An E2 Visa lawyer is a legal expert in immigration law who helps foreign nationals navigate the E2 Visa process, including assessing eligibility, preparing documentation, and guiding them through the application to increase their chance of success.
This expert is well-versed in the E2 Visa application process and will devise a personalized strategy tailored to your background and goals.
In this article, we will discuss the potential benefits of hiring an E-2 Visa immigration attorney, how to choose the right professional, and what to expect.
E-2 Visa Lawyer – Key Takeaways
Benefits of Hiring an E2 Visa Lawyer
Hiring an E2 Visa lawyer offers many advantages. These include:
- Expertise in immigration law and E-2 program regulations: An E2 immigration lawyer will guide you through satisfying the program’s regulations, such as proving a substantial investment, active business, and confirming treaty nationality, increasing your chance of approval.
- Collecting required documentation and evidence: A reputable E2 Visa lawyer will guide you in preparing and organizing the necessary documentation to support your application, helping you save time and money. They will assist you in gathering evidence demonstrating your financial viability and in showcasing the potential of your bona fide enterprise for job creation and economic growth in the US.
- Maximizing chances of success: The E-2 Visa application process is very competitive, and any mistakes can lead to delays or denials. An E-2 Visa immigration attorney can maximize your chances of success by preparing your documentation, such as business plans, financial records, etc., ensuring it’s accurate, submitted within the specified deadlines, and meeting USCIS standards.
- Providing valuable insights: They will also offer guidance on structuring the investment properly, strengthening your business plan, and addressing potential weaknesses in your E2 Visa application, ensuring your case is presented in the most favorable light to the US authorities.
- Representation and communication. An immigration lawyer is your representative in all interactions with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This involves communicating on your behalf, addressing inquiries and RFE requests, and responding to USCIS requests during the whole process. An experienced immigration lawyer can navigate the US immigration system.
How an E2 Visa Lawyer Helps
Here are some wasy an E2 Visa attorney can help with your application.
Expertise in E-2 Immigration law and regulations
The E2 Visa process is complex. For example, there is no set minimum investment amount for the E-2 Visa; instead, whether the investment qualifies is determined by a “proportionality test” based on the type and nature of the business. Your lawyer can help assess this to better gauge your eligibility and chance of approval.
Assessing eligibility
Your E2 Visa legal professional will evaluate your background and determine whether you meet the program’s eligibility requirements. This includes confirming you hold citizenship from a treaty country, reviewing your proposed investment amount to check whether it could qualify as substantial and checking that your planned business enterprise is legitimate. These experts could also devise strategies for investors from non-treaty countries.
Structuring the investment and business
This is a critical part of the E2 Visa application and must be structured correctly. Your lawyer will ensure your business entity is properly set up, check that your investment funds are committed and at risk to meet USCIS standards, and that you control at least 50% of the enterprise.
Preparing the E2 Visa petition
Your E2 lawyer will help organize the visa petition and supporting documentation, including proof of funds and their lawful source, proof of investment, business registration records, and any documentation showing the business is a legal, functioning enterprise capable of generating income.
Managing the application process
The E2 Visa application process varies depending on whether you apply from a U.S. consulate abroad or file a change of status with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Either way, your lawyer will guide you through the appropriate process, depending on your location, and ensure you file the correct forms.
Preparing for consular interview
If you are applying from your home country, your E2 Visa attorney will prepare you for the consular interview by reviewing commonly asked questions and providing guidance on how to present your business plan and discuss your investment and role in the company.
Providing ongoing legal support
Your E2 Visa legal professional will provide support throughout the process, especially in cases of delays or RFEs. They will also help you remain compliant with the terms of your visa, apply for renewals, and any future immigration strategies, especially if you plan to explore permanent residency in the U.S. later on. Also, your lawyer can help with employment authorization applications for your spouse or other family members.
Exploring alternative visa options
Your E2 Visa lawyer will also offer advice on alternative visa options since the E2 Visa does not lead to a Green Card. If permanent residency in the U.S is the goal, your lawyer may recommend other suitable options like the EB-5 Visa, which leads to a Green Card.
How to Find the Right E2 Visa Lawyer
Evaluate the lawyer’s experience, track record, and client testimonials
When selecting an immigration attorney for your E-2 Visa application, consider their experience and track record in handling E-2 Visa applications. Look for testimonials from previous clients to gauge their reputation and success rate. An immigration attorney with a strong history of successfully obtaining E-2 Visas for clients is likely to be a reliable choice for your business franchise.
Schedule initial consultations
Schedule an initial consultation with a potential E2 Visa immigration lawyer or law firm. During this meeting, you should have a clear idea of their processes, what to expect, and how they work. Choose the lawyer whose work ethic or process makes you the most comfortable.
Look for transparent fees and processes
Ask about the fee structure and what is included to avoid being hit with hidden or extra charges later on. Choose a lawyer who is upfront regarding their processes and pricing structure. You should have a clear understanding of why certain services are priced higher or lower, and know exactly what you are paying for.
Check for consistent communication
Visa application processes can be nerve-wracking, especially one as meticulous as the E2 Visa. Ensure you choose a lawyer who communicates effectively throughout the process. You should always know what stage your application is on and should be able to reach your attorney when needed.
E-2 Visa Attorney Fees
The E-2 Visa attorney’s fees often range from $5,000 to $15,000+, or about $500 per hour. This pricing varies based on the complexity of your case, the law firm’s location, and your attorney’s experience. Other factors that cause different fees are the type of your E-2 Visa application, like whether you’re applying for your very first E-2 Visa or just an extension, or if you’re applying from inside or outside the US.
How an E2 Visa Works
The E2 Visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows citizens of treaty countries to enter the United States to invest in and operate a business. This visa allows qualified foreign investors to live and work in the U.S. temporarily while directing and developing their commercial enterprise.
The E2 Visa is for:
- Foreign investors who make a substantial investment in a U.S. business
- Business owners who actively direct and manage the enterprise
- Citizens of treaty countries that have a commerce treaty with the United States
- Investors who place capital at risk in a bona fide commercial enterprise
Foreigners with treaty investor status can also bring employees to the United States under the E2 Visa. These employees are usually from the same home country as the employer and have special qualifications or skill sets that could benefit the business plan.
Why work with Global Citizen Solutions?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique investment migration consultancy firm focused on finding the right residency or citizenship by investment program for individuals wishing to secure their future and become global citizens. With offices in Portugal, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Brazil, our multilingual team guides individuals and families from start to finish, providing expert advice considering freedom, mobility, taxation, and security.
- We have helped hundreds of clients from 35+ countries in all the top Residency by Investment and Citizenship by Investment programs. With an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of the area, we provide our clients with solid guidance. We have a team of immigration lawyers, and immigration advisers specialized in US immigration.
- Our team has never had a case rejected. Our 100 percent approval rate sets us apart from our competitors and guarantees that you can expect a successful application.
- Our transparent pricing covers all the processes from opening your bank account, document certification, and legal due diligence to investment and submission. As there is one fee for the entire process, you can be confident that you will not face any hidden costs later.
- All data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server. You can be safe knowing that your personal data is treated with the utmost security.
- Global Citizen Solutions provides an all-encompassing solution. Our support can continue even after you receive your passport. We offer additional services such as company incorporation, Trusts, and Foundations formation.
- The BeGlobal Onboarding System® allows you to access the status of your application every step of the way, something that sets us apart from our competitors.
