Getting into the United States of America is not an easy task. There are several pathways to do so, with one way through entrepreneurship and business investment, that will take you through getting an e2 visa. When you are applying, you need to keep in mind several practices in order to avoid making mistakes that would lead to denial of your application.
Mistaking The E2 Visa For EB-5 Green Card
Many people who are considering obtaining an et visa make a common error of mistaking it for an EB-5 green card. They have similar names but are two different methods of entry with different requirements. The EB-5 green card is considered a method of entry through investment, being obtained through an initial investment of $900,000 into a business, significantly more than e2 visa investments.
In addition to the higher monetary requirement, you also have to show proof that you have hired the required full-time employees. You are also issued a conditional green card, necessary to ensure that you maintain your business and meet the requirements throughout your stay. It is good practice to understand the different specifications and details of different visas to ensure you have the right one for your circumstances and situations.
Failure To Show Connections And Ties To Home Country
With an e2 visa, you still need to maintain that you have connections and ties with your home country. Failure to provide such details (like a driver’s license) and information may suggest you are looking to immigrate as opposed to simply work and conduct business, the primary use of the visa you have applied for. Even though you are investing a substantial amount of money into the United States, you still need to show strong ties back home as this is not technically an immigration visa that will permit permanent residence. This translates to the intention to return back home once you are done with business.
Not Creating And Providing A Business Plan
If you are applying for an e2 visa, you are doing so as an entrepreneur with the idea of investing and building a business. In order to fulfill the requirements and qualifications to obtain a USA e2 visa, one of the things you need to do is to have a business plan for your company. When you are creating a business plan, you want to ensure that you have a solid grasp of the numbers and details. You want to outline the projections and have an understanding of where you will be within your timeframes. This will help increase your chances of acceptance. Failure to do so will easily translate to denial of your visa.
Failing To Provide Evidence Of Sources Of Income
In order to gain an e2 visa, you need to provide sufficient evidence that your finances are being generated in legal ways. Any legal source, such as secured loans, inheritances, or gifts, can be utilized to gain your visa. This ensures that entry to the country and establishment or investment of businesses are not done through dirty or illegal funding. As long as you provide the essential evidence of your financial sources, this will help avoid mistakes and denial of your acceptance.
Talking To Wrong “Experts”
When you are applying for your visa, especially your e2 visa, it is critically important that you strategically plan how you go about setting up and running your business that is not marginal. You need to work with someone that has an in-depth understanding of the business laws that surround and involve the e2 visa. This is important, especially if you want to go from your e2 visa to an eventual green card. This is specific for this situation because the e2 visa is a visa type that does not have dual intent. Unlike an L visa that allows you to upgrade to a green card with meeting all the requirements, the steps with an e2 are much more stringent.
You will need to sign an affidavit when you are applying at the embassy that details your intent to return home once you have completed your business. There is no direct path from an e2 visa to obtaining your green card and citizenship, however, there are ways around this. This is why it is important that, if this is your intention to obtain permanent citizenship, you begin planning as early as possible with the right consultants and advisors that have expert advice.
It is key that when you are applying for your e2 visa, that you do your research. You want to ensure that you have a clear understanding of all the requirements ahead of time, in order for you to be able to best prepare. This will increase your chances of acceptance and lower any possibility of being denied your visa.