Visa Services
Are you an international entrepreneur looking to come to the United States? Investment and business opportunities for the E-2 Visa, the L-1 Visa and EB-5 Green Card are available. The team at Infinity Business Brokers is affiliated with immigration attorneys that can help you acquire U.S. immigration status by purchasing a U.S. business.
Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about the Visa process:
The permanent resident EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program was created by Congress in 1990 to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign investors. Under this program, investors must invest in a new commercial enterprise and create or preserve at least 10 permanent full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers.
The E-2 visa allows nationals of treaty countries to be admitted to the United States when investing a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business. The investor must be coming to the U.S. solely to develop and direct the investment enterprise.
An investment of substantial amount means the investor must invest enough capital to ensure the successful operation of the enterprise. The investment must be sufficient to support the likelihood that the investor will successfully develop and direct the enterprise.
There is not a fixed minimum investment amount for an E-2 visa. The amount must be substantial relative to the total cost of either purchasing an established enterprise or establishing a new one. Typically, investments start around $100,000 or more.
You may stay in the U.S. as long as your business is operational and you maintain your investor status. E-2 visas are typically issued for up to 5 years and may be renewed indefinitely as long as the qualifying investment is maintained.
Yes you may study part-time on an E-2 visa. However, if you wish to study full-time, you would generally need to apply for a student visa (F-1) instead. Please consult with an immigration attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
The processing time for an E-2 visa varies depending on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country. It can range from a few weeks to several months. We recommend beginning the process well in advance of your planned travel date.
If you sell your E-2 business, you would need to either invest in another qualifying business or depart the United States. Your E-2 status is tied directly to your investment, so selling the business ends your basis for the visa.
Yes you may apply for permanent residence (Green Card) through other immigration categories while on an E-2 visa. Common pathways include employer-sponsored green cards, EB-5, or family-based petitions. Consult an immigration attorney for your specific situation.