Does an E2 Visa Lead to a Green Card?

Does an E2 Visa Lead to a Green Card?

The E2 investor visa is a program for investors originating from E treaty countries to own and operate their

own business in the USA.

The E2 visa offers several advantages, including...

E2 visas can typically be approved with an investment of only $100,000 USD.

Relatively Low Investment Amount

The processing time for an E2 visa is typically one to three months, depending on the country you are applying from.

Faster Processing Times

Upon approval, visa holders can bring their spouse and children under age 21 to live with them in the USA.

Ability to Bring Family

The spouse of an E2 visa holder automatically receives work authorization upon approval. This gives couples the potential for an additional income stream after settling in the United States.

Work Permit for Spouse

Children of E2 visa holders (under age 21) can attend the school of their choice, and in some states, they even qualify for in-state college tuition.

Flexibility for Children Attending School

E2 visas are valid for a period of two to five years (depending on your country of origin) and can be renewed indefinitely as long as the business you have invested in is still viable.

Unlimited Renewals

Though the E2 visa offers many advantages for foreign investors, it is

not a direct path to permanent residency (green card) status.

However, several indirect paths visa holders can take to obtain a green

card.

Here are some of the most common..

Family-Based PetitionsFamily-Based Petitions

If an E2 holder has family members living in the United States, it may be possible to apply for adjustment of

status to permanent residency under a family-based petition.

Waiting times for family-based immigration petitions vary widely

depending on your sponsoring family member’s status (permanent resident

or citizen), your relationship with your family member and your

country of origin.

Spouses, children and parents of U.S. citizens are in the highest preference categories, while brothers and sisters (over age 21) of U.S. citizens are in the

lowest categories.

Processing times for the highest preference categories may only be several months to a couple years,

while processing times in the lowest preference categories could be up to

20 years or longer.

Family-Based PetitionsEmployment-Based Petitions

For the E2 visa holder, outside employment is generally not an

option. The E2 investor can only do work directly related to the business

he/she invested in.

However, because spouses can work anywhere they want, the spouse of an

E2 holder could be sponsored for permanent residency by a U.S.

employer.

Employment visas are complex and take several months or longer to

process.

However, a U.S. company is far more likely to sponsor a foreign national if he/she is already working for them and proven their worth. This makes

employment-based petitions a popular potential path from E2 visa

to green card holder.

Family-Based PetitionsEB5 Immigrant Visa

For E2 investors that want a green card and have the financial capability to invest $500,000 to $1 million in a

U.S.-based enterprise, the EB5 investor visa can be the ideal

companion to the E2.

The EB5 is a more complex program with annual caps and processing

times of up to two years or longer.

The strategy for high net worth investors that want to come to the U.S. right away but want to eventually gain permanent residence is to start

out with an E2 visa, then after settling in the U.S., apply and begin the process for the EB5.

Coordinating these two visa programs can be a bit tricky,

however, so it is recommended that you consult an experienced

immigration lawyer.

How Can I Ensure Approval of My E2 Visa?

There are several requirements that must be met to be eligible for the E2

investor visa.

For starters, the investment must be “substantial”, meaning in the

$100,000 USD range.

In addition, you must prove that you obtained funding for your investment

legally.

You may finance a portion of your investment and/or obtain the money from family or friends, but you must demonstrate that these sources are

legitimate.

Other requirements include:

* a minimum of 50% ownership in the business,

* a detailed five year business plan, and* investment in an enterprise that is not

considered “marginal”.

Examples of marginal businesses may include multi-level marketing

schemes and other home-based marketing ventures.

One of the best ways to ensure your business will meet the requirements

of the USCIS is to invest in an established U.S. franchise.

Franchise business opportunities are ideal for the E2 visa because the

companies are known to the officer reviewing your case, they provide the detailed business plan you need, and they also provide unmatched training

and support to put you in the best possible position to succeed.

There are literally hundreds of franchise brands across a wide range of industries for foreign investors to

choose from.

To find the right E2 franchise business to fit your passion, skills and budget, it best to work with a

franchise broker.

At Franchise City, we have access to over 600 of the top

U.S. franchise brands. Through a proven multi-step

program, we work hand in hand with foreign investors to find the ideal

franchise for their needs.

Our unlimited consulting services are 100% free of charge, and we provide the counsel and support

you need to make a truly informed decision.

For further info, check out:

http://franchisecity.net