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to global economic trends , both far-right and far-left leaning governments in these countries are causing concern among investors looking to safeguard their interests .
With that being said , the E-2 visa has its own parameters and application process . Therefore , anyone looking to obtain this visa must familiarize themselves with the necessary steps and qualification criteria .
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE E-2 VISA
While the E-2 visa is lauded as one of the most accessible and flexible nonimmigrant visa options , there are still qualifications one must abide by in order to obtain one . Per the U . S . Department of Homeland Security , a qualified treaty investor must :
• Be a citizen of a country that maintains a commercial treaty with the U . S .
• Invest or be in the process of investing a substantial amount of capital in a U . S . business or enterprise
• Be able to reside in the United States solely to develop and direct the investment , as shown by maintaining at least 50 % ownership of the investment or overseeing operational control through a management or corporate position
As of now , there are 80 countries maintaining treaties of commerce and navigation with the U . S . Of these , South Korea , Canada , Mexico , Australia , and Colombia are among the highest in terms of E-2 visas issued .
Unlike the EB-5 , which generally requires a minimum investment of around $ 900,000 , there is no set minimum for the E-2 — it is determined on a case-by-case basis , though approved visas tend to involve investments upwards of $ 200,000 . This significantly widens access for investors with more discreet amounts of capital who nevertheless want to benefit from investing in the U . S . economy .
“ Current statistics prove that E-2 visa applications are skyrocketing .
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establishment , or otherwise . However , the EB-5 carries with it some restrictions that tend to ward off potential investors , particularly its requirement for complete and permanent fiscal residence in the United States , even barring extended travel time . The E-2 does not contain such restrictions , nor is it a permanent arrangement , hence its current popularity .
While final numbers will not be released until next year , current statistics prove that E-2 visa applications are skyrocketing . For example , in 2019 , over 43,286 E-2 visas were issued to investors , according to the U . S . Department of State . Visa applications are also surging from countries in Latin America , the United Kingdom , and Asia . In addition
Another factor that sets the E-2 apart is its flexible travel and lack of a citizenship requirement . While the EB-5 requires investors to maintain permanent residence in the U . S ., even restricting travel time , E-2 investors have the ability to come and go as they please for the duration of the visa , which can last anywhere from three months to five years with the possibility of unlimited renewals .
HOW TO OBTAIN AN E-2 VISA FOR THE U . S .
Despite its flexible qualifications , the process for obtaining an E-2 can be complex in terms of paperwork for those living outside the U . S . It almost always requires the expertise of an immigration lawyer , as well as a business consultant . However , the processing time usually only takes a few months , providing a much more expedited option when compared to other visas or paths to legal residence in the U . S .
Most applicants not residing within the U . S . will submit their application through a U . S . consulate in their respective countries . This process can around three to eight months on average .