Foreign national personnel of a treaty nation sent to the US to set up a company, or to manage its US affiliate or branch, and who have invested or are investing capital into an enterprise, may apply for the E visa. Personnel include business owners, managers, and employees.
E-1 holders are treaty traders (executives, managers, or specialists of foreign companies) seeking to conduct substantial trade in the US. E-2 holders are treaty investors or entrepreneurs seeking to develop and direct investment in the US. The E visa may also be suitable for immediate family members of E visa holders.
Duration and Extensions of Stay or Entry
The visa is typically valid for 4 or 5 years. An initial stay of 2 years can be extended almost indefinitely. Alternatives to the E visa may be: L-1 (intracompany transferees); B-1 (business visitors); or possibly H-1B.
Family members, including unmarried children under 21, are entitled to enter US with the visa holder. Also, the spouse of E visa holder may obtain work authorization; other family members may not.
A valid E-1 allows unrestrained travel in and out of the US. Dependents of E-1 holders may stay with the foreign national personnel as long as he maintains that status, and may attend school during his stay. A valid E-2 visa allows unrestrained travel in and out of the US. Dependents of E-2 holders may live with him in the US, and the spouse may seek employment by applying for an employment authorization document.
E-1 holders are treaty traders (executives, managers, or specialists of foreign companies) seeking to conduct substantial trade in the US. E-2 holders are treaty investors or entrepreneurs seeking to develop and direct investment in the US. The E visa may also be suitable for immediate family members of E visa holders.
Duration and Extensions of Stay or Entry
The visa is typically valid for 4 or 5 years. An initial stay of 2 years can be extended almost indefinitely. Alternatives to the E visa may be: L-1 (intracompany transferees); B-1 (business visitors); or possibly H-1B.
Family members, including unmarried children under 21, are entitled to enter US with the visa holder. Also, the spouse of E visa holder may obtain work authorization; other family members may not.
A valid E-1 allows unrestrained travel in and out of the US. Dependents of E-1 holders may stay with the foreign national personnel as long as he maintains that status, and may attend school during his stay. A valid E-2 visa allows unrestrained travel in and out of the US. Dependents of E-2 holders may live with him in the US, and the spouse may seek employment by applying for an employment authorization document.