E2 Visa Lawyer: Let Experts Handle Your Immigration with Care
Are you planning to invest in a U.S. business and need a reliable path to live and work in the United States? The E2 visa offers a unique opportunity for foreign investors and entrepreneurs from a foreign country to bring their vision to life—but it comes with complex eligibility requirements and strict documentation demands. One misstep could delay your plans or result in denial.
At The Law Office of Diaz & Nunez Elorza, we help investors from around the globe navigate the E2 visa process with confidence. Whether you’re starting a business from scratch, purchasing a franchise, or investing in an existing company, our experienced E2 visa lawyers are here to structure your case with precision and insight. We believe your investment deserves a strategy as unique as your goals, which is why we tailor every approach.
Contact us today to book your E2 visa consultation.
What is an E2 visa?
The E2 visa provides treaty country nationals a valuable opportunity to start or expand businesses in the U.S., allowing them to live and work here to manage their investments. However, it is a nonimmigrant visa and doesn’t lead directly to a green card. The focus is on establishing a bona fide enterprise, meaning your business must genuinely engage in making or selling goods or services for profit and have a positive economic impact.
Your investment should be substantial and dedicated to the business, whether you’re buying a franchise, starting anew, or expanding an existing venture. To increase your chances of approval, consider consulting with an experienced visa lawyer like The Law Office of Diaz & Nunez Elorza.
Benefits of E2 Visa
An E2 visa gives many good options to foreign investors and their families. Some main benefits are:
- You can keep your visa as long as your business in the United States is doing well.
- The right to work in the U.S. through this visa is associated with the holder’s invested capital.
- Your spouse can apply for an employment authorization document, so they can work anywhere they want.
- Dependent children who are under 21 years old can live and study in the United States.
You can keep renewing your visa as long as your business stays open and meets the rules. Besides work authorization, the E2 visa also helps your family by letting children of the visa holder go to school in the U.S. At The Law Office of Diaz & Nunez Elorza, we give legal help to make the renewal process smooth. Our E2 visa lawyer also helps manage family rights, so you and your family can have a good, steady life in the United States.
Duration and Renewal Conditions
Initial E2 investor visas let investors live and work in the U.S. for two years, depending on the country of origin. You can keep getting extensions if you follow the visa guidelines and keep good control over the business. The time you have depends on your treaty country.
When you want to renew, you have to provide full proof that your business is still running well. This means showing financial statements, records of your business, and new business plans. A good visa lawyer helps make sure you get every detail right, the way the U.S. immigration wants it.
If you work with The Law Office of Diaz & Nunez Elorza, your visa application and renewal will get much easier. Our team of E2 visa lawyers helps you stay eligible and works hard for your renewal. Your long-term period of stay is about meeting every rule. Our team will be sure you get all the support you need for any step in your E2 journey.
Who Can Apply for an E2 Visa?
For individuals from designated countries, including the United Kingdom, who are entrepreneurs or investors in a commercial enterprise, the E2 visa presents a special avenue for U.S. residency and employment. However, eligibility is not universal. Five main requirements must be fulfilled to be eligible.
- Must be from a treaty country – To obtain an E2 visa, you must be from a treaty country, which allows foreign investors to invest in U.S. businesses and strengthen economic ties.
- Must make a “substantial investment” in a U.S. business – The term ‘substantial investment’ means investing significant personal capital in a U.S. business, adhering to financial guidelines, and demonstrating potential for income and job creation with a solid business plan.
- Eligibility for the E2 visa requires – A foreign national must own at least 50% of a U.S. business, demonstrating commitment and control over operations to run the enterprise during their stay in the U.S.
- An E2 visa requires that the business is active and real – The enterprise must be legitimate, generate sufficient income, contribute to the economy, and show growth potential while creating jobs, and the investment amount of money should reflect the scale of the business. A robust business plan is essential for investors.
- Must intend to depart when status ends – To show intent to return home after an E2 visa expires, provide a return ticket or proof of strong ties to your home country, meeting U.S. Department of State expectations.
Types of Businesses Eligible for E2 Visas
The E2 visa offers flexibility regarding the nature of the business, but it requires that the enterprise be a real and actively running commercial entity. This means passive investments, like holding undeveloped land, generally don’t qualify. Here are some examples of business structures that can qualify:
Restaurants and Cafes
Starting a restaurant or cafe as a foreign national can be an effective way to apply for an E2 visa. These businesses demonstrate a genuine investment and community connection. A clear business plan is essential for success in the U.S. market, and navigating immigration law can be complex, so consulting an experienced attorney is advisable.
Retail Stores and Boutiques
Many retail stores and boutiques can qualify for the E2 visa if they follow the necessary steps. Foreign investors can enter the U.S. market by establishing a legitimate business that demonstrates a substantial investment, showing its potential to generate revenue and create jobs. This preparation can facilitate a smoother visa application process.
Import/Export Companies
Starting an import/export company can help you obtain an E2 visa. The business must engage in real trading and require a substantial investment from a treaty country. You must demonstrate your business management skills, outlining market demand and your daily operations.
Consulting and Marketing Agencies
Many consulting and marketing agencies are suitable for E2 visa applications. They require substantial investments to develop business plans in the U.S. Foreign nationals can leverage their assets and skills to create jobs and stimulate economic growth. It’s crucial to fulfill visa requirements and demonstrate business viability at a US Consulate to advance in the visa process.
Franchises
Franchises like Subway and UPS Store are excellent options for obtaining an E2 visa. They require significant investment and provide established operational guidelines, aiding foreign investors. Joining a franchise simplifies the visa application process, as franchisors assist with necessary documentation and compliance, demonstrating that your business aligns with U.S. immigration requirements.
Tech Startups
Innovative tech startups offer treaty country citizens a pathway to obtain an E2 visa in the U.S. By making a substantial investment in an existing business or a legitimate business, foreign investors can establish and operate a company that contributes to the U.S. economy. A solid business plan and sufficient capital are essential for navigating the visa process and complying with immigration law.
Wellness Clinics, Spas, Salons
Opening a wellness clinic, spa, or salon in the U.S. can be a great option for E2 visa applicants from treaty countries. You can meet current demand by investing in a quality space and offering holistic health services. Presenting a strong business plan that substantiates the legitimacy of your enterprise will work in your favor during the visa application process.
Who Benefits From the E2 Visa?
The E2 visa helps investors along with their families, allowing for their spouses and unmarried children under 21 to accompany them. Spouses can apply for work authorization, and children under 21 can attend school. The visa also helps important employees if they have the needed skills. This makes a good place for families and workers who are linked to the investment.
- Investors and principal applicants – Foreign investors from treaty countries have great opportunities with the E2 Treaty Investor visa in the U.S. By investing in a business and consulting with an immigration lawyer, you can secure your visa and bring family members, while also contributing to job creation and the economy.
- Individuals who are spouses of E2 visa holders – May apply for permission to work in the United States by submitting the I-765 form. This allows them to work and contribute to the family’s income while residing in the country.
- Children under 21 (can attend school) – Children under 21 can attend school in the U.S. if their parent holds an E2 visa, helping them acclimate to a new life. This provides peace of mind for E2 visa holders, knowing their children can thrive in the school system.
- Essential employees (must meet specific qualifications) – Essential employees are crucial for the success of an E2 visa business in the U.S. They possess specialized skills that align with the company’s goals, enabling it to thrive and distinguish itself from competitors.
Step-by-Step Guide to the E2 Visa Process
Embarking on the E2 visa journey involves a series of well-defined steps. Given the complexities and potential pitfalls, seeking guidance from an experienced E2 visa lawyer is strongly recommended. These professionals can provide invaluable assistance in navigating each stage and ensuring a higher likelihood of success every step of the way. Here’s an overview of the process:
Step 1: Schedule a Legal Consultation
The first step in your immigration journey is meeting with an experienced immigration lawyer from the American Immigration Lawyers Association. This crucial step helps you understand visa requirements, clarify the application process, and increases your chances of success with your investments and business.
Step 2: Identify Business/Investment Opportunity
Finding a viable business opportunity is vital for a successful E2 visa application. Conducting market research is essential, and demonstrating substantial capital investment is crucial. Consulting experienced immigration attorneys can also aid in the application process.
Step 3: Set Up U.S. Entity (LLC, Corporation)
Establishing a company in the U.S., like an LLC or corporation, is essential for your visa application. This shows your commitment to a legitimate business and helps ensure compliance with immigration laws while achieving your investment goals.
Step 4: Transfer and Commit Funds
A crucial step in the visa process is showing a substantial investment in your U.S. business by transferring funds to a U.S. bank account. Keep detailed records of these transactions, as they are vital for your visa application.
Step 5: Prepare and File E2 Petition with Supporting Documents
A solid E2 petition is essential. Include a detailed business plan, proof of investment, and documents verifying your nationality. Once prepared, submit your petition to the appropriate U.S. consulate or immigration services to start the visa process.
Step 6: Consular Interview or Change of Status
A key step in the visa application process is the consular interview or change of status request. Proper preparation is vital, as you will need to submit documentation and answer questions that will confirm your investment and the legitimacy of your business.
Step 7: Begin Operations in the U.S.
After obtaining your E2 visa, start a legitimate business by hiring staff and generating revenue. Networking with local communities can boost growth and reputation while ensuring compliance with visa requirements for your bona fide enterprise.
Required Documents for an E2 Visa Application
A good set of documents is needed when you apply for an E2 visa for the United States. You will need to make a business plan that shows your goals for the next five years.
The plan should discuss how many jobs you want to create and how your business will make money. You must also show proof that you are from a treaty country and that you have invested substantially in your business. This proof can be bank transfers or signed contracts.
You should also include documents that prove your business is real in the United States. These can be articles of incorporation, lease agreements, and other papers about the business. All of these things show you have a bona fide enterprise in the United States.
- Business plan – A strong 5-year business plan is essential for an E2 visa. It must detail projected revenues, expenses, and job creation while meeting immigration requirements, strengthening your application and highlighting your dedication to a successful U.S. enterprise.
- Proof of citizenship – Submitting a valid passport from a treaty country is essential for the E2 visa application. It verifies your nationality and compliance with immigration law, establishing you as a foreign investor prepared to engage in a legitimate U.S. enterprise.
- Proof of investment – Proving your investment is crucial for your U.S. visa application. You must provide documents like bank transfers and contracts to demonstrate your capital is directed toward an active business, not merely held as personal assets.
- Business entity documents – Articles of incorporation demonstrate your business’s legitimacy in the U.S., and obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is essential for taxes and hiring. Preparing these documents reflects your commitment to meeting visa requirements.
- Lease agreements, licenses, franchise agreements – Good documentation is essential for an E2 visa application, including lease agreements, licenses, and franchise agreements. These documents demonstrate your commitment to establishing and operating a legitimate business in the United States.
- Resume/CV and intent to return letter –A strong resume is essential for an E2 visa application, highlighting relevant job history and skills. Additionally, an intent to return letter is crucial, demonstrating your plan to leave the U.S. after your visa expires.
Why Choose The Law Office of Diaz & Nunez Elorza for Your E2 Visa Needs?
Choosing us for your E2 visa means you get a law firm with a lot of experience in business immigration. We have our offices in Florida, but we cater to people from all over the world. You get personal and careful help throughout the entire process, so you know you are in good hands for your immigration journey.
Extensive experience with E2 and business immigration cases
E2 visa lawyers guide you through the application process and ensure compliance with U.S. immigration laws.
Foreign investors navigating the U.S. visa application
Process can rely on the Law Office of Diaz & Nunez Elorza for tailored legal plans and a demonstrated history of positive results across different industries.
A culturally aware and entrepreneur-focused approach
Enables E2 visa lawyers to effectively support foreign investors by building rapport and leading them to achieve their goals.
Convenient Florida offices with global reach
We simplify the E2 visa process for foreign investors, providing personalized support throughout your immigration journey.
How to Book a Consultation with our E2 Visa Lawyer?
Getting professional legal guidance early can help you avoid costly missteps, delays, or rejections in your E2 visa journey. Whether you’re exploring investment opportunities or ready to submit your application, a focused consultation can set the right foundation.
Our team is here to make the process easy and accessible. We offer phone, video, or in-person consultations—whichever suits your needs best. During your session, we’ll answer your questions, review your goals, and outline a custom strategy to move forward with confidence.
Call 305-831-3002 or message us online to schedule your consultation today.
FAQs – E2 Visa Lawyer
Florida E2 visa investment criteria: what are they?
For an E2 visa in Florida, you typically need to invest between $100,000 and $200,000. This amount varies by business type but must be sufficient for the business to thrive, not just survive.
How long does the E2 Visa process take with The Law Office of Diaz & Nunez Elorza?
The E2 visa process with us typically takes three to six months, depending on your circumstances. Factors such as paperwork readiness and consulate availability can affect the timeline, but proper assistance may expedite the process.
What are the updates on changes in immigration laws affecting E2 Visas?
Recent changes in immigration laws affect E2 visa applicants by altering investment requirements. Staying informed is crucial for prospective investors to ensure compliance and enhance their chances of application approval.
Can an E2 visa be used to acquire a franchise business?
Yes, you can buy a franchise with an E2 visa if you meet investment requirements and demonstrate control and profitability of the business, aligning with the conditions necessary for your visa application to be approved.
What happens if I sell or close the business?
Your E2 visa status is contingent upon maintaining an active investment; therefore, selling or closing your business could jeopardize your visa. You must inform USCIS of any changes. Without another qualifying business, you may need to leave the U.S.
What are the major limitations of holding an E2 visa?
It’s important to note that the E2 visa is a non-immigrant status and does not inherently lead to an immigrant visa, Green Card, or U.S. citizenship. Its validity relies on the business investment and structure, making compliance with Department of State rules crucial to maintaining E2 status.
Ready to Invest in the U.S.? Partner with Our E2 Visa Lawyers
The E2 visa is a powerful pathway for investors, but success depends on careful planning, strong legal documentation, and a well-structured application. Our team of E2 visa lawyers understands the challenges investors face and knows how to position your application for success, whether it’s your first visa or a renewal.
Don’t let legal uncertainty derail your investment. Partner with a law firm that understands both immigration law and international business strategy.
