Investment visas or E visas are a popular non-immigrant visa to the United States, which gives foreign investors and entrepreneurs the opportunity to work and live in the United States. As a non-immigrant visa, E-investor visas do not provide a direct path to permanent residence, but E-visa holders can hold E status for longer periods. If… [Read More]
E-2 FAQ – What E-2 investment expenses qualify for substantial investment
One of the primary hurdles for an E-2 visa petition is proving a petitioner has made a “substantial investment” in their U.S. enterprise. This step shows a petitioner has skin in the game – that they are serious about starting a business, setting it up for success, and growing their enterprise. For more information on… [Read More]
Looking Ahead: How a Biden Presidency Could Impact Start-Ups and the Innovation Economy
President-Elect Joe Biden will inherit an immigration landscape that has changed dramatically in the four years of the Trump Administration. Under its “Buy American, Hire American” directive, the Trump Administration changed the way federal immigration laws are interpreted and enforced, leading to increased scrutiny of every conceivable aspect of legal immigration, from obtaining U.S. citizenship… [Read More]
Profiles in Immigration – Thai Couple Brings Classic Asian Cuisine to Downeast Maine
When E visa Investor Vee Napapornpipat opened her Blue Hill restaurant, Siam Sky in May of 2018, she did not know she would soon be opening a second. But the demand for her and husband Chalee Chaikaew’s Thai cuisine has fueled expansion of their restaurant business with the March opening of Siam Sky 2, in… [Read More]
E-2 Visa FAQ – Can I Start a Consulting Business with Little Overhead
The E-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa used by foreign nationals from E-2 treaty countries to open a business in the United States. The flexibility of the visa makes it a reliable immigration strategy for any kind of business – from entrepreneurs, to restauranteurs, to franchisees, to multinational companies looking to set up shop in… [Read More]
Immigration Options for Start-Ups and Entrepreneurs
Northeastern University’s announced opening of The Roux Institute in Portland has sent shockwaves of excitement through Maine’s tech industries – and for good reason. Northeastern’s cooperative education model leverages corporate partnerships to design curriculum that responds to business needs – helping ensure students have the practical and technical skills to thrive in the global marketplace… [Read More]
What are the differences between the EB-5 and E-2 investor visa programs?
Immigrant business owners hold a storied place in the American economy – and U.S. immigration laws carve out pathways for those who want to come to the United States, invest money, and hire American workers. EB-5 and E-2 visas are the two most common visas for investors and corporations and carry unique benefits and requirements…. [Read More]
EB-5 Investor Program to Receive USCIS Overhaul
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services on Tuesday announced reforms to its EB-5 Investment Program that will increase the minimum investment to qualify for the investor green card. In addition to hikes in investment thresholds, USCIS announced reforms to Targeted Employment Area (TEA) designations and processing changes that could streamline the EB-5 process. The proposed… [Read More]
Profiles in Immigration – Royal United Company
Royal United Company founder Richard Smith always knew he would work with gamebirds – it was, after all, a trade passed down through generations in his family. “I have been involved in the industry my whole life,” Richard said. “My father, my grandfather, my great grandfather – we have always been gamekeepers.” Richard’s family legacy… [Read More]
Opening a Business in the United States? Comparing the L Visa and E Visa Categories
While most visa categories for businesses require “sponsorship” by U.S. businesses or institutions, two visa categories allow business investors and entrepreneurs to open a business in the United States – the L visa and E visa. While these two visas can be used separately, together, they can be the cornerstone of a robust immigration plan… [Read More]
