ABCs of E-2 Visas

1
ABCs of E-2 Visas

• Tips for Preparing and Filing
• an E-2 Registration Application

Immigration Raj Iyer
2
Who May Obtain an E-2 Visa?

• Investors
• Citizens of 80 Countries
• Country of Birth is Irrelevant

3
What are the Benefits?

• Duration
• Indefinite Renewals
• E-2 Spouse Can Obtain Work Permit

4
Where to Apply?

• E-2 Visas Abroad
• Change of Status in U.S.

5
Requirements

• Itemized List of Start-up Expenditures
• Substantial Investment
• Enterprise Must Support Minimal Living for Your
  Family

6
Size of Investment

• Rule of Thumb At Least 100,000 (Proportionality
  Test)
• 100,000 Doesnt Guarantee Approval, but Less
  Faces Stricter Scrutiny

7
Source of Funds

• Received by Legitimate Means and in Control
• At Risk Investment
• Loan Can be Secured against Investors Personal
  Assets but Not the Businesses Assets

8
Business Plan

• Well-formulated Business Idea
• 5 Year Projections
• Capacity to Make Significant Contributions to
  U.S. Economy
• Overcome Marginality

9
Unconventional Business Premises

• Real and Active Enterprise
• Home Office is Acceptable
• Explain How Business Will Operate Successfully
• Explain If Business Will Move to More Traditional
  Office Space

10
Purchasing a Franchise

• E-2 Investment if Investor Has Autonomy to
  Develop and Direct Business

11
Renewal of E-2 Visas

• Decent Profitability
• Regain Stability Inject More Capital and Explore
  New Business Opportunities

12
Employment for Family Members

• Dependents Spouses and Children
• Regardless of Nationality
• E-2 Spouses Can Apply for EAD
• Children Cannot Obtain EADs

13
Prepare for the Interview

• Officers Are Not Business Experts
• Common Sense Explanation of Business Plan
• Build Credibility through Confidence and
  Communication
• Ability to Articulate All Aspects of Business