Difference between the E2 & EB-5 visa - Citizens International (2024)

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Difference between the E2 & EB-5 visa - Citizens International? ›

One of the main differences between an E2 Visa and an EB-5 Visa is that the E2 Visa is a nonimmigrant visa while the EB-5 Visa is an immigrant visa. Nonimmigrant Visas are temporary visas and don't directly lead to a green card, while immigrant visas give permanent resident status in the U.S.

The E2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa. Meanwhile, the EB-5 visa is an immigrant visa and provides a pathway to a permanent resident permit. The E2 is only available to certain nationalities, dependent on whether their respective country holds an E2 treaty with the US. The EB-5 visa is open to everyone.

EB-5 requires a minimum $800,000 investment for 3-5 years. E-2 visa requires a smaller investment amount but a continuous commitment. A pivotal distinction between the E-2 and EB-5 visas lies in their respective investment requirements, reflecting differing objectives and benefits.

Can an E2 visa lead to a green card? The E-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa, meaning that there is no direct path to lawful permanent residency, or a green card. It may still be possible for the E-2 visa holder to pursue a green card through an alternative path, such as family sponsorship.

The EB5 Visa is an immigrant visa for foreign investors of any country. Changing from E2 Visa to EB5 Visa is achieved by investing a minimum capital in a U.S. business that creates at least 10 full-time jobs for Americans. The processing time for an E 2 Visa to EB 5 Visa application is between 29.5 and 61 months.

If the invested business is struggling or just barely successful, an E-2 Investor visa renewal is generally denied. E-2 visa holder can only work for the business he/she is investing in. If the investment business fails, the visa holder must leave the United States even if the allotted 2 years have not expired.

If you are currently in the United States, an immigrant visa is immediately available to you as an EB-1, EB-2, or EB-3 immigrant, and you meet certain other requirements, you may file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to apply for a Green Card without leaving the country.

An EB-2 visa is an employment-based visa available to non-U.S. citizens who possess an advanced degree or exceptional ability. An EB-2 visa holder is considered a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

What is the fastest you can get a green card? The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program offers one of the quickest routes to obtain a green card. But it's based on luck. Family-based visas for immediate relatives also offer faster paths, typically within 1-2 years.

In general, U.S. law prohibits anyone in the country in a nonimmigrant status (E-2, H-1B, F-1, etc.) from purchasing or possessing a firearm.

Can I marry a US citizen on a E2 visa? ›

So, to wrap things up, the E-2 visa to green card through marriage is absolutely an option. By filing for adjustment of status you can remain in the country with your spouse while your application is pending.

While an E-2 visa itself does not directly lead to permanent residency and a Green Card, it offers foreign nationals the opportunity to transition to permanent residency by qualifying for immigrant visas, such as the EB-5 visa process.

What about transitioning from an E-2 visa to an EB-5? After admission as an E-2 visa holder, some can increase their investment in their E-2 enterprise and prove their investment will create 10 jobs and apply for an EB-5 conditional green card.

The EB5 visa process is relatively complex, but broadly speaking, investors must complete four basic steps to obtain lawful permanent resident status for themselves and their families. There is even an option to obtain U.S. citizenship after holding a permanent Green Card for a specified period.

What about transitioning from an E-2 visa to an EB-5? After admission as an E-2 visa holder, some can increase their investment in their E-2 enterprise and prove their investment will create 10 jobs and apply for an EB-5 conditional green card.

USCIS administers the EB-5 Program. Under this program, investors (and their spouses and unmarried children under 21) are eligible to apply for lawful permanent residence (become a Green Card holder) if they: Make the necessary investment in a commercial enterprise in the United States; and.

To qualify for E-2 classification, the treaty investor must: Be a national of a country with which the United States maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation; Have invested, or be actively in the process of investing, a substantial amount of capital in a bona fide enterprise in the United States; and.

What is the EB-5 investor visa? The EB-5 investor visa is a U.S. permanent resident visa program that allows foreign investors to make an investment in the United States and receive a green card in exchange.