Tag Archives: E2 visa

Investor Visas

Investor Visas | Rothrock Immigration Lawyer | Naples, Fort Myers, Boca Raton, Miami 

Investor Visas | Rothrock Immigration Lawyer | E2 Visa | L1 | EB5

Carl Rothrock has counseled thousands of clients in selecting the right investor visa.

U.S. immigration attorney Carl Rothrock has successfully filed thousands of cases, including E2, L1, and EB5 investor visas. He has offices throughout Florida, including Naples, Fort Myers, Boca Raton, Miami, and Ft. Lauderdale.  Miami and South Florida are continuing to develop into a coveted site for both U.S. domestic and international business. Immigrants have played a large part in this success story, by staffing, managing and owning businesses – from small start-up operations, to companies with regional and international connections.  The U.S. Government recognizes the benefits of such activity and encourages it. The government provides immigration laws and policies which reward and benefit entrepreneurs and their employees. These rewards often include pathways to U.S. Citizenship for investors, managers, employees and their families.

Types of Investor Visas (Click the link to see more information).

EB5 Visa:  This visa is sometimes called the “Golden Visa” because an investor can obtain a green card by investing a large sum of money. This visa currently requires an investment of $800,000 USD to $1,050,000.00 USD. The amounts change frequently and should be verified prior to applying.  Depending on the type of EB5 visa selected, the investor may not need to participate in managing the business.

E2 Treaty Visa: This visa allows an investor to enter the United States with a smaller investment amount. Depending on the investor’s country of citizenship, the investor might be able to own and operate a business with an $80,000 initial investment. Although this visa does not lead to a permanent green card, it allows the investor to work in the U.S. for up to five years, and it can be renewed indefinitely.

E1 Treaty Visa:  This visa allows an investor to enter the U.S. for a period of time up to five years to conduct trade. This visa does not require that an individual have an office in the U.S., nor does it require a minimum investment amount.  Rather, the treaty holder must prove active trade between the U.S. and country of citizenship. Like the E2 visa, this visa does not lead to a green card, but it can be renewed indefinitely.

L1 Visa.  The L1 visa is a hybrid visa between the E2 and the EB5 visas. Like the E2, it is a temporary visa with an investment amount of approximately $100,000 to $150,000 USD.  However, the L1 visa is a dual intent visa.  The investor can initially enter the U.S. temporarily but transition to a permanent green card by filing an EB1C visa application. 

EB1C visa. This visa allows an entrepreneur to manage a company in the United States. Most applicants initially enter the U.S. on the L1 Visa. After they run their business for a year, they then apply for an EB1C visa to permanently manage the company.

Rothrock Immigration Lawyer | Experienced US Immigration Attorneys

We counsel our clients not to view US immigration policy and law as an obstacle to “get around.” Rather, we counsel our clients to be careful not to do anything short term that could jeopardize any more important, long-term goals.  We counsel our clients to choose cost-effective pathways.    Initially, we determine the clients’ short- and long-term goals.  We then point out how the creative use of US immigration law can meet the short-term solution required, as well as provide long-term business growth management.

Our Visa approval rates worldwide provide the best evidence of our capabilities and are the envy of our competitors. We are proud to provide what is often “life changing” advice and cost-effective legal solutions to business challenges. As native South Floridians, we are also humbly proud of the part we play in the accomplishments of our clients in the community. We provide “boutique firm” U.S. visa services to accomplish each clients’ goals. If you think you may benefit from our services, please contact us for a free consultation.

What is an E2 visa?

What is an E2 Visa?

The E-2 visa is available to a foreign citizen who wishes to the enter the United States solely to develop and direct the operation of an enterprise in which he or she has invested, or is in the process of investing a substantial amount of capital.  Requirements of an E2 visa include the following:

  • The United States and the foreign country must have a treaty that allows for the E-2 Visa.
  • Click this link to see which countries have a treaty with the United States allowing for E-2 visas.
  • Majority ownership or control of the investing or trading company must be held by nationals of the foreign country under whose treaty the E status is sought.
  • The foreigner must be a citizen of the country that has a treaty with the United States.

If you need a Naples immigration attorney who handles E2 visas, call the Rothrock Law Firm at 239-330-2534.

E2 Visa

E2 Visa | Rothrock Immigration Lawyer | Naples | Boca Raton | Miami | Ft Myers

E2 Visa | Rothrock Immigration Lawyer | Naples | Miami | Boca Raton | Ft Myers

Florida immigration lawyer Carl Rothrock files E2 Visa applications. 

The E1Visa and E2 Visa are temporary business visas that allow an applicant to enter the U.S. to start a business. Carl Rothrock is an immigration lawyer in Naples, Florida, with additional offices in Fort Myers, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Cape Coral. The Rothrock Law Firm has successfully represented thousands of clients from more than 100 countries.  Several organizations have recognized Carl Rothrock’s achievements in immigration law, including the following:

  • “AV Preeminent Rating,” Martindale Hubbell, the highest peer rating standard given to attorneys who are ranked at the highest level of professional excellence and ethical standards by their peers.
  • “Top Rated Lawyers in Florida, Immigration,” Lawyers of Distinction, as published in Forbes and the New York Times.
  • “Top 10 Immigration Attorneys, Florida,”  Best of the Best Attorneys
  • “Top 10 Immigration Attorneys, Florida,” the American Institute of Legal Counsel
  • “Top Immigration Attorneys, Florida,” The Top 100 Lawyers
  • “Top Ranking Immigration Law Firms in Florida,” American Association of Attorney Advocates
  • “Immigration Lawyer of the Year, USA,” Lawyer Monthly’s Legal Awards.

E1 Visa Requirements

    • An E1 visa allows a foreign business owner to enter the United States to conduct business.
    • The United States and the foreign country must have a treaty that allows for the E-1 Visa.
    • Click this link to see which countries have a treaty with the United States allowing for E-1 visas.
    • The E1 visa applicant must be a citizen of the country that has a treaty with the United States.
    • The E1 applicant must own a majority interest of the foreign business and/or control the operations of the business.
    • The foreign business must engage in substantial trade with the United States.  At least half its international transactions must be with the U.S. In evaluating substantial trade, the government will consider both the number of transactions, as well as the dollar amount of gross income.
    • The E1 visa is temporary but can be renewed. The Consulate will issue the E1 visa from three months to five years, according to the terms of the individual treaty.
    • The E1 holder’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 can reside in the United States with the treaty holder. The spouse can work, and the children can attend public school.

E2 Visa Requirements

  • The E2 visa allows an applicant to own and operate a business in the United States.  
  • The United States and the foreign country must have a treaty that allows for the E-2 Visa.
  • Click this link to see which countries have a treaty with the United States allowing for E-2 visas.
  • The E2 applicant must be a citizen of the country that has a treaty with the United States.
  • The E2 visa applicant must own a majority interest in the U.S. business and/or must control the business.
  • The E2 applicant must manage the business. (S)he cannot simply work at the business.
  • The applicant must make a substantial investment, and the investment must be at risk. In other words, the applicant cannot simply put money in a business bank account.
  • The E-2 visa is temporary. The State Department will issue the visa anywhere from three months to five years, according to the terms of the treaty.
  • The E2 visa holder’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 can live with the treaty holder. The spouse can work, and the children can attend public school.

How Long Does it Take to Get an E1 or E2 visa?

  • If the applicant is currently outside the United States, (s)he must file the E2 visa application through the U.S. Embassy.  Although wait times vary, many of the Embassies are currently taking around 4 months to interview E2 clients.  The Embassies are usually issuing the visa around 1 to 2 weeks after the interview.
  • If the applicant is already is in the United States under another status, such as visitor status, (s)he may file an application for change of status while in the United States.  The U.S. government is currently taking around 10 months to process the application.  If the applicant pays an extra fee, the government will make a decision within thirty days. 
  • The Rothrock Law Firm usually recommends to its clients to file the application through the Embassy.  The Embassy issues the visa for up to five years.  During the period in which the visa is valid, the E2 visa holder can travel in and out of the United States.  If the applicant files the application through USCIS, the government will issue E2 authorization for up to 2 years only. Further, if the applicant leaves the United States before the 2 years ends, (s)he will not be able to re-enter the United States with E2 status.

Can the Rothrock Law Firm help me obtain E-1 and E-2 Visas if I live outside the United States?

Yes, the Rothrock Law Firm can represent you regardless of whether you live within the United States or outside the United States.  The attorneys at the Rothrock Law Firm are admitted to practice before the United States Immigration Courts in all fifty states.

Prior to practicing immigration law, Carl Rothrock served as a complex litigation consultant to the defense teams of many Fortune 100 companies, including Shell Oil, British Petroleum, Chevron, Chesapeake Energy, Bank of America, UBS Bank of Switzerland, Johnson & Johnson, American Airlines and Walmart.  He also acted as counsel for over 800 clients in a defective product litigation involving defective construction materials. Our attorneys have a combined 62 years of experience and have filed thousands of immigration cases.

To Contact an E2 Immigration Lawyer today, call the Rothrock Law Firm at (239) 206-2363.