The E2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign investors from treaty countries to enter the United States legally upon making a substantial investment in a US enterprise.

Additionally, the E2 visa offers the possibility for renewal or extension, as long as the E2 investor continues to satisfy the original visa requirements. In this article, you will find out how to renew or extend an E2 visa.

Can I Extend My E-2 Visa? – The Basics

As provided by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), there is no limit to the number of times an E2 visa holder can renew or extend the E2 nonimmigrant visa. Yet, the validity period of the E2 visa depends on the holder’s country of citizenship.

Each treaty country has its visa terms. For example, E2 visa holders from Finland are entitled to multiple entries to the United States, enjoying a 24-month validity period after obtaining an E2 visa.

It is crucial to understand that the E2 visa is issued only to foreign investors who are nationals of countries that have treaties of commerce with the United States (or its equivalent).

Renewing or Extending E2 Visa – Understanding the Requirements

Overall, applicants seeking to renew or extend an E2 visa must demonstrate that they continue to meet the requirements outlined in their original E2 application. Accordingly, the E2 visa renewal/extension requirements include:

  • the applicant must be from an E2 treaty country
  • the applicant must make a substantial investment in a US enterprise
  • the enterprise must be an active business that generates jobs for US workers
  • the enterprise cannot be marginal (supporting only the applicant and his/her family)
  • the applicant must intend to leave the country once the E2 status expires
  • the applicant must have “skin in the game” (personal risk involved in the enterprise)
  • the applicant must direct and develop the enterprise
  • the amount to be invested in the company must have a lawful origin

Obtaining an E2 Visa Renewal or Extension

Foreign nationals applying for an E2 visa renewal must submit Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application) with the US Department of State. Currently, the filing fee for E2 visa renewals is $205 (per applicant).

When applying for renewal, the E2 visa holder must submit the required documentation with a request for visa renewal. In this context, the list of required documents and the order wherein these documents must be presented will depend on the processing consular office.

Upon receipt of the application, the local US consular office will schedule an E2 interview, which the applicant must attend and pass to obtain approval for E2 renewal.

When applying for an E2 visa extension, applicants must file Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) with USCIS. Applying for an E2 extension of status for dependents requires applicants to file Form I-539 (Application To Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status).

Currently, the filing fee for I-129 applicants is $460, while the filing fee for I-539 is $370. When submitting the forms, the applicant must also submit several documents to demonstrate he/she still meets the requirements for an E2 extension of status.

Do You Want to Renew or Extend an E-2 Visa? – Work with an Expert Immigration Attorney

The process of renewing or extending an E2 visa requires an expert approach. Waste no time – call Attorney Romy B. Jurado today at (305) 921-0440 or send an email to [email protected] to schedule a consultation.

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