U.S. Visa Options

E-2 Investor Visa

The Treaty Investor visa (E-2) is a non-immigrant visa based on the 1989 treaty agreements between the U.S. and Canada. The E-2 Investor visa is issued on the basis that the applicant is entering the U.S. for the sole purpose of developing and managing a business in which they have a vested interest and intend to supervise their investment.

Eligibility

In order to qualify for the Investor visa, applicants must have invested a substantial amount of capital within the U.S. and have a controlling interest in their investment.

PROJECTS	MINIMUM INVESTMENT REQUIRED
Less than $100,000	100%
$100,000 to $500,000	75%
$500,000 to $3,000 000	50%
$3,000 000 and more	30%

In addition to meeting the minimum investment requirements, you must also demonstrate managerial skills and business acuity. The funds used for the investment must be your own and documentary evidence will be required to prove this. These funds, however, may be in the form of loans personally guaranteed by the applicant(s) and other assets such as equipment, inventory, patent rights, royalties and other contractual rights as long as they can be objectively appraised. In order to be approved for an E-2 Investor visa, your business must be operating at the time of your application.

Essential employees in managerial or technical capacities requiring special training and qualifications may also be granted E status. Such status may be granted if they are needed to;

Establish the business (Start-up)
Train and supervise employees in technical positions
Continuously monitor and develop product improvement, R & D and quality control.

Spouses and dependents under 21 may also be granted E status. Spouses and children of the E-2 Investor visa holder may obtain a visa to enter and remain in the U.S. but will not be allowed to work unless they obtain work authorization. Children may attend school in the U.S.

The application process for an Investor visa is long and difficult and you must follow every step in order to prevent errors in your application which may result in delays or return of your application.

Follow these steps to obtain your E-2 Investor Visa: *drop down*

Step 1 – Controlling Shares

Foreign students who have applied for and been accepted into a Designated educational institution may apply for a Canada Student Visa in order to come to Canada and complete the specific program for which they have been accepted. You must have received an acceptance letter from the designated institution which you plan to attend before you submit your application for a Canada student visa. Additionally, you must meet the following requirements for a Canada student visa:

You must be able to prove that you have enough money to pay for your
- Tuition fees,
- Living expenses for yourself and any family members who accompany you,
- Return transportation for you and any family members who accompany you.

You must be a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record.
You must be in good health and willing to complete a medical examination, if necessary.
You must satisfy an immigration officer that you will leave Canada when you have completed your studies.

Step 2 – Transfer of Funds

You will need to transfer the funds for your investment into your operating company and you will need to demonstrate where the money comes from.

Step 3 – Business Plan

We will assist you in submitting a mini business plan for the US border.

Step 4 – Documentation

We will prepare the necessary documentation to be submitted at the US Border, so you can obtain a B-1 Business Visa which will permit you to start your US business activities while you are in process of investing. You will not be allowed to work hands-on but you will be able to perform any functions necessary to open and operate your business. Of course, you will have to hire employees and you will be able to manage your operations. And once your business is operational, we will assist you in preparing a five-year business plan as required by US authorities.

Step 5 – Operation Period

You will need to manage your business for at least 60 to 120 days. Once we are satisfied that your business is operating successfully, we will submit your application to the US Department of State at the US Consulate in Toronto for approval.

Step 6 – Approval

Once you have been approved and have obtained your E-2 Investor visa, your spouse will be able to apply to get a US work authorization and will be authorized to work in the US. Your spouse will also obtain a US social security number with all the benefits.

CALL US TODAY 1.888.808.7338

Our certified immigration consultants can assist you with all of your U.S. immigration or visa needs. Call us today for answers to any of your U.S. immigration questions or take our free online assessment to see if you qualify.