Are you bringing employees of your company in America from Europe to the United States? In that case, you will need to apply for a visa for each employee.
But which one do you need? And what are the requirements for each visa? On this page, we provide more information about the E-1 / E-2 visa.
E-1 and E-2 visas are temporary business visas that allow a foreign national to enter the United States, provided that their home country has a treaty with the United States. Neither visa offers a pathway to obtaining permanent U.S. citizenship. However, each visa can allow a foreigner to stay in the U.S. for an extended period, potentially even indefinitely.
The E-1 trader visa and the E-2 investor visa are intended for a business owner, manager, or employee who is an owner, operator, or employee of a company outside the United States and needs to stay in the United States for an extended period to work for the foreign company.
This E-1 visa is temporary. The initial E-1 visa allows the foreign national to stay in the U.S. for up to 2 to 5 years. The E-1 petitioner can apply for an extension of up to two years. There is no limit to the number of E-1 extensions that can be granted, as long as the foreign national intends to leave the U.S. when their status expires.
The "Treaty Trader" visa, also known as the E-1 trader visa, falls under a visa category in the United States provided to nationals of countries with which the U.S. has established a trade treaty. The E-1 visa is intended for individuals coming to America with the intent to conduct trade between their home country and the U.S. Be mindful of the following conditions to consider before applying for the E-1 visa.
Type of Personnel: Key personnel eligible for an E-1 visa include managers, executives, or employees with essential skills (specialists). This personnel must have the same nationality as that of the treaty country. It is important that their role is essential to the operation of the enterprise in the U.S.
Duration of Trade: The trade must already be ongoing at the time of the visa application, and the applicant must intend to continue trade in the future.
Nationality of the Company: The company must be principally owned by residents of the treaty country. This means that at least 50% of the company must be owned by nationals of the country with which the U.S. has a trade treaty.
Nationality of the Applicant: The person applying for the E-1 visa must be a national of the treaty country. This applies to both owners and key personnel applying for the visa.
Type of Trade: The trade between the treaty country and the U.S. must be substantial. This means there must be a significant and ongoing flow of goods, services, or technology between the treaty countries and the U.S.
The E-1 visa allows you to send personnel to the U.S. to manage and promote trade activities for your company in America. We are happy to discuss your personal visa options. We are ready to use our expertise to provide personalized advice. Feel free to contact us. You can reach us by phone or email. Scheduling a video meeting is also possible. We are always ready for a conversation or advice!
The E-2 investor visa is intended for a foreign national who wishes to enter the United States solely to develop and direct the operations of an enterprise in which they have invested, or are actively in the process of investing, a substantial amount of capital. The United States and the foreign national's country must have a treaty that allows for the E-2 visa. The E-2 visa is an attractive option for foreign entrepreneurs looking to establish or expand their business in the U.S. A significant benefit of the E-2 visa is that holders can bring their spouses and unmarried children under 21 to the United States. Spouses can also apply for a work permit, providing additional financial and social stability. Additionally, holders of this visa can apply for unlimited extensions after the initial 2-year period, as long as they continue to meet the visa's conditions.
Nationality: The applicant must be a citizen of a country with which the U.S. has a treaty of commerce and navigation.
Investment: The investment must be substantial, meaning it should be a significant amount sufficient to ensure the successful operation of the business.
Controlling Interest: The applicant must have a controlling interest in the business, which typically means they must own at least 50% of the company or hold a managerial position.
Yes, children can travel with a U.S. E1 / E2 visa. However, each family member traveling with you to the United States, including children, must obtain their own E1 / E2 visa. It's important to note that a child's visa is dependent on the parent's visa. Once the parent's visa expires, the child's visa also becomes invalid, regardless of the original validity period. This means that children are no longer allowed to stay in the United States if the parent's visa has expired.
How do you apply for a B1 visa?
How do you apply for an L1 or L2 visa?
Open a flexible location and expand your business from economically favorable states.
If you are ready to make positive changes.
While it's not exactly the same, an INC is somewhat similar to a BV or GMBH.
We are more than happy to provide a customized quote for your business.
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