Types of Investment visas
The Investment Visas to the United States
Because of the need to cooperate economically with other countries, the United States enters into treaties and other economic agreements to foster mutual cooperation and development. These treaties can either be bilateral, meaning between two countries and multi-lateral or amongst many countries. As part of the agreement, certain benefits are provided depending upon the investments made based on the treaty.
There are a number of investor visas available to foreign nationals. Each would have their own requirements, which are as follows:
The E1 Treaty Trader Visa. In order to qualify for this visa, the following must be proven:
• There is a substantial number of trade transactions between the two countries amounting to a substantial dollar amount for a period of time;
• The majority of the transactions are to be done in the United States;
• The visa applicant has sufficient ability and experience to develop the trade;
• The visa applicant and other visa holders would return to their home country upon the conduct of their business;
The E2 Treaty Investor Visa. This visa is allowed for the following instances:
• The nationality of the individual or company is with a treaty country;
• The individual or company has plans or is in the process of making an investment in the United States;
• The individual or company representative would be entering the United States for the purpose of directing the investment operations as the investor or a key employee of the company;
• The business enterprise must be able to generate income to provide for the living expenses for the investor and/or their dependents during their stay in the US or would be able to make significant contributions to the American economy;
The E2 visa is effective for up to five (5) years but often issued for a minimum of two (2) years, extendible indefinitely so long as the eligibilities remain, especially the treaty.
Because of the specific purpose of the visa entry, the visa cannot be convertible to a permanent resident visa. If the individual investor does not qualify for the E visa, then the other options include the H1B specialty occupation visa or the EB5 Immigrant visa.
Another benefit of this visa is that the primary visa holder can bring along their spouse, dependent or children under the age of twenty one. These dependents can be gainfully employed in the US so long as a work authorization is obtained. They can also study in the US.
As can be seen, these two primary investor visas require specific conditions for its issuance. Each would have their own requisites and each would have their specific benefits. Once qualified, these visas can only serve to strengthen the economic partnership as well as mutual development of the United States and the treaty partner country.
For more information, do visit us at www.investorvisalawyer.com.
