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By Sanwar Ali:
There have been changes to the US E2 visa and E1 visa schemes, that will affect foreign investors who want to start or invest in a business in the United States.
Addition of Portugal to the E2 Visa and E1 Visa Schemes
One of the most significant changes is the addition of Portugal to the list of countries whose citizens are eligible for E2 and E1 visas. This means that Portuguese nationals can now apply for E2 visa and E1 visas to live and work in the United States, provided they meet the other eligibility requirements.
To be eligible for an E2 visa, Portuguese nationals must meet the following requirements:
- Be a citizen of Portugal
- Invest a substantial amount of money in a new or existing business in the United States
- Manage and control the business
The amount of investment required to qualify for an E2 visa varies depending on the type of business and the location, but it is generally in the range of $50,000 to $100,000.
To be eligible for an E1 visa, Portuguese nationals must meet the following requirements:
- Be a citizen of Portugal
- Engage in substantial trade between Portugal and the United States
- Have a qualifying business in the United States
The type of trade that qualifies for an E1 visa is broad, and can include a wide range of activities, such as the sale of goods, the provision of services, and the transportation of goods and people.
Once a Portuguese national has been approved for an E2 visa or E1 visa, they can bring their immediate family members to the United States with them. Family members can include spouses, and children under the age of 21.
Residency Requirements for Grenada Citizens
Another change is the introduction of a residency requirement for nationals of Grenada who acquired citizenship through investment. Under the new rules, these individuals must have been domiciled in Grenada for at least three years before they can apply for an E2 visa.
To be eligible for an E2 visa, nationals of Grenada who acquired citizenship through investment must meet the following requirements:
- Be a citizen of Grenada
- Have acquired citizenship through investment in Grenada
- Have been domiciled in Grenada for at least three years
- Manage and control the business
The residency requirement for nationals of Grenada who acquired citizenship through investment is a significant change to the E2 visa scheme. This change is likely to make it more difficult for nationals of Grenada who acquired citizenship through investment to obtain an E2 visa.
Hike in Filing Fees for E2 visa and E1 Visa Petitions
The US Department of Homeland Security has proposed a hike in filing fees for E2 and E1 visa petitions. The anticipated fee schedule is not set in stone, but investors could expect to pay three times the original amount.
The proposed hike in filing fees is likely to make it more expensive for investors to obtain an E2 visa or E1 visa. This change is likely to discourage some investors from applying for an E2 visa or E1 visa.
Changes Due to the Situation with Russia and the Invasion of Ukraine
The situation with Russia and the invasion of Ukraine has also had an impact on the E2 visa and E1 visa schemes. The United States has imposed sanctions on Russia, and these sanctions have made it more difficult for Russian nationals to obtain visas. Russians cannot apply for E2 and E1 visas. However, in the past some obtained citizenship of countries such as Grenada to come under the E2 visa and E1 visa scheme.
The sanctions against Russia have also made it more difficult for Russian businesses to operate in the United States. In many cases it may be difficult or impossible for Russian owned businesses to continue in the US. The sanctions against Russia are likely to continue to have an impact on US visa policy for the foreseeable future.
workpermit.com helps with US Work Visa: L1, H1B, E2, and O1 Visas
There are various types of US visas that individuals can apply for, depending on their circumstances. Some of the most common employment-based visas include:
L1 visa: This visa is for intracompany transferees who work in managerial or executive positions or have specialized knowledge.
H1B visa: This visa is for specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields.
E2 visa: This visa is for investors who have made a significant investment in a US business and, management or essential skills employees. Only certain nationalities can apply.
O1 visa: This visa is for individuals with extraordinary abilities in the arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics.
Workpermit.com is a specialist visa services firm with over thirty years of experience dealing with visa applications. For more information and advice, please contact us on 0344 991 9222 or at london@workpermit.com(link sends e-mail)(link sends e-mail)
