Investors

Foreign nationals are invited to invest in trade or substantial business ventures in the United States. Qualifying investors and their families may be granted work visas and green cards. JCL Immigration Attorneys has Investor Immigration Lawyers in Scottsdale, Arizona, who can help you determine if you qualify, choose the appropriate visa or green card application, and complete the application process.

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Investor Work Visas

Foreign investors wishing to work temporarily in the United States may apply for Investor Work Visas. This documentation allows the foreign national to live and work in the U.S. for a specific time period. Although the investor visa does not provide a direct pathway for a “green card”, it provides a relatively fast way for an investor to start up a business in the U.S. and bring his/her spouse and children to the U.S. Once they are in the U.S., they may come across opportunities to peruse permanent residence.

E-1 Treaty Trader Visa

This visa can be granted to foreign investors who wish to carry on substantial international trade between themselves, another foreign person, or a foreign organization in a country with which the United States has a treaty. They must intend to depart the U.S. upon the expiration of their visa.

General Details:

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Qualified treaty traders and employees will be allowed a maximum initial stay of two years.

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Two-year extensions or changes in status may be granted.
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There is no limit to the number of extensions that may be granted.
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Qualifying treaty countries include Canada, Mexico, Australia, France, Germany, the UK, and
numerous others.

An Investor Immigration Attorney in Arizona can help you understand specific qualifications, including the meaning of “Substantial Trade,” “Principal Trade,” the accepted treaty countries, required investment amounts, and more.

E-2 Treaty Investor Visa

This visa allows a foreign entrepreneur to enter the U.S. to manage or direct his/her investment. This nonimmigrant (temporary) visa option offers a fairly quick way to enter the U.S. to start a business or purchase an existing one. It can also provide a way to transfer essential or managerial employees to the U.S. if you already have an established E-2 business. The E-2 visa is not limited to any specific type of business.

General Details:

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Qualified treaty investors and employees will be allowed a maximum initial stay of two years.
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Two-year extensions or changes in status may be granted.
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There is no limit to the number of extensions that may be granted.
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Qualifying treaty countries include Canada, Mexico, Australia, France, Germany, the UK, and
numerous others.

The E-2 visa is a perfect vehicle for entrepreneurs outside the U.S. wanting to start or invest in a business in the U.S.

There are many factors involved that determine if you should apply for an E-1 or E-2 visa. An experienced Arizona Immigration Lawyer can help you review the requirements for each, gather the required documentation, and complete the application process.

We can also help those with existing E-1 or E-2 visas apply for extensions or changes of status.

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Investor Green Cards

The EB-5 employment-based green card is for foreign investors with significant funds to invest in a U.S. company. Investors and their spouses and unmarried children under 21 may be eligible to apply for lawful permanent residence if they invest in a commercial enterprise in the United States and plan to create or preserve 10 permanent full-time jobs for qualified U.S. workers. These investments may support a new company or an existing failing company.

General Details:

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Approved fields and industries include medical facilities, manufacturing, agriculture, real estate development, hotels, restaurants, casinos, and stadiums.
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The standard minimum investment amount is $1.050,000.
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If the business is located in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or rural area, the investment amount requirement is reduced to $800,000.
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Investment amount adjustments for inflation occur every five years.
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EB-5 green cards initially grant the holder a two-year conditional permanent residency.
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Investors meeting the qualifications (continued investment and at least 10 jobs created) may file Form I-829: Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status during their final 90 days before the residency expires. Once Form I-829 is approved, the investor is granted an unconditional permanent residency.

Filing deadlines and paperwork can be tricky, so partner with JCL Immigration Attorneys in Scottsdale to help ensure you stay abreast of all requirements.
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