E-2 visa

The E2 Investor Visa allows an individual to enter and work inside of the United States based on an investment he or she will be controlling, while inside the United States. This visa must be renewed every other year, but there is no limit to how many times one can renew. Investment must be "substantial." There is no minimum amount, but generally speaking, $150,000 invested in the US is considered enough, when changing from other visas to an E2 visa within the border of US. However, individual situations would vary the outcome. An investor must "contribute" to the US economy. (Setting up a small shop alone is not enough.) Investor visas are available only to "treaty nations" [ [http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/reciprocity/reciprocity_3726.html List of Treaty Nations] ] .

Upon conclusion of the business, investors must return to their countries of origin, or change their status.

Time Duration of E-2 visa

The holder of an E-2 visa may reside in the United States as long as he or she continues to maintain their status.

E-2 visa Dependents

Spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age, regardless of nationality, may receive derivative E-2 visas in order to accompany the principal alien.

Dependents may seek employment in the US by applying for Employment Authorization using Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Children under 21 cannot apply for work , only the spouse of the E2 holder.

Required Documentation

Each visa applicant must pay a nonrefundable US$100 application fee (application processing fees for nonimmigrant visas and border crossing cards increased from $100 to $131 starting January 1, 2008) and submit:

* Application Forms DS-156 and DS-156E [ [http://www.visapro.com/US-Immigration-Forms/Treaty-Trader-Visa-Application.asp DS-156 Fillable Visa Application Form] ] , completed and signed.

* A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant’s intended period of stay in the United States. If more than one person is included in the passport, each person must complete an application.

* One (1) 2x2 photograph.

* All male nonimmigrant visa applicants between the ages of 16 and 45, regardless of nationality and regardless of where they apply, must complete and submit a form DS-157 in addition to the Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-156E).

* As part of the visa application process, an interview at the embassy consular section is required for almost all visa applicants.

How to Apply

Applicants should generally apply at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over their place of permanent residence. As part of the visa application process, an interview at the embassy consular section is required for visa applicants from age 14 through 79. Persons age 13 and younger, and age 80 and older, generally do not require an interview, unless requested by embassy or consulate.

During the visa application process, usually at the interview, an ink-free, digital fingerprint scan will be quickly taken. Some applicants will need additional screening, and will be notified when they apply. The E-2 visa application process vary from Consular Posts in one country to another country as there is often difference in policies and visa processing procedures. Visa applicants should review regulatory requirements before submitting E-2 visa application. [ [http://www.visapro.com/Immigration-Articles/Work-Visas.asp E-2 Treaty Investor visa processing for various countries] ]

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