How to apply E2 (Treaty Investor Visa) Visa to work in USA?

Question

I want to buy an existing Restaurant in USA, and want to take this Restaurant to apply my E2 Visa to work in USA , is there any problem ? Or is there any restriction for applying E2 Visa ? If I had bought the Restaurant and couldn't get E2 Visa approved, then how to manage the operation of this Restaurant ?

Thanks a lot !

Answer 1

I helped some other Europeans to apply for work permits in the USA.  To teach French in Louisiana.

I seem to remember that and E2 Treaty Investor Visa required a substantial investment of the applicant's money.  Borrowing money from a bank was NOT allowed.  You must be under a real threat of loosing your money, thus working hard and seriously.  

A visit to the American Embassy in your country will be necessary.

Have you read this??  I quote from the website below:

Immigrant INVESTOR VISA:

'The investment must provide at least 10 full-time positions for U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents of the United States, or other immigrants with employment authorization. The minimum capital required in most cases is one million dollars; the requirement is less in certain poverty areas.

How to apply

Applicants for Treaty Trader (E-1) or Treaty Investor (E-2) status must first seek registration of the enterprise with the Treaty Visa Office.

Requirements: Treaty Investor (E-2)

The investor, either a real or corporate person, must be a national of a treaty country;

The applicant has invested or is in the process of investing

The investor must have control of the funds, and the investment must be at risk in the commercial sense. Loans secured with assets of the investment enterprise are not allowed;  and

The investment must be a real operating enterprise. Speculative or idle investment does not qualify. Uncommitted funds in a bank account or similar security are not considered an investment;

The investment must be substantial. It must be sufficient to ensure the successful operation of the enterprise. The percentage of investment for a low-cost business enterprise must be higher than the percentage of investment in a high-cost enterprise;

The investment may not be marginal. It must generate significantly more income than just to provide a living to the investor and family, or it must have a significant economic impact in the United States;

The applicant is in a position to "develop and direct" the enterprise .

If the applicant is not the principal investor, he or she must be employed in a supervisory, executive, or highly specialized skill capacity. Ordinary skilled and unskilled workers do not qualify.  and

Applicant intends to depart the United States when the E2 status terminates.

It currently takes about 120 days to process an E visa application, but visa processing times may vary without notice.

Here is the website  UK for all Visa requirements.  Maybe you have seen it already?

http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/vis...

or go directly to the E2 pages:

http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/vis...

Answer 2

my husband is applying for this visa as well. your country has to be on the list of the trreaty countries.  Then, you don't need 10 emplyoees or $1 mln.  You need a substantial capital only. our lawyer said $100,000 or $200,000 (better) is enough. YOu have to own at least 50% of the investment.