Professionals
Investors
Academics/Researchers
Artists/Athletes/Entertainers
Extraordinary Ability
Visitors
Religious
Workers
Students
Trainees
Other
|
E-1
Treaty Trader/E-2 Treaty Investor
Nationals of many countries are
eligible to obtain Treaty Trader
or Treaty Investor visas. The
E-1 Treaty Trader visa requires that
at least 51 percent of the company's
trade be between the treaty country
and the U.S. The E-2
Treaty Investor visa requires a substantial
investment in a U.S. business which
must be controlled by treaty nationals.
No fixed amount is required, and
the definition of "substantial"
varies depending on the nature of
the business. E
visas may also be issued to managers,
executives and essential employees
of the same nationality who work
for the U.S. branch office. The
visas may, depending on each treaty,
be granted for an initial period
of up to five years. However,
the person's stay is authorized
by the Immigration Service in two-year
increments granted upon each entry
to the United States. The easiest
way to extend E status while the
visa is valid is to travel abroad
and re-enter. This can only
be done during the validity of the
visa. The E visa can be
extended as long as there is
a need for the investor to direct
and control the U.S. enterprise.
Essential employee Es are expected
to be replaced by U.S. trained personnel.
Spouses of E visa holders are
allowed to request work authorization.
|
