a rare company that does not involve some form of foreign investment. It is in the best interests of the United States, that company, and an investor for that investor to be able to live and work in the United States.
The means to accomplish this is to obtain an E-2 visa. These permit holders may legally enter, work, and live in the United States for a period of up to two years. Even so, not every applicant receives an E-2 visa. The United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS), in conjunction with the U.S. Congress, create specific criteria that applicants must meet.
A Wheaton E-2 visa lawyer could help investors and their companies to obtain these work permits. Attorneys could work to establish whether an investor qualifies under this program and to take the necessary steps to pursue a visa through the USCIS.
An E-2 visa serves the express purpose of allowing investors in American companies to live and work in the United States. According to 8 CFR 214.2(e)(12), an applicant for an E-2 visa must qualify under certain criteria:
Common countries that have the sorts of treaties that fall under this category include Mexico, Canada, European Union members, Australia, and South Korea. A Wheaton lawyer could help to determine if an investor meets the requirements for an E-2 visa.
People who wish to obtain an E-2 visa must follow separate procedures depending on their current immigration status. For people who are already legally in the United States on a different visa, they may apply for a change of immigration status. Using Form I-219, they may request to transfer most other types of visas into an E-2. This form requires detailed and accurate information concerning the applicant’s current residence, their family, and why they wish to change their immigration status. Additionally, providing information about the investment is essential to this application.
For people currently in their home countries, a visit to the United States embassy is the first step in obtaining an E-2 visa. These applicants must still provide relevant personal information and data concerning the investment in the United States. A Wheaton lawyer could help people both in and out of the United States to take the necessary steps to complete an E-2 visa application.
The opportunity to invest substantial amounts of money in a United States company is a risk worth taking to individuals, companies, and the country as a whole. As a result, an investor who is taking a direct role in the operations of a U.S. company could apply for an E-2 visa to live in the United States for up to two years.
Even so, obtaining these visas is a complicated process. Applicants must provide complete personal information as well as data concerning the business opportunity. A failure to provide this information could lead to a rejected visa application or even initiate deportation proceedings.
A Wheaton E-2 visa lawyer could help give you the best chance for a positive outcome. They understand the requirements of the E-2 visa program and could work to gather the required information to submit a complete application. Contact an employment visa attorney today to schedule an appointment.
