E VISAOver the years the United States has signed treaties with most of the other countries in the world, in particular treaties of 'Friendship, Commerce and Navigation'. These treaties are designed to promote trade and investment between the USA and the other contracting country, thereby encouraging good relations and peace. Foreign nationals (individuals or companies) of countries with such treaties with the United States can obtain visas to work in the USA in order to develop and direct their investment in and/or trade with the USA. These visas are called E-visas, and come in two types: E-1 Treaty Trader and E-2 Treaty Investor.
|
E-1: TREATY TRADER |
Nationals of qualifying Treaty countries who undertake a significant amount of international trade with the United States may qualify for this type of visa. The volume of such trade must be sufficient to justify the trader or his/her employee(s) being in the United States to manage the trade, and must constitute the majority of the trader's international trade (i.e. at least 50% of the Trader's exports/imports must be to/from the USA). There is no set minimum level of trade which is considered sufficient, but obviously the lower the volume of trade the less likely one is to qualify as a Treaty Trader..
|
E-2: TREATY INVESTOR |
Nationals of qualifying Treaty countries who have made a significant investment in the United States may qualify for E-2 Treaty Investor status. Like the E-1 visa, there is no set minimum level of investment which may qualify for E-2 status, but the lower the investment the less likely one is to qualify. Again, the level of investment must be sufficient to justify the treaty national (or his/her employees) presence in the United States. The investment must be in an operating business – i.e. simply buying property or stocks and bonds does not qualify. Also, a substantial part of the investment must have been made before applying for E-2 status.
|
E-1 AND E-2 TREATY COUNTRIES
To view the full list of treaty countries for the E-1 and E-2 visa, visit the U.S. Department of State website at:
travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/fees/treaty.html
travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/fees/treaty.html
|
Learn More About Your Options.Although researching your options and finding the right kind of immigration help can be difficult, it doesn't have to be. At Heller Immigration Law Group, we are skilled in preparing petitions encompassing a wide variety of industries and occupations. We take particular pride in our track record, assisting companies and individuals throughout the Silicon Valley and Greater San Francisco Bay Areas. Our attorneys are available to consult with both employers and employees to discuss their options and responsibilities. Just tell us about you or your business’ situation or case, and let us do the work for you!
|