There are many different ways to qualify for a visa and enter the U.S. Some people rely on sponsorships from family members, while others come here to continue their education. One of the most distinctive options allows foreign investors to earn a visa by investing substantial funds into U.S. businesses.
If you have the resources to pursue this type of investment, our experienced business immigration attorneys could assist you. These programs offer multiple options, but meeting the qualifications often presents challenges. A Glendale investor visa lawyer knows what is required and what you need to do to be approved.
There are two programs designed to attract foreign investors to the U.S.: the E-2 and EB-5 visa programs. Each serves a distinct purpose and includes specific eligibility requirements. Our foreign investor visa attorneys in Glendale could advise you on which option aligns with your status.
The E-2 treaty investor visa applies only to residents of certain countries. To qualify, you must hold citizenship in a country that maintains a treaty with the U.S. A substantial number of countries currently maintain such agreements, including:
These represent only a portion of the nations whose citizens meet the eligibility criteria. Our attorneys could help you evaluate your eligibility based on your country of origin, but that is only one aspect of E-2 visa eligibility.
You must also commit to making a substantial financial investment in an existing U.S. business or establishing a new enterprise for visa purposes. If your visa is approved, you may work for the business you create and employ individuals from your home country. However, you must meet U.S. job creation requirements.
Federal authorities evaluate the nature of the business you choose to invest in and the enterprise must operate actively and demonstrate growth potential. For example, creating an LLC that primarily invests in undeveloped land is unlikely to qualify.
Unlike the E-2 visa, the EB-5 program does not restrict eligibility based on nationality. Immigrants from all countries may apply, but the program imposes strict requirements on both the investment and the business.
Federal law sets a minimum investment amount that you must contribute. However, simply transferring this amount to a U.S. business does not satisfy all requirements. You must also create or maintain 10 full-time jobs exclusively for American workers. This may include funding that maintains 10 existing jobs.
The specific process you must follow depends in part on whether you currently live in the U.S. If you hold another type of visa while in the U.S., you can request an adjustment of status that allows you to stay in the country while applying for an investor visa.
If you reside outside of the U.S., you must use the consular process. This requires you to remain in your home country and attend an immigrant visa interview at the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy. You may enter the U.S. after officials approve your visa. Our Glendale-based visa attorneys for foreign investors could help you navigate the process.
This country extends a helping hand to immigrants who, in turn, help grow the economy with financial investments. If you have the ability to invest in a U.S. business, that may allow you to live and work in this country. Contact a Glendale investor visa lawyer at New Frontier Immigration Law today to learn more. We want to make this as easy as possible for you.
