E2 VISA LAWYER NEAR YOU: STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS FORE2 VISA APPROVAL

Starting a business in the US is probably one of the most meaningful decisions to make in life. However, it can be confusing dealing with immigration rules for the first time. That’s when an E2 visa lawyer becomes indispensable. 

The E2 visa is a great option for foreign investors to come and live and work in the US with full legal status. 

On the other hand, getting an approval for the E2 visa is not an easy task. Since each step counts, a thorough plan is the key to success. 

It is easy to make small errors that can cause big delays or even rejection of the visa. This is why we have set out the E2 visa steps in this post. 

Besides, this post gives you insight into how an E2 visa lawyer can be of great assistance through the entire process. Most of all, it gives you a sense of assurance that you’re making the right moves. 

What Is the E2 Visa? 

The E2 visa is an investor non-immigrant visa. It grants the privilege of carrying on a business in the US to the nationals of the treaty countries. 

When you get the E2 visa it: 

• Allows you to live in the US. 

• Permits you to run your business. 

• Attracts investments from outside people. 

• Allows family members to be with you. 

Some of the benefits are quite tempting, but still, the E2 visa approval is far from being a routine matter. And so, it becomes necessary to have legal advice. 

Why You Should Hire an E2 Visa Lawyer 

Applying for a visa is not just about submitting documents to the authorities. A proper application should be supported by a well-thought-out plan. 

The USCIS and the US consulates are very strict when it comes to investigating applications. They demand very strong proof. They also require that all the evidence are consistent. 

Because E2 visa lawyers know and understand the procedures and what really matters, they can guide their clients successfully through the complex maze of E-2 visa application. 

They always think about the best solution. Furthermore, they can detect problems before they arise. Thanks to these advantages, your application is way stronger from the very beginning. 

Who Qualifies for an E2 Visa? 

You should not simply file your application. There is, after all, eligibility to look at.  

If you meet the following criteria, you may qualify for an E2 visa: 

• You’ve got a country that has a treaty with the US for an E2 visa. 

• Your investment is significant. 

• You directly or indirectly own 50% of the business. 

• Your business is legitimate and running. 

• Your investment is at stake. 

Each of these requirements has its specific legal definition. People tend to make errors by presuming things. That is why an E2 visa lawyer would immediately get to the bottom of it. 

Step 1: Make Sure You Are in a Treaty Country 

Only a few countries have the privilege to obtain the E2 visa. A country having a treaty status is based on international agreements. 

Initially, the lawyer will identify which country you belong to. After that, they check if you are eligible under a treaty. 

This may sound like a trivial matter. Yet, if you possess two passports, it may get confusing. 

An E2 visa lawyer evaluates your application to make sure that the right nationality is used. 

Step 2: Decide Which Business Model You Are Going to Use 

In the first place, you cannot go with just any structure. There are investors who are willing to buy a new business. 

Then there are those who start a business from the very beginning. Franchises have also become a popular method. Each method comes with its benefits and risks. 

Your E2 visa lawyer will look into: 

• Expected profit. 

• Human resources. 

• Obligations to the law. 

• Stability of the business. 

What happens if an E2 visa is granted is that you need to have an operative business, hence the greater the importance of the plan. 

Step 3: Make a Substantial Investment 

By far, the biggest factor is how much you are willing to put into the business. There is no usual or traditional figure. 

The thing is that the size must be ‘substantial’ in relation to the type of business. 

For instance, less is capital required for service-oriented businesses. More capital is required for manufacturing firms. 

Besides, the total funds must be committed and at risk. A lawyer with extensive knowledge in E2 visa will verify whether your investment fulfils the requirements set by law. 

Also, they will help you trace your funds in the right way. 

Step 4: Collect Documents to Show the Legitimate Source of Your Funds 

It is a source of funds proof that is the most common reason for the government to reject or delay a visa. 

An efficient government is a government that can figure things out very quickly off hand. They demand clarity, they require a lawful origin, and first and foremost, they want proof. 

The following are good sources: 

• Business profits. 

• Salary savings. 

• Property sales. 

• Donations or inheritance. 

Each case requires proof. Your E2 visa lawyer will organize documents in such a way that you will easily follow, and the officers will find trust in you. 

Step 5: Draft a Detailed E2 Business Plan 

The E2 visa application cannot be completed without a fully developed business plan. The officer reading your case file will mainly depend on the business plan to decide their ruling. 

They will be expecting not only thoroughness but also honesty.  

An excellent plan will consist of: 

• Market analysis. 

• Financial projections. 

• Hiring timeline. 

• Operational strategy. 

An E2 visa lawyer in this field will collaborate with professionals to come up with a plan that meets the legal criteria. 

Step 6: Provide Authentic Documents to Register, and Set Up the Business 

The business entity must be legal before the actual filing. 

Such a step involves: 

• Company registration. 

• EIN Acquisition. 

• Bank account setup. 

• Lease or office agreement. 

When it comes to filing, timing is everything. Early, late, or just on time can make a difference. Your lawyer will take care of the task in time. 

Step 7: Get the Documents Ready for the E2 Visa Application

At this point, you get all your stuff and put it together. 

The key components of the package are: 

• Forms. 

• Legal cover letter. 

• Supporting exhibits. 

• Financial documentation. 

How everything is arranged is very important. It also matters how things are presented. 

Experienced E2 visa lawyers are skilled in document preparation. They also have a talent for anticipating the questions of officials that could end up in the denial of your petition. 

Step 8: Submit Your Paperwork through the Appropriate Channel

The E2 application can be submitted in different ways. Some candidates file their visas outside the US at a consulate. Others file their petitions through USCIS in the US, per se. 

Each of them has advantages and disadvantages. Based on the particular situation of the client, the E2 visa lawyer always refers to the most suitable way. 

Step 9: Be Ready for the E2 Visa Interview 

The first interview is quite a lot. Officers try to ascertain your credibility. Besides that, they want to be sure of your business knowledge. 

Therefore, it is important that you prepare well before the scheduled meeting. By setting up mock interviews, your E2 visa lawyer helps you get the right idea on what to expect. 

Furthermore, by rehearsing, you get to have everything at your fingertips. Confidence makes people do things better. 

Step 10: Receipt of Decision and Continuation 

At the end of the interview, the interviewer’s decision comes in several forms. 

The possible decisions are that you may: 

• Get immediate approval. 

• Be put under administrative processing. 

• Request for more evidence. 

First, your lawyer will make the right move to respond to the request for follow-up in a timely manner. 

On top of that, once you get your approval, compliance and renewal advice is also given to you by your lawyer in the appropriate mode. 

How Long to Get an E2 Visa Through the Normal Process? 

Processing time varies. A consular interview may take weeks or even months. Meanwhile, the processing time by USCIS could be longer. An incomplete submission is the reason for most delays. 

However, a professional E2 visa lawyer thoroughly preparing your application will minimize unnecessary delays. 

Grounds on which an E2 visa Application is likely to be Refused 

There can be numerous reasons for refusals. 

Most common issues are: 

• The business plan is not good enough. 

• Investment not up to the mark. 

• Supporting evidence is not proper for the source of funds. 

• The investor does not play active role in the business. 

Almost all refusals could be avoided. Hence, it is very crucial to have professional legal advice. 

Advantages of Having a Lawyer Experienced in E2 Visa at Your Side 

Due to their competence in law, these lawyers can easily change the final outcomes. 

Well-experienced E2 visa lawyers will: 

• Predict risk possibilities. 

• Provide stronger evidence. 

• Increase the applicant’s trustworthiness. 

• Save both money and time. 

At least, they will guide you with full clarity and understanding. 

Can My Family Members Be Included In My E2 Visa Application? 

Yes, your family members can be included in your E2 visa application. Spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 may be brought as dependents on your E2 visa application. 

Spouses are allowed to work, and they may apply for employment authorization. Your E2 visa lawyer will certainly take care of the dependent applications without any problems. 

Filing for an E2 Visa Renewal or Extension 

E2 visa can be renewed. As a matter of fact, extensions are possible if the business is still active. 

Renewal cases still need documentation. An E2 visa lawyer will prepare renewal applications in such a way that they are very effective legally. 

Maintaining Compliance after Approval 

Presenting and getting the approval document is great, but it is not the end of the whole process. 

You will have to: 

• Operate the business in an active manner. 

• File taxes regularly. 

• Adhere to immigration laws 

Any breach of the above will ruin your case for renewal. One of the benefits of ongoing legal assistance is that you get a source of investment protective measures. 

Choosing a Top E2 Visa Lawyer near Me 

Not every lawyer has the same practice. Look for: 

• Extensive focus on investor visas. 

• E2 visa cases record of success. 

• Clear explanations. 

• Insight. 

The perfect lawyer is the one who becomes your partner in the long run. 

Get help! 

The investor E2 visa is indeed a vehicle for capital and business migration. But the fact is, how well you do depends entirely on how well you plan. 

It’d seem like a very easy process if you are in the right capable hands. On the flip side, without legal help, a simple slip-up could waste a lot of your resources. 

So, if you think of investing in the US, this is your call. Schedule a consultation with our professional E2 visa lawyers at Gehi & Associates today. 

You can trust our E2 visa lawyer to guide you through the entire process. 

Get in touch with us right away! 

FAQs: 

1. What Is an E-2 Visa? 

It is an investor visa in the US. 

2. Do I Need an E2 Visa Lawyer? 

Engaging a lawyer could raise the odds of obtaining a visa, as the lawyer could provide you with the best possible legal assistance. 

3. Must there be a minimum investment? 

There is no minimum amount needed for this investment, but it must be a substantial investment. 

4. Can I purchase an existing business? 

Buying a business is definitely one option that is available to you when considering a way to expand your business using the E2 visa. 

5. Is my spouse eligible for employment in the United States? 

Yes, your spouse is eligible to work if they obtain work authorization. 

6. For how long is E2 visa valid? 

Validity depends on your country of origin. 

7. Can I Renew the E2 Visa? 

Yes, you can renew your visa simply through carrying on your business. 

8. Is E2 Visa a Green Card? 

No, it is a non-immigrant visa. 

9. Can I change businesses later? 

In most situations, you are asked to apply afresh. 

10. How soon should I contact a lawyer? 

The earlier you contact a lawyer the higher your chances of doing the right thing on time.