START A BUSINESS IN U.S. WITH THE E-2 VISA

What is the E-2 Visa Program?

The E-2 Visa Program is a treaty-based visa between the United States and the investor’s country of origin. The E-2 visa allows business entrepreuneurs from the E2 treaty countries to live and work in the United States when investing in a business in the United States.

What are the benefits of an E-2 Visa?

• The E2 Visa is not dependent on the parent company, business entrepreneurs only need to establish an independent business in the United States.
• Fast processing time, within less 6 months, business entrepreneurs and their families can live and work in the US.
• The maximum time to operate and develop business in the United States is 50 years.
• Efficient capital investment program. The investment amount is about $150,000 USD.
• E-2 visa holders are eligible for the U.S. citizenship through “transfer” to EB-5 Visa Program.
• 92% chance of getting your E-2 application approved (USCIS).

What are the requirements to apply for the E-2 Visa?

The requirements to apply for the E-2 Visa include:

• Business Entrepreneurs must open an independent company in the US with minimum investment of about $150,000 USD.
• For business entrepreneurs originating from a country that has no E-2 treaty with the United States, a second citizenship from a country that signed the E-2 treaty with the US is required (examples of second citizenship: Grenada, Greece, Spain).
• The new company established in the US must have a business plan and an appropriate business model.
• The company needs to rent a physical office to operate.
• The company must have a website.

What is the current EB-5 Visa processing time?

The current EB-5 Visa processing time is about 5 to 7 years.

Which E2 visa countries are eligible for an E2 investor visa?

Below is the list of countries that signed the E-1/E-2 treaty with the United States as of July 2020. This list is important to know whether your country is in the list or whether you need to apply for a second citizenship (that is in the list). If your country and/or citizenship is not in the list, we can easily help you apply for a second citizenship so that you can qualify for the E-2 Visa Program and start working in the U. S.. Please note that more countries are signing the E-2 treaty with the United States. Therefore, this list is growing and not definitive. For example, Portugal is to be integrated in the list soon. Talk to our immigration and business lawyers to find out what second citizenship is best for you.

List of Treaty countries for the E-1 and E-2 Visa Program:

A number of applicants choose Grenada to apply for the E-2 Visa and apply for the US citizenship thereafter. Here is how you can get your second citizenship from Grenada, get your E-2 Visa and, apply for the US citizenship:

If your country of citizenship is not in the E1/E2 treaty list above, in order to gain the US citizenship, a solution for business entrepreneurs is to apply for Grenada citizenship, which has its own and only capital investment requirement, and then apply for the E2 Visa program with a minimum investment of about $150,000 USD and, open business activities in the US. Then, business entrepreneurs can switch to the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, with an investment of $900,000 USD to acquire US citizenship.

How long do I need to wait until I can get the Grenada citizenship by investment?

It is an expedited formality! To get the Grenada citizenship by investment, you will have to wait 1 year (you will have the Grenada passport after 6 months, and get the Grenada citizenship 6 months after you get the passport).

How long does it take to get the American citizenship from the Grenada citizenship?

The maximum time is 3 years, but it mostly depends on your investment.

How long can I live in the US if I apply for the E-2 visa?

If you apply for an E2 Visa, it can be issued for up to 50 years, E2 visa is valid for a period of 2 to 5 years at a time and can be renewed for the maximum of 10 extensions.

What industry can I invest into?

With the E-2 Visa, you can invest in any type of business you want!

How many employees do I need to hire under the E-2 Visa Program?

There is no specific requirement. You may look into your business model or ask our business lawyers and experts to find out the best number of employees to hire.

How long does it take to prepare the E-2 application?

Our business lawyers and experts take 3 months to prepare the best E-2 application so you can focus on your business right way.

Can the E-2 Visa grant the US citizenship?

By default, the E2 Visa cannot help you directly get the US citizenship. but, we can switch the E-2 to EB5 Visa program, given that you meet all of its requirements.

Do I need to have a parent company in my country?

You don’t need to have a parent company in your country, you just need to open an independent company in the United States.