Many people would love to come to the United States and contribute to the United States economy while at the same time living in a country that suits an investor’s desired environment. The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa provides an avenue for individuals of countries that have a treaty agreement with the United States, to come to this country and invest in an existing business, or start a new business. Either way, the amount of the investment must be substantial enough to prove that it is more likely than not the investment will be successful and create jobs for many United States citizens and lawful permanent residents.
United States immigration law requires that an E-2 visa holder have more than a “marginal” investment. This means that the investment must produce income that is more than enough to support the E-2 visa holder and his or her family. While there is no minimum requirement for how much the investment must be, the investment must be substantial enough relative to the business in question. For example, if you wish to come to the United States only to make a living, the E-2 visa would not be the best way for you to obtain employment in this country. If you have the ability to invest money or goods with substantial value that are likely to generate a profit-making enterprise, or if you are able to make a large contribution to an already successful enterprise, then the E-2 visa may be the best option.
What is a Marginal Investment?
A marginal investment is one that may help to generate income, but will only do so for a limited number of people. As stated above, making a living is a goal that many people have and they simply want to earn enough income to support their families. Such a minimal investment will not have much of an effect, if any, on the growth of the United States economy and the creation of jobs for United States citizens and lawful permanent residents.
If a person or company does not have the required amount of control of the invested funds or goods, and if the investment is not at risk in a commercial enterprise, then the investment is marginal and not likely to have any real impact on improving the economy or creating jobs. Further, if the investor is not directing the enterprise in some way, and not coming to the United States for the sole purpose of furthering an enterprise, but instead intends to invest money that will generate a minimal return, the investment may be deemed marginal.
Contact Our Immigration Attorneys at Geygan & Geygan, Ltd. For a Free Consultation
The best way to find out if an E-2 Treaty Investor Visa is the right fit for you in terms of investing in an operating enterprise in the United States, is to contact an immigration attorney who has specific knowledge in how immigration and commerce intertwine. A qualified immigration attorney will evaluate your particular situation and help you determine what the best option is for you to fulfill your goals. It may turn out that an E-2 visa is not the best way for you to work and prosper in the United States. At Geygan & Geygan, Ltd., our experienced immigration attorneys have helped individuals and companies find their place in the United States in a lawful and beneficial way for both investors and the United States economy. To learn me, contact our office today at 513-791-1673 to schedule your free consultation with one of our immigration attorneys.