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American visas focused on commercial enterprises

Foreign individuals are not allowed to receive payment from US sources for work performed within the U.S., unless they possess a US visa that permits such activity. The Green Card, a permanent resident visa, is one type, with temporary visas making up the other category. Once an individual...

Visas for professional and commercial activities within the United States
Visas for professional and commercial activities within the United States

American visas focused on commercial enterprises

In the realm of international business and investment, the United States offers a variety of work visas to foreign nationals seeking to engage in various activities within the country. This article will focus on two temporary business visas: the E-1 Treaty Trader Visa and the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa.

E-1 Treaty Trader Visa

The E-1 visa is designed for nationals of countries that have a specific treaty with the USA. The core requirement of this visa is the engagement in substantial international trade between the U.S. and the treaty country.

To qualify, applicants must be engaged in trade in goods, services, or technology, with at least 50% of the U.S. Operation's total volume of trade being with the foreign treaty country. The nationality of the business must be at least 50% owned by nationals of the treaty country, and the applicant must explain their business and trade activities in the application.

The E-1 visa is for individuals coming to primarily engage in substantial international trade. It is important to note that the E-1 visa applicant can be, but need not be, an owner of the foreign treaty company.

E-2 Treaty Investor Visa

The E-2 visa is available only to nationals of countries that have a specific treaty with the USA. This visa requires a substantial investment and active involvement in managing a U.S. enterprise.

The applicant must have made or be in the process of making a substantial investment in a bona fide U.S. business. The investment must be substantial in relation to the total cost of the business and sufficient to ensure its successful operation. The applicant must have an active role in managing or directing the business, holding at least 50% ownership or a key managerial position, and must be involved in day-to-day operational control.

The business should be capable of generating more than enough income to support the investor and family and have a significant economic impact. It is worth noting that the E-2 Investor Visa holder can be paid for their services by the US Operation.

In summary, E-1 visas focus on substantial international trade activities between the U.S. and the treaty country, while E-2 visas require a substantial investment and active involvement in managing a U.S. enterprise. Both visas require the applicant to be a national of a qualifying treaty country and demonstrate their specific eligibility criteria in the visa application process.

This guide provides a brief overview of the E-1 Treaty Trader Visa and the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa. For a more comprehensive understanding, it is recommended to consult with a legal professional or immigration expert.

The E-1 Treaty Trader Visa is intended for nationals of countries with a specific treaty with the USA, involving in substantial international trade with the U.S. or the treaty country.

The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa, available only to nationals of countries with a specific treaty with the USA, necessitates a substantial investment and active involvement in the management of a U.S. business.

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