E-2 Visa Lawyers in Seattle
Guiding Clients through the Process of Obtaining an E-2 Investment Visa to the USA
In an increasingly globalized world, domestic business networks are no longer confined to a single country, leading to more and more foreign citizens becoming interested in investing internationally, especially within the United States. However, in order to do that, a foreign investor must obtain a business visa. One of the most popular business visas today is the E2 visa. The attorneys at Stelmakh & Associates, LLC, explain how the E-2 visa program works and why a large percentage of business owners who are new to the E-2 visa choose to hire a legal professional so that the application goes through successfully. If you have questions about the E-2 visa, contact the Stelmakh & Associates, LLC office at 206-558-6288.
What Is an E-2 Visa?
The E-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign investors to come to the United States in order to conduct business. These investors should come from treaty countries, and they must have invested a significant amount of money into the business or be in the process of investing a large sum of money. The E-2 visa can also be extended to eligible employees of a treaty investor as well as certain dependent family members of the E-2 investor or employee.
E-2 visa holders are allowed to remain in the United States for a maximum of two years. The visa holder may request an extension of stay, which may be granted for periods of two years maximum but may be renewed indefinitely. The attorneys at Stelmakh & Associates, LLC, can help investors navigate the application process and make sure that their visa application is successful.
What Are the Requirements to Obtain an E-2 Visa?
The E2 visa requirements may vary. One of the most basic requirements is being a citizen of a country with a treaty of navigation and commerce with the US. The applicant also needs to be an active investor in the process of investment and must show that their intention is to enter the United States solely to develop and manage the investment enterprise.
In general, the higher the investment, the higher the chances of qualification. The investment must be substantial and must be done at risk with the goal of generating profits. In addition, the investor must be ready to show the USCIS that their funds have been lawfully obtained, meaning they are not the product of any illegal or criminal activity.
What Steps Should You Take To Maximize Your Chances of Obtaining an E-2 Visa?
The E-2 visa application process is very detailed, so it is important to lay the groundwork for your application to be approved. The authorities will scrutinize your business entity set-up when they are considering your application, so you will need to be specific and clear about all the aspects of your business. You may need to go beyond just filing the firm incorporation article, applying for an identification number, or filing the bylaws. If you are not aware of all the steps that you need to take, it is best to get in touch with a skilled visa lawyer.
You will also want to ensure that your entity is funded with full E-investment. The USCIS usually only approves or qualifies applications that show that they have funded the full E-investment amount. Those with a higher amount of funds are more likely to get approved. While it is possible to be approved if your entity has paid off a significant percentage of the fund, full funding of the E-investment amount is recommended to increase chances of approval.
Next, be sure to choose the legal trading structure that is best for you. Make sure that you have a proper trading structure in place. A CPA can aid you in deciding exactly what type of business entity may suit you, as your business structure plays a key role in determining your business processes in the long run. The most common types of E-visa trade structures include Corporations and Limited Liability Companies (LLCs).
Finally, you will want to develop a detailed business plan. The plan will be in the form of a written document providing a constructive idea about the future of your business. Your business plan may contain information about the services you will be offering, projected expenses, any networking plans, company norms and policies, your long-term revenue generation plan, your strategy to gain competitive advantage, and an overall picture of your company in the next three to five years. It is worth noting that your business plan should be convincing, realistic, and detailed. The attorneys at Stelmakh & Associates, LLC can assist you in the process of developing a sound business plan.
What Can an Immigration Attorney Do to Help?
The process of applying for an E2 visa requires several steps and an extensive list of documents that must be submitted in order for your application to be considered. An E2 visa attorney in Seattle would be able to aptly guide you through this process and help you maximize your chances of success.
At Stelmakh & Associates, LLC, our skilled E-2 visa attorneys can assist you in a variety of ways, including ensuring that your nation meets the eligibility criteria, conducting full market research, drafting a detailed E2 visa business plan, helping you secure the estimated funds and organizing all your documentation. By working with a seasoned visa attorney, you can save time and have more peace of mind, knowing your application will be prepared correctly and in the most efficient manner. Attorney Stelmakh will not leave a single stone unturned to provide extended legal help for your visa-related matter. Book your first consultation and discuss your concerns today by calling our law office in Seattle at 206-558-6288.