If you are an entrepreneur or an investor in an aviation related company who is interested in relocating to the United States, the E-2 visa may be your best option.
The E-2 visa or the “Treaty Investor Visa” is one of the non-immigrant visas that allows individuals such as entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners to engage in a business venture in the United States.
This type of visa is granted to individuals who are nationals of a country that has a treaty of commerce with the United States. See the list of Treaty Countries.
What are the requirements for the E-2 Treaty Investor Category?
- Requisite treaty exists;
- Individual and/or business possess the nationality of the treaty country;
- Applicant has invested or is actively in the process of investing;
- Enterprise is a real and operating commercial enterprise;
- Applicant’s investment is substantial;
- Investment is more than a marginal one solely for earning a living;
- Applicant is in a position to “develop and direct” the enterprise;
- Applicant, if an employee, is destined to an executive/supervisory position or possesses skills essential to the firm’s operations in the United States; and
- Applicant intends to depart the United States when the E-2 status terminates.
What are the benefits or an E-2 Visa?
- No permanent residency requirement- the E-2 visa allows the individual to remain in the United States for an extended period of time, potentially up to five (5) years; and
- Dependents- E-2 visa holders can bring their spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 to the United States. Dependent children are eligible for education in the U.S. and can also apply for work authorization.
