Applying for an E2 visa is a powerful way to work and live in the US if you are planning to invest in a US business. The basic rule to a successful application lies in submitting accurate and Comprehensive documentation. In this blog, we will cover the important documents required for an E-2 visa, how to submit the documents smoothly, and how to avoid common mistakes that delay the chances of getting the visa.
Whether you are purchasing an existing one or starting a new business, this guide is very helpful to let you know about the process to stay prepared and organized.
What Is An E2 Visa?
The E-2 visa is a treaty investor visa, which is a non-immigrant visa for nationals of countries that have a treaty of navigation and commerce with the US. It allows an individual to enter and work in the United States based on a substantial investment in the US business.
The Key Requirements Of The E2 Visa
The following are the basic requirements of the E2 visa for a smooth process:
- Enter the US to develop and direct the investment enterprise.
- Make the investment substantial in a bona fide US enterprise.
- Be a citizen of a treaty country.
The Essential Need For An E2 Visa Checklist Of Documents
Here is an easy way to the key documents you need for a successful E2 visa application:
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Valid Passport
- Be sure that your country is on the list of the treaty countries.
- The passport should be valid for a period of at least 6 months, before you apply for the stay in the US.
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Complete The DS-160 Form.
- The DS-160 form is the online nonimmigrant visa application form.
- Once you are done with the form completion, print the page of confirmation with the barcode. This is required for the visa interview.
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Ds-156e Form
- This is a nonimmigrant treaty trader/investor application. The application is required for all E2 visa applicants.
- This form has all the details about the qualifications, business, and investment.
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Keep The Proof Of The Treaty Nationality Of The Country
- For this, you need a copy of your passport and your birth certificate.
- Also, if the dual citizen applies, show the ties to the other treaty country.
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Business Plan
It should be a comprehensive business plan containing the critical documents.
The outline includes the following:
- Hiring plans
- Market analysis
- Business description
- Breakdown of the use of investment
- Financial projection (should be at least 5 years)
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The Evidence Of The Investment
There are two factors involved to prove that your investment is at risk and substantial. Let’s
see what they are:
At risk: The money should be irrevocably committed or already spent.
Substantial: the general amount expected is $100,000 plus, but there is no fixed amount.
The Acceptable Documents:
- Invoices for the business-related documents
- Purchase contracts
- Receipts
- Wire transfers
- Escrow documents
- Bank transfer
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The Source Of The Funds Documents
It is important to show the proof of where the money comes from to know whether they are lawful or not.
The examples of the fund documents include the following:
- Savings account statements
- Tax returns
- Inheritance papers
- Property sale documents
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Registration Documents And The Business Ownership
Here are the documents needed for the registration and the ownership of the business:
- Business licenses.
- EIN confirmation from the IRS.
- Shareholders’ agreement or the operating agreements.
- Articles of incorporation or organization.
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The Employee List And The Organizational Chart
- You should include the resumes, the description of the job, and the hiring timeline, if you have not hired yet.
- Support your intent to develop and direct the company.
- Helps to show the role in the business.
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Promises Documentation Or The Lease Agreements
This documentation shows the operational working process.
It has all the proof that the business has or will have the physical premises in the U.S.
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Marketing Materials And The Photos
These photos include screenshots of the websites, advertisements, and the social media presence. Als,the professional photos of the business, its services and the products.
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Qualifications And The Resume
Educational certificates, if they are relevant to the business
A resume or CV that includes the related business experience.
The Common Mistakes To Avoid For The E2 Visa Process
Here is the list of all those mistakes that are common and become the cause of the rejection:
- Not showing active involvement
- Failure to prove or show the lawful procedure or source of funds
- Inadequate investment amount is a big denial risk.
- Weak business plan
- Funds that are not fully committed
The Final Thoughts For Getting The Visa
To secure the E2 visa requires more than filling up the forms. It takes a plan to work around for better and basic required E2 visa documents. The better the preparation and knowledge are, the greater the chance of getting the visa approval.
Therefore, here we at EB2Hub can help you guide through the stressful process with comfort and successful rates. Our expert team knows how to deal with the documentation to get your visas so that you can start your dream business in the U.S.
Contact us for free consultations today, We will love to serve you!