Starting an E2 visa journey can feel overwhelming, but you’ve come to the right place. With the help of Yondaa, you’ll be on the path to securing your investor visa in no time. Their incorporation services make starting a U.S. company a breeze. Forming an LLC, C-Corp, or other entity through them takes care of the necessary legal groundwork. The process is streamlined and affordable.
With corporate tax rates at a competitive 21% for C-Corps, the U.S. offers a prime environment for entrepreneurs and investors. Yondaa also offers E2 visa applications for companies seeking to enter the U.S. on the investor visa program.
Understanding the E2 Visa Requirements
To qualify for an E2 investor visa, you’ll need to meet several requirements. The most important are:
Making a substantial investment in a real operating enterprise. This means investing funds and resources into an active, ongoing U.S. business. The investment amount depends on the type of business but is typically close to or over $100,000.
Being in a position to develop and direct the enterprise. You must have control of the funds and be actively involved in managing the business.
The investment must be at risk in the commercial sense. There must be a chance of financial loss if the business fails. The investment cannot be marginal or insignificant to the overall business.
The purpose of the investment must be to make a profit. You must intend to generate income from the investment and business activity.
The investment must create jobs for Americans or generate revenue for the U.S. economy. The business should have a positive impact, though there are no specific job creation targets.
You must be from an E2 treaty country. Only citizens of countries with an E2 treaty with the U.S. can qualify for an E2 visa. Check if your country of citizenship is on the list.
You must have the required business experience and background. While there are no strict requirements, USCIS will consider your relevant education, training, and experience that qualifies you to develop and direct the enterprise.
Following these guidelines carefully and with the help of an experienced immigration attorney can make applying for an E2 visa more straightforward. Partnering with a company like Yondaa to form your U.S. business entity is also recommended to ensure it meets all requirements. With the right preparation, you’ll be well on your way to building your enterprise in America!
Note: We also have an extensive whitepaper on the E2 application process that you can download here.Â
How to Obtain an E2 Visa Through a U.S. Business
To get an E2 investor visa, you’ll need to invest in an active U.S. company. One way to do this is by using an incorporation service like Yondaa to form your business.
First, choose what kind of company you want to start: LLC, corporation, partnership or nonprofit. Each has its own requirements and tax implications, so do some research to determine what’s right for your needs. Yondaa can help explain the options and set up the necessary legal documents to get your company up and running.
Next, you’ll need to invest a “substantial amount of capital in the company. This means putting at least $50,000 to $100,000 into the business, depending on the type. The funds must be committed to developing the company, not just sitting in a bank account. Keep records showing the source of your investment and how the money will be used to grow the business.
With your new company formed and investment funds secured, you can apply for an E2 visa. You’ll need to submit forms I-129 and I-539, proof of your company ownership or partnership, a comprehensive business plan outlining how you’ll develop and direct the company, and evidence of the investment amount. If approved, you’ll receive a 5-year E2 visa allowing you to work for the company in the U.S.
Using a service like Yondaa to establish your company provides guidance to help you meet E2 requirements. Their financing options and registered agent services also support your business needs once you’ve obtained your investor visa. With the right preparation and partners, you’ll be on your way to entrepreneurial success in America.
Incorporating Your Business with Yondaa
Incorporating your business in the U.S. is the first step to obtaining an E2 investor visa. Yondaa makes the process simple by handling all the legal paperwork for you.
With Yondaa, you can form an LLC, C-Corp, or other entity that best fits your business needs. Their affordable packages include a legal business address in the U.S. even before you arrive. Yondaa will file your articles of incorporation with the state, creating your company in as little as 1-2 business days.
Once your company is formed, you’ll need to show the investment funds required for an E2 visa, which is a minimum of around $100,000. The actual amount depends on your business and location. Yondaa offers flexible financing and payment plans to help you meet the investment threshold. They understand the challenges of launching a startup in a new country and will work with you to find funding solutions.
A major perk of setting up your business with Yondaa is their virtual office and mailing address service. Even if you’re still living outside the U.S., your company will have an official mailing address and business phone number in the state where you incorporate. This establishes your business presence and gives you a head start on meeting the ‘doing business’ requirement for the E2 visa.
Yondaa’s expertise in company formations and investor visas will set you up for success. Their dedicated startup specialists will walk you through every step of launching your U.S. company and preparing for your E2 visa application. For a stress-free experience establishing your business in America, choose Yondaa. Within a few months, you could be living your dream of running a company in the land of opportunity!
Opening a U.S. Business Bank Account
Next, you’ll want to open a business bank account for your new company. This establishes your company as a legitimate business in the U.S. and provides a means for conducting financial transactions. Yondaa has some great banking partner relationships to help you get that setup online and remotely without the need to visit the U.S.
You’ll need to provide documents like your company’s articles of incorporation, tax ID number, business licenses or permits, and personal ID to open an account. Be prepared to pay fees for account maintenance and transactions. Shop around at different banks to find an account that suits your company’s needs.
Once your account is open, you can start accepting client payments, paying vendors, issuing checks, and more importantly in the name of your U.S. company. This is an important step towards building your business credit and establishing legitimacy as an investor.
Remember, as the account owner you are responsible for adhering to all banking regulations. Keep good records of all transactions, monitor the account regularly for any unauthorized activity, and maintain a positive balance. Failure to do so could result in penalties or account closure.
Opening a business bank account is a straightforward but crucial process for your E2 visa journey. Take your time to find an account and bank that meets your needs. Be prepared with the necessary documentation to get started, and keep your account in good standing once it’s open. With a U.S. bank account, you’ll be well on your way to launching and growing your business in America.
Next Steps After Forming Your U.S. Company
Once your U.S. company has been formed with Yondaa, it’s time to take the necessary next steps to ensure your E2 investor visa application is approved.
First, you’ll need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for your company. This is like a Social Security number for businesses and is required for opening a U.S. business bank account. You can apply for an EIN on the IRS website for free.
Next, open a U.S. business bank account. This shows U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that your company is operational and ready to do business in America. Provide your company documents and EIN to open an account.
Then, develop a comprehensive business plan that outlines how you will invest in and operate your U.S. company. Explain your experience, business model, marketing plan, and financial projections. Provide evidence showing you have invested or are in the process of investing the required amount of at least $100,000 in the company.
Once you have formed the company, obtained an EIN, opened a business bank account, and created a solid business plan, you are ready to file Form I-526 with USCIS to apply for your E2 investor visa. Be prepared to attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.
If your E2 application is approved, you can travel to the U.S. to actively manage your business. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 may be eligible for dependent E2 visas to accompany you. E2 visas are initially granted for up to 2 years, but can be extended indefinitely so long as your company remains operational.
Using a service like Yondaa to form your U.S. company helps ensure the process goes smoothly so you can focus on building a successful American business. With the right preparation and documentation, your E2 investor visa journey can begin!
Conclusion
So there you have it, my friend! With the right business plan and a qualifying investment, you can be well on your way to getting that coveted E2 visa. Just remember to do your research, get your finances in order, and incorporate properly.
Companies like Yondaa make the process smooth and easy by handling all the legal paperwork and filings for you. Their business address services ensure you remain compliant wherever you end up basing your new U.S. operations and they have a team of attorneys to help in your E2 visa application.
