E Visas (E-1, E-2, and E-3)

E Visas (E-1, E-2, and E-3) for Temporary Workers

According to the US immigration laws, the E visa category allows international investors and businessmen, citizens of countries with international trade agreements with the US to either open a company’s branch in the USA, engage in international trade, or work for a US branch of an international company. E visa is not a green card and does not automatically lead to permanent residency.

E visa is rather a platform for businessmen to come and work in the United States running their own business. It is a very good option as the amount of investment can be as low as $100,000 and in any event the funds are invested into your own enterprise. E visa is also a fastest visa you can ever obtain in the US, for example with premium processing you can get one approved in three days.

There as three types of E visa categories (E-1, E-2, and E-3) available based on the eligibility criteria. Our firm specializes in identifying applicable evidentiary documents applicable to a specific case and preparing customized list of documents to prepare in support of each application or petition that you would like to file.

FAQ

Answers to basic questions about E visas.

What are the requirements for obtaining an E-1 visa?

E-1 visa holders conduct trade in of goods and services that include technology between their country of origin and the US. Qualifying individuals must show evidence of trade contracts between parties to be approved for this visa category. In general, the individual must be a national of a country that has a trade and commerce agreement with the US, be involved in large amount of trade (goods and services between the US and the country they qualified to apply from.

What are the requirements for obtaining an E-2 visa?

E-2 visa holders on the other hand, the investor’s main goal is to ensure smooth running and control of business operations of the company in which he/she had invested in. It is easier to run an investment from within the US, in which case the visa is granted for 5 year intervals. Examples of classical E-2 visa are businesses in the food industry, beauty services, spa salon Similar as in E-1 visa, to be approved for E-2 visa, the applicant must be the national of the country that has a trade agreement with the US, but also have invested or is actively investing good amount of money into a business or company and the main goal of entry and stay in the US is to develop and run the investment project (business). See U.S. Department of State's Treaty Countries for a current list of countries that have treaties of investment with the US and their nationals/citizens qualify for the E visa categories. The investor may hire a manager to administer the business, but he/she must play the lead responsibility in developing the investment project. Another very important requirement of the E-2 visa category is that the new investment project or business must be able to contribute to the US economy by for example opening employment opportunities for American workers. This must be stated in the business or investment project plan.

What are the requirements for obtaining an E-3 visa?

The E-3 visa classification is mainly reserved for Australian nationals who have an employment offer to work in the US and have the required educational and professional experience to hold a specialty position. One can also qualify for an E-1 or E-2 classification as an employee of the actual Investor. In such case, the employee must be the same nationality as the main investor (employer) and be actively participate in a leadership or supervisory position.

How is the application process going?

The application process can be overwhelming for applicants to file without attorney’s assistance. Moreover, only an experienced attorney can successfully navigate the process of applying for investor visa in US, so ask about success rate before you hire an attorney for this category. Our firm provides full support and representation, updating applicants with regular changes in the law and working with all concerned government agencies until the successful completion of the case.