An E2 investor visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign investors to freely conduct business in the United States. Your investment may be for the purpose of establishing a new business venture or purchasing a pre-existing business. Because of the importance of the investment, many applicants are concerned with the E2 visa processing time.
The goal for the E2 visa processing time was stated to be two months by the USCIS. However, it may take more or less time depending on the consular post. To get a better understanding of your specific situation, it is recommended to seek legal guidance.
Having an E2 investor visa can prove to be very beneficial for foreign investors as well as their spouses and children.
On E-2 visa, you may:
Work legally in the company that is the investment vehicle in the U.S.
Travel freely in and out of the U.S.
Stay on a prolonged basis with unlimited two-year extensions as long as you maintain E-2 qualifications
Be accompanied by your dependents under 21, relatives and spouse. Your spouse may also work while in the U.S. through an employment authorization document. Your dependents also may attend U.S. schools, colleges, and universities without having to apply for separate student visas.
How to Avoid a Prolonged E2 Visa Processing Time
Before you move forward with your E2 visa investment, you will need to fill out an I-129 after determining that you’re eligible for an E2 visa. Unfortunately, documentation such as the I-129 form can easily be filled out incorrectly and/or submitted to the wrong location. This is the most common way people prolong their E2 visa processing time.
The best method to ensure that your processing time isn’t delayed by any issues with your application is to take your time researching the E2 visa requirements and consult a qualified immigration attorney.
Take a look at these requirements to determine if you qualify for an E2 investor visa:
You must be a national of a foreign country that has a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States.
You should have either invested or be investing a substantial amount of funds in a legitimate company within the U.S.
As an investor, you must also own or be in control of at least 50% of the enterprise. This shows that you are entering the U.S. for the purpose of managing your investment.
Premium Processing
Premium processing service is available for certain employment-based applications. It is important to note that electing for premium processing will cost an additional fee.
If your application is time sensitive, premium processing will expedite your E2 visa processing time as applications with this option are the first to be addressed. The USCIS guarantees an E2 visa processing time of 15 calendar days to those applicants who choose to use this service to shorten the process.
E2 Visa Status Check
Once you have submitted your application, your E2 visa processing time begins. While it is important that you keep track of the status, there is nothing you can do to speed up the process. With hundreds of applications being submitted every day, each possible E2 visa holder should be patient.
You can stay on top of your application by using the USCIS’s online status check form. To track its progress, just enter your receipt number and it will pull up-to-date information on your application. The receipt number is a unique 13-character identifier that the USCIS provides for each application it receives.
Extend Your E2 Investor Visa
E2 visa holders and their dependents must renew their visas every two years to remain legal guests of the United States. As long as you maintain the necessary qualifications of your E2 visa, there are no limits to the number of renewals.
It is important never wait until the last minute to renew your visa because it can negatively affect your traveling privileges as well as your investment.
In order to file for an extension of stay, you must submit:
I-129 form, Petition for Non-immigrant Worker
Form I-539, Application to Extend or Change Non-immigrant Status
Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure document
Copy of original Form I-797, Notice of Action (if status was previously extended or approved)
A passport copy plus E2 visa
Employer letter demonstrating why extension is required
Copies of personal and business tax returns (prior 2 years) plus payroll tax returns
Contact Us To Expedite Your E2 Visa Processing Time
If you have questions about the E2 visa processing time, the requirements, or whether you qualify, you are not alone. Applying for a visa of any kind can be confusing and difficult to do on your own. That’s why it is always advisable to enlist the services of a qualified attorney.
The experienced lawyers at SGM Law Group can help you file an E2 visa based on the USCIS and US Department of State guidelines. Contact us to begin your E2 visa process and move forward with your E2 visa investment in the Unites States.
Related Pages: E2 Processing time
Investor Visa
E2 Treaty Investor Visa Requirements
E2 Visa Renewal and Extension
EB-5 Green Card
E2 Visa Investment Amount | Learn the Basics
Top E2 Visa Requirements for Investors
The post E-2 Visa Processing Time | What You Need to Know? appeared first on SGM Immigration Law Group.