Introduction for E2 Visas for Employees The E-2 (E2) Treaty Investors visa is a nonimmigrant visa for nationals of qualified treaty countries who intend to invest money in a U.S. enterprise.

What is an E-2 employee?

E-2 Visa. Where the E-2 Visa applicant is an employee rather than an investor that employee must be of the same Nationality of the investor OR Company/Enterprise that has majority ownership of the Business/enterprise. It does not involve the supervision of low-level employees.

Can E2 visa be converted to green card?

The E2 visa is a non-immigrant visa which prohibits the visa holder from having an intent to immigrate to the United States at the time the Visa is issued or used for entry. Accordingly, the E2 does not provide an individual with a direct pathway to permanent residency (a green card).

Can I hire someone with an E-2 visa?

The short answer is No. However, the E2 visa regulations require that the E2 visa applicant establish that the business enterprise has the capacity to generate enough income to provide for more than a minimal living for the investor’s family.

How does a business qualify for an E2 visa?

To qualify for E2, the business must be at least 50% owned by nationals of the treaty country. If less than 50% of the business is owned by nationals of the treaty country, it may still qualify for E2 if the business is restructured so that treaty nationals own at least 50% of the business.

Can a person with an E-2 visa become a US citizen?

Recently, U.S. Congressman John Rutherford introduced legislation to allow job creators who have been in the U.S. on an E-2 investor treaty visa for more than 10 years to apply for legal permanent residence.

Is there a limit to how often an E2 visa can be renewed?

There is no limit to the number of times the E2 visa can be renewed. So as long as the E2 business continues to operate and meet the E2 visa requirements, and E2 visa holder can continue to renew their visa and live and work in the United States.

What do you need to know about E-1 visa?

The E-1 visa is for residents of countries that have substantial trade with the United States. The amount of trade has to justify employment for a large number of people in the United States. Also, it should represent the majority of trade interests. The E-2 visa is for investors who buy at least 50 percent ownership of a United States company.