The E2 visa is a special type of nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign investors and entrepreneurs to temporarily reside in the United States to manage and develop their business ventures. This visa is especially popular among investors from countries that have trade agreements with the US, including Serbia. The E2 visa allows the holder to not only run their business, but also employ other people, including their family members, who can also obtain the appropriate visas to stay in the US.
This type of visa is attractive because of its flexibility and the ability to extend it, making it ideal for entrepreneurs who want to achieve their business goals in America. One of the key features of the E2 visa is that it does not require permanent residence in the US, which means that the investor can maintain his business in the home country while simultaneously developing new business opportunities in America. The E2 visa is usually issued for a period of two years, but can be extended indefinitely, as long as the investor continues to meet the requirements to maintain it.
This visa not only provides an opportunity for economic development, but also allows investors to integrate into American society, which can open doors to new business opportunities and networking with other entrepreneurs.
Key Takeaways
- The E2 visa for the USA is a visa intended for investors from countries with which the USA has a trade and investment agreement.
- To apply for an E2 visa, you need to fill out the DS-160 form, pay the application fee and schedule an interview at the US Embassy.
- E2 visa requirements include proof of investment in a US company, a business plan, and citizenship of an E2 visa treaty country.
- The process of obtaining an E2 visa can take from several weeks to several months, depending on the embassy and the complexity of the application.
- Costs associated with an E2 visa include the application fee, interview costs, and potential attorney fees.
How to apply for an E2 visa?
The E2 visa application process can be complex, but with the right information and preparation, it can be completed successfully. The first step in this process is the preparation of a comprehensive business plan that clearly defines the goals, strategies and financial projections of your company. This plan should be detailed and realistic, as US embassy or consulate officials will use this document as the basis for evaluating your application.
In addition to the business plan, it is necessary to collect other relevant documents, such as proof of investment, financial statements and information on the legal structure of the company. After all the required documents have been collected, the next step is to submit the application. This is usually done through the US embassy or consulate in the country of residence.
During this process, you will need to fill out a DS-160 form, which is the standard form for nonimmigrant visas. After submitting the application, an interview is scheduled with a consular officer, where questions will be asked about your business, investment and plans in the USA. It is important to be prepared for this interview and have all the necessary information at your fingertips so that you can answer all the questions.
Requirements for obtaining an E2 visa
In order to obtain an E2 visa, there are several key requirements that the applicant must meet. First and foremost, the applicant must be a citizen of a country that has a valid trade agreement with the United States of America. Serbia meets this criterion, which allows its citizens to apply for an E2 visa.
In addition, the applicant must demonstrate that he has made a significant financial investment in the US company. This investment must be large enough to support the business and enable its successful development. Another important condition is that the applicant must have control over the company in which he has invested.
This means that he must be actively involved in the management of the business and make decisions that affect his work. Also, the company must be legally registered in the US and have the potential to grow and employ US workers. Essentially, the E2 visa is designed to encourage foreign investors to contribute to the US economy through job creation and the development of new business ideas.
How long does the E2 visa process take?
The duration of the E2 visa process can vary depending on various factors, including the workload of the US embassy or consulate where the application is made. On average, the process can last from several weeks to several months. After all the required documents have been collected and the application submitted, the waiting time for an interview appointment can be considerable.
In some cases, especially during peak seasons when the number of applications is higher, waiting times may increase. After the interview, if the application is approved, the visa process may take several days to weeks while the necessary visa documentation is prepared. It is important to note that it is recommended to plan ahead and start the application process as early as possible to avoid potential problems with deadlines or unforeseen delays.
Also, consulting with visa experts or agencies can help make the process faster and more efficient.
Costs related to the E2 visa
The costs associated with an E2 visa can vary significantly depending on the specific circumstances of each individual or business. Firstly, there is an application fee which is payable when submitting the forms and documents. This fee can vary, but is usually several hundred dollars.
In addition, if a lawyer or consultant needs to be hired to help with the application process, this can add to the cost. The services of an expert can be useful to ensure that all documents are properly prepared and that all requirements are met. In addition to application fees and possible legal aid costs, the investor should also consider the costs associated with doing business in the US.
This includes the costs of registering a company, renting space, purchasing equipment and materials, as well as the costs of hiring workers. All of these items should be carefully planned to ensure that the total investment meets the requirements for obtaining an E2 visa and enables the successful operation of the business.
Rights and obligations of an E2 visa holder
Rights of an E2 visa holder
E2 visa holders have certain rights and obligations that they must respect during their stay in the United States of America. One of the basic rights of an E2 visa holder is the possibility of legal residence in the US in order to manage their business. They also have the right to employ other workers, including family members who can obtain accompanying visas.
Rights of family members
Family members of an E2 visa holder can attend school or work in the US under certain conditions. However, E2 visa holders also have an obligation to comply with all laws and regulations that apply to their business and residence in the US.
Obligations of the E2 visa holder
This includes the obligation to regularly report on the status of your business and maintain all necessary licenses and permits. It is also important to note that the E2 visa is not permanent; holders must be aware of the conditions under which they can extend their visa or possibly switch to another type of immigrant visa if necessary.
Extension of E2 visa
Extending an E2 visa is a process that allows holders to continue their stay in the United States while meeting the requirements for this type of visa. In essence, there is no limit to how many times a holder can extend their E2 visa as long as the business remains active and meets all legal requirements. In order to extend the visa, the holder must submit an application for extension together with all relevant documents confirming the continuation of the business and investment.
The extension process may include a re-evaluation of the business plan and financial statements to ensure that all aspects of the business comply with the E2 visa requirements. It is also important to note that holders must remain actively involved in the management of their company throughout their stay in the US. Extending the E2 visa can be a great opportunity for investors who want to continue to grow their business and explore new opportunities in the US market.
If you are considering applying for an E2 visa to the US, it is important to familiarize yourself with other aspects of staying in America. For example, it is very useful to learn about American health insurance, which can be quite complex and expensive for foreigners. I recommend visiting this one article on American health insurance which provides detailed information on the various insurance options available to those planning an extended stay in the US, including E2 visa holders.
FAQs
What is an E2 visa for the USA?
The E2 visa is a visa that allows citizens of certain countries to invest in a business in the United States of America and obtain the right of residence to run that business.
Who can apply for an E2 visa?
Citizens of countries with which the United States has trade and investment agreements may apply for an E2 visa.
How much money is required to invest for an E2 visa?
There is no exact amount that needs to be invested, but the investment is expected to be significant and to be in line with the type of business that is planned to be conducted in the US.
How long does an E2 visa last?
The E2 visa can be granted for a maximum period of five years, but it can be extended as long as the investor is still active in the business that was the basis for obtaining the visa.
Does an E2 visa lead to permanent residency in the US?
No, the E2 visa does not automatically lead to permanent residence in the US, but it allows the investor to remain in the country while active in the business that was the basis for obtaining the visa.
