E Investor Visa
E visas are not available to citizens of every country, but for those who qualify, it can be a very effective way of conducting international business. E visas are initially issued for two years and are effectively renewable without limit. Spouses and children under 21 may accompany the applicant. There are two types of E visas: E-1 (treaty trader) and E-2 (treaty investor).
For both types of E visas the following requirements must be met:
The country must be on the list of countries that have a treaty with the US enabling the national to use this visa.
At least 50% of the company must be owned by Nationals of Country X.
The applicant must possess the Nationality (not mere resident status) of the country.
The applicant must intend to depart upon expiration or termination of the E-1/2 visa.
For the E-1 visa, the following must apply:
There must be an existing trade (goods, services, monies, advertising, tourism, technology, data processing, international banking, etc).
The trade must be substantial (the amount of trade must be sufficient to ensure a continuous flow of international trade items between the US and the treaty country).
The trade must be principally between the US and the treaty country.
The position must be supervisory/executive or essential to the successful/efficient operation of the enterprise.
For the E-2 visa, the following must apply
The investment must be active (intended to generate profit).
The investor must be personally at risk.
The investment should create jobs for non-family members.
If the individual is the principal investor, he/she must solely direct and develop the enterprise.
If the individual is an employee, his/her duties must be supervisory/executive or essential to the successful/efficient
operation of the enterprise.
