E2 INVESTOR VISA
The E2 Visa is an excellent option for foreign investors who wish to live and work in the United States to run a business. Below, we explain the detailed application process, key requirements, and the most common questions you will need to answer during the consular interview.
E2 Investor Visa
Requirements
Before applying for the E2 visa, you must make sure that you meet the requirements and follow the proper process:
• Check the U.S. consulate's requirements: Each consulate has specific requirements. Make sure to check the instructions of the embassy or consulate where you will apply.
• Collect the necessary documentation:
• Nationality: You must be a citizen of a country with a treaty of commerce and navigation with the U.S.
• Substantial investment: The investment must be significant, sufficient to ensure the success of the company's operations.
• Control of the company: You must own at least 50% of the company or demonstrate that you have operational control.
• Proof of source of funds: You must clearly and legally demonstrate the source of the funds invested.• Solid business plan: You must present a business plan with 5-year financial projections to demonstrate that the company will be viable and not marginal.
Frequent Questions in the Consular Interview for the E2 Visa
During the interview, the consular officer will seek to confirm the legitimacy of the investment, your ability to operate the business, and your plan to live in the U.S. Some of the most common questions you might be asked include:
1. About your company:
• What does your company do?
• Do you know the location where your company is operating in the United States?
• How much have you invested in the business?
• Where does the investment money come from?
• What revenue do you expect to generate in the first year?
• How do you plan to generate this income? What is your strategy?
• Does your company already have employees? If not, how is it currently operating?
• Who are your potential customers?
2. About your qualifications:
• What are your qualifications to run this company?
• Do you have previous experience in this type of business?
3. About dependents:
• If your wife or husband is a dependent, what do they plan to do in the United States?
• If you have children, where do they plan to attend school? Have you researched schools yet?
4. Financial and operational aspects:
• What type of products or services will your company offer?
• What growth projections do you have for the coming years?
• How do you plan to reinvest profits back into the business?
• Is the company already operational or in the process of starting operations?
5. Other personal aspects:
• How long do you plan to stay in the United States?
• What will you do if your business is not successful?
Process
• Complete forms DS-160 and DS-156E: The DS-160 is the online form that must be completed by both the principal investor and his or her dependents. The DS-156E is required for E visa investors.
• Pay the fees: You must pay the applicable visa fee for the principal applicant and each dependent.
• Submit documentation: Some consulates require you to submit documentation before the interview by mail or through their online platform.
• Attend the consular interview: Once you have submitted the documentation, you must attend the interview with a consular officer.
Dependents and Other Important Aspects
Spouse/Children: Each dependent must also complete his or her own DS-160 form and pay the appropriate fee. At the consular interview, you must present documents proving your relationship to the principal applicant, such as marriage certificates and birth certificates.
Studying for your children: If you have children traveling with you, you will likely be asked where they will be studying in the U.S. and whether you have already researched suitable schools.
Decision If your application is approved, you will receive an E2 visa stamped in your passport. Upon entering the U.S., you will receive an I-94 form, which will allow you to apply for your Social Security Number to legally work in the country.
The consular interview is a crucial step in the E2 visa application process. Being prepared to answer questions about your investment, your business, and your plans in the U.S. is essential. Also, make sure you meet all requirements and bring the proper documentation, including proof of relationship for dependents such as marriage and birth certificates, to the interview.