If you’ve been feeling ambitious or have simply seen one too many American films, you may be itching to move to the United States to develop your own enterprise. This scenario may not be as far-fetched as you think if you consider applying for an E2 visa with the guidance of a reputable lawyer. An E2 visa allows a foreign national and their family to move to and operate a business within the United States. This process, however, can prove complex, and see many applications rejected if any vital information is missing, especially with regards to your financial position and/or company plan of action.

A few of the most significant conditions to consider include:

• The foreign citizen must come from a country that maintains a treaty of commerce with the United States.
• They must prove they are moving with the sole purpose of opening/operating the business.
• The business can be new or functioning.
• They are willing to invest a significant amount of capital into the enterprise.
• They control/own at least half of the business.
• Their financial legitimacy and stability must be evident.
• Their business must prove investment-worthy.

The role of an E2 visa lawyer

The role of an E2 visa attorney is to ensure that the process of obtaining an E2 visa is smooth and done so correctly. Rather than jumping in blind and attempting to handle every requirement by yourself, hiring an attorney with the correct qualifications, experience, and expertise may save you a lot of time, money, and stress. An E2 visa lawyer assists clients in multiple key ways, and may continue to do so if they require a visa renewal in the future. This ongoing support and transparency are essential aspects to look out for.

Keyways in which an E2 visa lawyer may help include:

• Gathers all appropriate materials/documents required for the obtainment of an E2 visa
• Ensures all areas of application are completed to a satisfactory level
• Assists in managing overall business
• Ensures clients are well informed with correct data
• Addresses any pressing concerns and/or questions
• Stays in open communication with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and U.S. embassy officials
• Submits forms on your behalf
• Monitors and maintains E2 visa process

What to look for in an E2 visa lawyer

While it may be tempting to hire the cheapest lawyer that seems well-tailored to multiple niches, finding an immigration lawyer that focuses predominantly or solely on E2 visa applications may be the wisest step. It is also essential to determine how reputable and trusted they are. It would be disappointing to spend money on a lawyer, and go through the application process together, only to have it denied due to inexperienced or misguided assistance. Ensuring that you do your homework first, as well as seeking reviews and recommendations, is a key step in picking the right firm for your case, such as San Diego immigration attorneys.

A few important points to consider when looking include:

• The field that they specialize in
• How many times your E2 visa attorney and their law firm have been denied
• The level of expertise and experience that they’ve acquired
• Proof of training and correct licenses/qualifications
• How many clients they work with on an annual or monthly basis
• If they are considered reputable
• If they’ve been subjected to harsh feedback or discontent from clients
• If they work within a team who can pick up the slack if something were to happen to one lawyer
• Allows you constant access to your file
• Has your best interests at heart
• Are willing to work with you both during and after the E2 visa application process

Final thoughts

Acquiring an E2 visa may be your ticket to owning a successful enterprise within the United States. It is essential, however, to approach the process with the correct level of understanding and assistance. Hiring an E2 visa immigration lawyer is a step worth considering in order to avoid any obvious application mistakes, and to ensure that every little detail and deadline is met to an appropriate standard.

If chosen carefully, your E2 visa attorney will be able to offer you a high level of expertise, direction, and management of your E2 visa application activity. Ongoing support if a renewal is required in the future is also an important part of what they do. Direct communications with USCIS and the U.S. embassy on your behalf is another key perk. Ensuring that you research lawyers first, however, and determine whether they have the correct qualifications and training is essential. This will minimize the chances of your case being denied or paying too much for little or flawed guidance.