E-2 Visa to Green Card
An E-2 visa is an excellent way for nationals of certain countries to enter the United States and invest in an American business. This is a non-immigrant U.S. visa, but it allows individuals to start a new business in the United States, purchase an existing business, or buy a franchise. It also gives investors the opportunity to continue renewing every two years so long as their investment remains intact.
After investing in an American business, you may be ready to immigrate to the United States and remain here permanently. While there is no direct path from an E-2 visa to green card, there are ways you can apply for a green card with an E-2 visa. Having the right legal representation makes a big difference. Call Jorge Munoz Law Firm at 346-576-5000 to discuss your next steps.
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Can You Get a Green Card From an E-2 Visa?
The E-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa, so it requires an intent to depart the United States when your status expires. It does not offer a direct pathway to permanent immigration. This doesn’t mean that you can’t get a green card while here on an E-2 visa; it just means you need to find the right path for your situation and needs.
EB-2 National Interest Waiver
EB-2 is a green card pathway for applicants with an advanced degree or exceptional ability, but you will need an American business to sponsor you. If your work is in the national interest of the United States, you can apply for a National Interest Waiver and waive the employment sponsorship requirement.
EB-5 Visa- The US Green Card by Investment
If you want to step up your investment level, an EB-5 U.S. green card by investment could be the next step. However, this process does have strict investment and job creation requirements, so it may be a significantly larger commitment than your E-2 investment.
Family-Based Green Card
You may qualify for family-based immigration if you have a spouse who is a U.S. citizen, a U.S. citizen sibling, or adult child who is a U.S. citizen. Family-based immigration is consistently one of the most reliable and navigable pathways to permanent status.
EB-1C Pathway
If you work in the United States in a managerial capacity for an international company, you may be able to secure an EB-1C green card. There are numerous requirements for this type of immigration: the U.S. entity must be operational for at least one year, you must have at least one year of experience in the last three years, and you must be employed by (or have a permanent job offer from) the U.S. entity.
Transitioning from an E-2 visa to a green card can be difficult; the green card process is separate from the E-2 renewal process, but part of the renewal process for an E-2 visa is showing that you still have substantial ties in your home country. That can be hard to prove if your spouse is an American citizen residing in the U.S., you have received a permanent job offer in the United States, or you show other signs of intending to immigrate. This can result in your E-2 renewal being denied, so careful timing of your applications is crucial.
It is important to work with an immigration attorney who can help you navigate both processes simultaneously and protect your legal status within the country.
How We Help E-2 Investors Transition to a Green Card
The pathways to immigration we outlined above do not reflect an exhaustive list; there are many ways you may legally immigrate to the United States after entering on an E-2 visa. Finding the path forward depends entirely on your circumstances, what strengths you bring to the table, and your long-term goals. Our firm provides full-service support for E-2 visa to green card transitions by assessing your eligibility for each type of green card, providing guidance on investment plans and employment options, preparing the necessary petitions for your chosen green card path, and keeping your E-2 status valid while your immigration case is pending. We’re also here to help you prepare for interviews and respond to Requests for Evidence from USCIS.
As an entrepreneur and investor, you face unique challenges during immigration. We know how to work through those challenges and help you avoid delays, denials, and other issues that may threaten your status.
Choose Jorge Munoz Law Firm for Your E-2 Visa to Green Card Process
If you’re ready to turn your investment in an American business into a permanent arrangement, it’s time to look into your immigration options. Set up a consultation now by calling us at 346-576-5000 or reaching out online. We speak English, Spanish, and Portuguese for our clients’ convenience.