Non-Immigrant Visa
Navigating the Path to U.S. Visas: Expertise and Tailored Guidance
Treaty Traders
(E-1 Visa)
- The applicant must be a citizen of a country that has a trade and shippingtreaty with the USA (including Germany, Austria, and Switzerland).
- The commercial company for which the applicant wants to work in the USAmust be of the same nationality as the contracting country.
- The international trade, i.e. the value and volume of the transactions mustbe significant.
- The volume of trade between the USA and the contracting country must beat least 50%.
- The trade must be an international exchange of goods, services ortechnology.
- The applicant must work as an owner, managing director, manager orspecialized skilled worker. Simple skilled workers or unskilled workers donot qualify for this visa.
Any company that has a significant volume of business with the U.S. may transfer employees to the U.S. via this visa. Self-employed individuals or small business owners may also qualify. It is important that a substantial part of the company’s transactions take place within the United States. In addition, at least 50% of the company’s revenue must derive from business transactions between its new U.S. office and the existing home office branch located in the applicant’s country of origin. This visa can generally be extended indefinitely.
Investors
(E-2 Visa)
- The investor (either a person or a company) must be a citizen of a contracting country (including Germany, Austria, and Switzerland).
- The investment must be significant, i.e. The company should make a significant contribution to the American economy and do more than just provide a living for the investor and his family. The amount of investment depends on the type and size of the company.
- You have to invest in a company that actually exists. Speculative or non-active investments do not qualify for this visa. Free funds in bank accounts or similar investments are also not classifed as investments.
- The investor must have control over all funds and the investment must represent a risk in an economic sense (“investment must be at risk”). Loans secured by company investment bonds are not permitted.
- The investor must come to the US to build or manage the business. The applicant, unless this is the main investor, must work as a director, manager or specialized skilled worker. Ordinary skilled workers or unskilled workers do not qualify for this visa.
Companies or individuals who want to invest large amounts of capital in the US may apply for this visa. There is no minimum investment required. The investment may be in the form of the acquisition of an existing company or the incorporation of a new one, and is a great vehicle for start-up companies or entrepreneurs looking to begin operations in the United States. Under certain circumstances, the employees of any such acquired or incorporated company may also be eligible for visas to enter the U.S. The new company should be profitable, capable of generating new jobs and contributing positively to the growth of the U.S. economy. This visa may also generally be extended indefinitely.
Looking to stay permanently?
See our comprehensive overview on Immigration visas. Or contact us for comprehensive visa services tailored to your needs and goals. First contact is free of charge.