Investor Visas in Los Angeles

For entrepreneurs and business professionals seeking opportunities within the U.S., the E-1 and E-2 Investor Visas provide invaluable pathways to establish and grow enterprises. These visas allow individuals to conduct substantial trade or invest significant capital in a U.S.-based business, contributing to economic development while fostering professional ambitions.

At the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C., we are dedicated to helping clients fully understand their options and successfully apply for these investor visas, particularly within the vibrant and opportunity-rich city of Los Angeles.

Understanding E-1 and E-2 Investor Visas

The E-1 Treaty Trader and the E-2 Treaty Investor visas are designed for nationals of countries that maintain qualifying treaties of commerce and navigation with the United States. While both serve distinct purposes, they aim to promote international trade and investment.

E-1 Treaty Trader Visa

The E-1 visa is intended for individuals or businesses engaged in substantial trade between their country of citizenship and the United States. Trade can include goods, services, banking activities, or other forms of commerce, and the visa holder must demonstrate that their business maintains a significant flow of transactions to qualify.

E-2 Treaty Investor Visa

The E-2 visa is tailored to investors who plan to establish or purchase a U.S.-based business. Applicants must invest substantially in a legitimate business enterprise, actively manage the business, and demonstrate that the enterprise will contribute to the U.S. economy. While there is no fixed monetary threshold, investments must be substantial relative to the type of business and capable of generating profit.

The E Visa Classification as an Immigration Option for Foreign Investors and Entrepreneurs

Foreigners that have either a business in their home country or have the capital or can raise the capital to establish a business in the US, there is an option for obtaining long term status in the US that confers a lot of privileges to the applicant.  This is either through the E-1 “treaty traders” or the E-2 “treaty investors.”  Both classifications required that 1) the alien seeking E status is a national of a country with an appropriate treaty; 2) the US business to employ the alien is owned at least 50% by nationals of the same country as the E alien; 3) the trade or investment by the treaty nationals is “substantial”; and 4) the alien seeking E status either is an actual investor in the US business, has an executive or supervisory position in the US business, or possesses skills essential to the US business.

The major distinction between the two is that under the E-1, the US business must conduct “substantial trade” with and for which over 50% of the substantial trade conducted with the treaty country. On the other hand, the E-2 requires “substantial investment” in the US business.

The E classification offers several advantages over other employment based non-immigrant classifications such as the H-1b and the L-1.  First, no prior preapproved petition is required from the CIS.  The immigrant may apply directly with the US Consulate. Second, there is no time limit an alien may stay in the US under an E classification.  Third, there is no required affiliation with a foreign company if the US business is owned by at least 50% by nationals of the alien’s treaty country.  Fourth, there is no requirement that the alien worked with a foreign affiliate. Fifth, the Alien’s dependent Spouse may legally work in the United States. The major disadvantage of the E is that either substantial investment or substantial trade with the treaty country is required.  Also, this is not an option is the alien’s country does not have a treaty with the United States.

Alien investors can come to the US on a B-1 to evaluate business and investment opportunities.  For more conservative investors, a safer option for maximizing success from both an immigration angle and a business angle is to purchase an existing business.  Purchasing an existing and profitable business is more likely to satisfy the “substantial investment” requirement.  Preparing an E case requires the presenting of legal and financial documents which reflects the ownership structure of the business as well as its financial condition.  In the case of a new business, a well-put-together business plan should be prepared.  It may be necessary to employ the services of other experts such as a CPA in addition to the immigration attorney.  Due to the complexity of the E classification, aliens should seek the assistance of an experienced immigration attorney. 

The Benefits of Los Angeles Investor Visas

Los Angeles is among the most dynamic cities for international business, offering a robust economy, a strategic location, and a diverse customer base. E-1 and E-2 visa holders benefit from access to the thriving markets of Southern California and the connections and opportunities provided by LA’s global trade networks. These visas allow individuals to reside in the U.S. with their families while operating their businesses, creating an optimal balance between personal and professional advancement.

How the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. Can Help

Navigating the intricacies of investor visa applications can be challenging, particularly in a jurisdiction with as much complexity as Los Angeles. At the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C., we leverage extensive knowledge of immigration law and local business landscapes to guide clients through the prerequisites, documentation, and presentation required for E-1 and E-2 visas.

Our team works closely with clients to structure their applications, ensuring that all eligibility criteria are addressed and that their business plans align with the visa’s intent.

Whether you want to expand your international trade network or establish a thriving business in Los Angeles, the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. can provide the personalized legal assistance you need.

Call (213) 798-4854 to discuss how we can support your E-1 or E-2 visa application process.