Treaty Trader and Investor Visas Under Categories E-1 and E-2
At Christiansen Law Firm, our attorneys advise businesses and individuals about E-1 treaty trader and E-2 investor visas. These are for foreign nationals with significant short-term or ongoing business or investment interests in the United States. The E-2 investor visa is especially useful for overseas entrepreneurs who wish to open businesses ranging from restaurants to software development.
For detailed information about our ability to guide you through the E-1 and E-2 visa application procedures, contact Christiansen Law Firm in Houston, San Antonio and Lufkin.
E-1 Treaty Trader Visas for People With International Business Interests
The first question for E-1 visa applicants is where do you come from? Your eligibility will depend on the existence of a bilateral investment treaty or a treaty of friendship, commerce and navigation between the United States and your country of origin.
The sole purpose of entry for an E-1 visa applicant must be to conduct substantial trade. This can involve the negotiation and conclusion of a significant business transaction, to oversee the development or performance of an American subsidiary, or to work toward the stimulation of trade between the U.S. and the home country. Details as to eligibility and conditions will vary depending on the terms of the treaty between the U.S. and the country of origin.
E-2 Investor Visas for Entrepreneurs and Business Owners
Like the E-1 category, eligibility for an E-2 visa is restricted to nationals of a country with which the U.S. has bilateral commercial treaty relations. The main purpose of an E-2 visa is to stimulate foreign investment and domestic job creation in the U.S. The investor must demonstrate an intention to commit a "substantial" amount of personal money to the genuine risk of loss in a productive active or passive investment.
The E-2 visa is the primary means of entry for people who want to start businesses in the U.S. ranging from restaurants and small retail operations to manufacturing facilities or professional practices in health care, engineering, applied sciences or graphic arts.
E-2 visas may be utilized to provide longer term non-immigrant status. Also, E visas are dual-intent visas, allowing the simultaneous pursuit of permanent resident status.
If your country of origin does not have a bilateral commercial treaty with the United States, you might still be eligible for entry under an L visa category. Our lawyers' experience with the full range of business immigration options can help you find ways to efficiently achieve entry and residence status.
To learn more about the scope of our experience with E category visas for traders and investors, contact Christiansen Law Firm in Houston, San Antonio and Lufkin.
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