The US is known for being the most in-demand country to make different investments focused on different sectors.
Therefore, in this article we explain the E-2 nonimmigrant classification, which allows a national of a treaty country, that is, a commerce and navigation treaty, or with which the United States maintains a qualified international agreement, or which has been deemed a qualified country by legislation, is admitted to the United States by investing a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business.
When to apply for the E-2 visa?
The E2 visa can be obtained when a company that has signed a cooperation treaty with the US, such as Spain, decides that it wants to undertake an activity in the US. For this reason, it is very important that the company belongs to one of the countries that have signed the treaty, in this case that it is Spanish.
E-2 visa
The objective of the E-2 visa is for the investor to move to the US so that he or she can develop a work activity there.
However, this visa can also be granted to workers who are considered key to developing the project to be carried out in the US. The condition for this concession is that these workers be nationals of those countries that have signed the cooperation treaty, which we mentioned in previous paragraphs.
Requirements to qualify for an E-2 visa
Some of the requirements that workers who opt for an E-2 visa must meet is that the applicant must be an investor and the worker, for his part, must have a minimum of three months’ seniority in the company and, as we have been emphasizing, belonging to one of the nationalities that have signed the treaty, in this case, being Spanish.
In relation to workers who can move to the US, it is necessary that they be managers or qualified personnel who have a significant management position. Ordinary skilled and unskilled workers do not qualify for this type of visa.
Requirements that the American company must meet
The American company must be a subsidiary of the Spanish company, in such a way that it is demonstrated that this subsidiary is a mechanism that the Spanish company has created to develop investment in the US.
In this regard, it is important to highlight that at least 51% of the American company must be owned by the Spanish investor.
As it is a visa focused on investment, the company that is established in the US, the US authorities do not require a minimum amount of investment, it will be enough to present a business plan, bank transactions and different documentation that guarantees that it is a company actual operating, an active commercial or business enterprise.
In this aspect, it is important that the company that is established will be able to support the person and their family.
Time spent in the United States with the E-2 visa
The initial authorization for the duration of the E-2 visa for both the investor and the worker will be granted for a maximum period of 2 years, and may be renewed for another 2 years.
It is important to note that there is no limit to the number of extensions that can be granted to an E-2 nonimmigrant. However, they must maintain the intention to leave the US when their status expires or ends.
Another advantage that this E-2 visa offers is that both the investor and the worker can be accompanied by their family members. In this case, a specific visa is not necessary for them, but they would be included as dependents of the E-2 visa holder.
E-2 visa management process
Compared to other types of visas, the E-2 does not require prior authorization from USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services), so the visa is processed directly at the US Embassy in Madrid.
However, this visa requires a different management process than other visas, which is quite complex in the preparation of documents and in this case, both the investor and the worker will have to go to the US Embassy to defend the file.
The consular processing time is around five days. However, it must be taken into account that the appointment may be delayed for several months, depending on the period of the year, so at Visas Empresas we advise carrying out the procedure well in advance.
Fee charged by the US government for management
Unlike other types of visas in terms of the fee, the E-2 visa does not require payment to the US authorities, but it will be necessary to pay the consular fee at the US Embassy, which will be of $205.00.
Finally, conclude with one of the most famous phrases from one of the most important magnates in the business world, Steve Jobs.
“I am convinced that at least half of what separates successful entrepreneurs from those who are not is mere perseverance.”
If you want more information about this visa for the USA, you can click on the link.
If you want to establish a subsidiary in the US, you can find out more at this link.
For any additional questions about visas for the USA, do not hesitate to contact us on our phone number 91 847 87 30 or by email at consultations@visadosempresas.com
REMEMBER:
- At VISADOS EMPRESAS we are EXPERTS in the management of visas for the USA
- Carrying out work activities without having the required visa is persecuted by US legislation and can cause serious damage to the local company.
- Arranging a visa without having the appropriate knowledge can lead to unexpected delays, problems upon entry and even loss of fee amounts.
