Getting an E2 Visa to work in the USA
I started the the application in June 2008, and I received my E2 visa today… it took roughly 5 months to get it! The E2 visa is the option I chose to work in the US as a foreigner and entrepreneur/investor.
First, I have to repeat that the ‘rules’ around this visa are all but precise. No numbers, no date, a lot of ’should’, ‘may’, ‘can’…
- The “amount”. It’s the question everybody asks. The only valid answer is : it depends on your business plan! Are you trying to create a new car manufacturer? Bring a lot! In my case, I created a Web Startup with a lighter investment. However, everybody shares the fact that below $100k, it is very tough!
- The requirements : your company should better have a decent track record (sales, users, growth numbers…), or, if it’s a start-up, you must have this track record : repeat entrepreneur, top executive… etc. In my case, Jobetudiant.net helped a lot, my exeprience at BNP Paribas a little less!
- Get Endorsments : the guys at the consulate don’t know you… and they probably don’t know anything about your business or your industry either, so don’t get too much in the details here. However, they know what everybody knows : big corporations, so bring them Letters of Intent, Contracts… anything with their name and your name on it!
- Be Risky : your investment should put at risk, so risk it, and don’t be grumpy on the money! You’d better show a lot of expenses to prove that you’re actually building a company and not trying to get a visa to spend the next few years in the US for the fun of it!
In my case, I finally got a 3 years E2 Visa. The interviewer was tough on me (am I really too young?) but they finally ended up signing the damn paper. I guess the US need money, after all!
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