Investment visas provide individuals with unique opportunities to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams in foreign lands. One such visa, the E2 visa, is specifically designed to attract foreign investors to the United States. If you’re considering this avenue for your investment endeavors, understanding the E2 visa process is crucial. In this article, we’ll provide you with a detailed overview of the E2 visa journey, highlighting the key stages and timelines involved.
Document Gathering: Laying the Foundation The first stage of the E2 visa process is document gathering. Once you’ve engaged the services of an experienced immigration attorney, they will guide you through this crucial step. Expect your attorney to review your case meticulously and provide you with a comprehensive checklist of the documents required for your E2 visa application. This phase generally takes around one month, depending on your promptness in providing the necessary paperwork.
Legal Preparation: Ensuring Accuracy and Compliance After you’ve submitted the required documents to your immigration attorney, they will take approximately two weeks to prepare and finalize all the legal paperwork. This step is crucial in ensuring the accuracy and compliance of your E2 petition. Rest assured that your attorney will handle all the intricate details, allowing you to focus on your investment plans.
Consular Processing or Change of Status: Progressing Towards Approval Following the legal preparation stage, your E2 visa application will proceed to either consular processing or a change of status, depending on your circumstances.
Consular processing involves submitting your application to the US consulate in your home country. This step typically takes around 2 to 3 months. During this time, consular officials will carefully review your application, conduct interviews if necessary, and ultimately make a decision regarding your E2 visa approval.
Alternatively, if you are already present in the US, you have the option to apply for a change of status through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This process generally takes 2 to 3 months, but you have the opportunity to expedite it to just 15 calendar days by opting for premium processing at an additional cost. However, be aware that a request for additional evidence (RFE) from USCIS may extend the processing time.
Obtaining an E2 visa is an exciting endeavor that can open doors to new investment opportunities in the United States. By understanding the different stages involved in the E2 visa process, from document gathering to consular processing or change of status, you can navigate the journey with confidence. Remember to seek the assistance of a knowledgeable immigration attorney who can guide you through the intricacies of the process and maximize your chances of success.
