Establishing a Business and Creating Economic Opportunity
Establishing business operations in the United States requires careful financial and legal planning. At the Falls Church, Virginia Yacub Law Offices, our immigration attorneys assist clients in obtaining and complying with visa requirements necessary to purchase or start a business in the United States. We have represented numerous clients, helping them protect their investment. Yacub Law Offices Visa attorneys have the experience and knowledge necessary to secure your business operations. Our lawyers continue to consult with clients after their business is established to ensure ongoing compliance with immigration visa requirements.
Representing clients throughout the Washington DC metro area, including Alexandria, Arlington, Bethesda, and Silver Spring, we also represent clients and businesses across the United States. Contact immigration lawyers at Yacub Law Offices today to learn what steps you need to plant your business venture on firm legal ground.
Understanding the E-2 Visa
The E-2 or "treaty investor visa" permits entrepreneurs to either establish a business in the United States or to purchase an existing business. The business created or purchased is known as the "treaty enterprise" and the immigrant who purchases the business is referred to as the "treaty alien."
There are important components of the E-2 visa to consider:
- The visa can only be given to nationals whose country has a trade agreement with the United States. Below is a list of those countries.
- The investor must put committed funds into the enterprise. A promise to commit funds if the visa is approved will not suffice. The law requires the presence of committed funds and that they be made available.
- The enterprise must be commercial and "for profit."
- The investment made in the United States must be substantial in nature, regardless of whether a client is starting a business or purchasing one.
Of course, there is no magic formula to determine whether an investment is substantial. The adjudicating entity (either the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services or the State Department) have devised a proportionality test to determine whether an investment is substantial in nature. Our attorneys work closely with clients, advising them on what needs to be done in order to comply with these requirements.
Capitalizing on an E-2 Visa
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Australia
- Austria
- Bangladesh
- Belgium
- Bosnia Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Cameroon
- Canada
- China (Taiwan)
- Colombia
- Congo (former Zaire)
- Republic of Congo
- Costa Rica
- Czech Republic
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- Estonia
- Ethiopia
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Grenada
- Honduras
- Iran
- Ireland
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Korea
- Kyrgyzstan
- Liberia
- Luxembourg
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Mongolia
- Morocco
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Philippines
- Poland
- Romania
- Senegal
- Slovak Republic
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- Suriname
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Thailand
- Togo
- Trinidad & Tobago
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- Yugoslavia
The E-2 visa, unlike the L-1 visa category, allows companies to bring personnel into the United States irrespective of whether the employee worked for the company previously or not. Additionally, unlike the H-1B category, the E-2 visa does not have a quota. And, unlike the H-1B visa, the E-2 visa enables spouses of E-2 visa holders to work in the United States.
Although the E-2 visa is a visa where the immigrant must prove that his or her intent is to return to the country when the visa expires, the visa can be renewed so long as the business continues to function. In theory, the visa can be extended into perpetuity.
Who Qualifies for the E-2 Visa
Any type of business can qualify for the E-2 visa. Our immigration lawyers have represented a wide variety of businesses in E-2 visas. The businesses represented included high tech companies, art galleries, consulting firms, restaurants, and other small and medium size businesses.
Only nationals from the following countries qualify for the E-2 visa:
Contact Yacub Law Offices
Our experience and dedication to the immigrant communities that strengthen our country is reflected in the numerous referrals we receive from clients. We're prepared to secure your foothold in the marketplace and protect your investment. Visa attorneys and committed professionals, Yacub Law Offices is positioned to ensure you're fully informed and prepared to take full advantage of business opportunities.
Whether you live in Washington DC, Alexandria, Woodbridge, Rockville, Silver Spring, or elsewhere in the United States, contact our immigration attorneys today for more information on how you can secure your business ventures.
