Why is It a Good Idea to Get an E2 Visa?

The ease of doing business, a diverse workforce, and a variety of funding sources are only a few benefits enjoyed by those willing to take a chance at the world’s largest economy. Is it a good idea to get an E-2 Treaty Investor Visa? Read on to find out.

Key Advantages of the E2 Treaty Investor Visa – Why is It a Good Idea?

No Minimum Threshold on the Investment Amount Required

The primary requirement for E-2 eligibility is to invest a “substantial amount of capital” in a US enterprise. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has no fixed cap to determine a minimum nor a maximum amount of investment for the E-2 visa.

To pass the “substantial” test, the amount invested in the proposed business must be:

“Substantial in relationship to the total cost of either purchasing an established enterprise or establishing a new one
Sufficient to ensure the treaty investor’s financial commitment to the successful operation of the enterprise, and
Of a magnitude to support the likelihood that the treaty investor will successfully develop and direct the enterprise. The lower the cost of the enterprise, the higher, proportionately, the investment must be to be considered substantial”

Freedom to Work in Your Own Business

US law does not restrict non-residents from opening a business in the United States. However, there is a significant difference between registering a business with the state and actively performing labor for the company you have opened.

One of the eligibility requirements for E-2 approval is that applicants must demonstrate they will be working directly on the development of the investment business.

With an E-2 visa, foreign entrepreneurs have work authorization to engage in any operational or managerial duties associated with their businesses. No third-party sponsorship is required, which results in superior freedom and self-reliability.

Bringing a Spouse and Children to the US

Foreign nationals under E-2 status can bring a spouse and unmarried children (under 21) to the United States as dependents. While the E-2 visa is restricted to foreign nationals of specific countries, the same requirement does not apply to the investor’s family.

Hence, spouses or children can apply for E-2 status regardless of their nationalities. Once approved, dependents are generally granted the same stay as the E-2 investor.

Spouses of E-2 visa holders can apply for work authorization and eventually work anywhere they want. Children also have the right to access the US educational system.

Superior Flexibility

Some nonimmigrant visa categories tend to limit the investors’ ability to enjoy their stay in the United States. Fortunately, E-2 visa holders and dependents can remain in the same status indefinitely – as long as they meet the USCIS renewal requirements.

Initially, the maximum period of stay under E-2 status is two years. It is not hard to apply for a renewal, which is granted in increments of up to years. There is no limit on the number of possible extensions.