The E-2 visa allows a foreign national of a treaty country to enter the United States by investing a substantial amount of capital in a US-based commercial enterprise. The term “treaty country” refers to a country with which the US a treaty of commerce and navigation.

Although it does not grant permanent residency in America, this visa is an excellent option for entrepreneurs that want to work and live legally in the country, with the possibility of renewal.

In this article, you will discover how long it takes to get an E-2 visa in Florida.

How Long Does it Take to Get an E2 Visa? – An Overview 

When it comes to immigration law, the time frame for acquiring a US visa depends on two main factors. 

Before applying for an E-2 visa, the aspiring E-2 investor must reunite the necessary documentation, choose a commerce enterprise to invest in, draft a well-laid out business plan, and only then invest the money to apply for an E-2 visa.

After submitting the immigrant petition to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), E-2 applicants must wait to receive a petition approval or denial.

In this context, it is fundamental to note that the necessary time frame to obtain will depend on which agency the forms were submitted – the USCIS or a US Consulate. 

If the applicant is already in the United States and wants to change status, they must apply with the USCIS. On the applicants, applicants pursuing to obtain an E-2 visa from abroad may submit their applications at a US Consulate in their origin country.

Obtaining an E-2 Visa – Preparing the Paperwork 

Before applying for an E-2 visa, aspiring applicants must sit down with an expert immigration attorney to assess their circumstances and tailor a strategic plan. The basic requirements to obtain an E-2 visa are:

  • The applicant must be a citizen or national of a treaty country 
  • The applicant must invest a substantial amount of money in a US-based commercial enterprise 
  • The commercial enterprise must be operating, non-marginal and active in business
  • The applicant must be in a position to develop or direct the enterprise 

Typically, preparing the paperwork can take anywhere from weeks to a couple of months. The ideal approach is to work with an experienced attorney in Florida to expedite the process.

Besides a proven track record, a well-versed Florida E-2 attorney knows how to prepare the legal and financial paperwork before applying. Additionally, an expert lawyer will avoid pitfalls and provide valuable insights to increase the applicant’s chances of approval. 

How Long Does it Take to Get an E2 Visa? – USCIS vs. US Consulate Processing 

Applicants present in the United States can file and submit their paperwork directly with USCIS. Generally, the average processing time is five months, but this time frame may vary depending on several aspects. 

It is worth noting that applicants can pay a premium processing fee (up to $1,500), so they can have their paperwork processed within 15 calendar days. 

Applicants outside the United States can file and submit their paperwork with the nearest US Consulate in their home country. Typically, the processing time for an E-2 application varies from one consulate to another, which may be anywhere between two weeks to four months. 

After completing an initial review, the consulate will schedule an interview to assess the applicant’s petition. If approved, the consulate may take up to a week to issue the E-2 visa. 

Ultimately, processing times depend more on the different consulates and their staff. Hence, applicants should not schedule travel to the United States until they receive the E-2 visa.

Increase Your Chances of Receiving Your E-2 Visa – Work with Jurado and Farshchian, P.L.

With a decade of experience and an extensive list of successful E-2 clients, Attorney Romy B. Jurado can help you attain your dream. Call us today at (305) 921-0976 or send an email to [email protected] to schedule a consultation.

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