Minnesota E-2 Visa Lawyer

Much of the United States’ economy relies on foreign investment. Immigration laws allow foreign investors to seek entry to live and work in the United States.

Specifically, foreign investors can apply for an E-2 visa. These visas last for two years and let an investor and their family move to the United States to oversee an investment.

A Minnesota E-2 visa lawyer could help investors determine whether they qualify under for the E-2 visa program. A well-versed visa attorney can also work to gather the necessary documentation to prove their eligibility and submit an application.

What is the Purpose of the E-2 Visa Program?

Most American companies rely on some form of foreign investment to obtain startup capital or expand their presence in the marketplace. Out of this need, the USCIS created the E-2 visa program. According to 8 CFR 214.2(e)(12), a visa applicant must meet the standards for a foreign investor. These are:

• The applicant must be a citizen of a country that is a member of a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States
• The applicant must have invested or be in the process of investing a substantial amount of capital in a bona fide business operation in the United States
• The applicant must seek entry into the United States for the sole purpose of overseeing their investment in the company

Holders of E-2 visas can live and work in the United States for a period of five years. They can also bring their spouses and their children under the age of 21 to live with them. A Bloomington E-2 visa lawyer could further explain the qualifying factors.

Helping Individuals Apply in Bloomington

The USCIS requirements for obtaining these visas are strict, and applicants must be sure to provide detailed information concerning their eligibility for this program before filing an application. The application itself uses the State Department Form DS-160.

This form requires detailed information concerning an applicant’s personal information, passport data, any previous time spent in the United States, and details about the business opportunity. Once completed, the applicant must submit this form to the U.S. consulate in their home country to begin the visa process. Applicants will also need to submit to an interview to finalize their application.

It is also possible for a person to request an E-2 visa while already legally in the United States by using USCIS Form I-219. This process will require much of the same information as the State Department form concerning the individual and their business prospects. A Minnesota E-2 visa lawyer could help to gather the necessary information to complete an application.

A Minnesota E-2 Visa Attorney Could Help

Both American companies and citizens of foreign nations can benefit from investment in the American economy. To help encourage this flow of capital, the USCIS authorizes investors in American companies to oversee their businesses through the E-2 visa program. These visas can allow you to legally enter, live, and do business in the United States. To qualify, you need to be able to prove your investment in an American company and your role in overseeing that business. Working with a Minnesota E-2 visa attorney could help. Call today to learn more.