Writer: Manal Zafar

How to get e2 visa for Pakistani?  Anyone with a good investment budget wants to do business in a first-world country, e.g., America. If we talk about the Pakistanis, either they can invest or initiate a business. Then, definitely, they can. Pakistan, as a treaty country, gives permission to its citizens to expand their businesses in the USA. Generally, the question arises that how to apply for E2 Visa from Pakistan.

Generally, a citizen of a treaty country—one with which the United States maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation, or with which the United States maintains a qualifying international agreement, or which has been designated a qualifying country by law—is eligible to enter the country under the E2 nonimmigrant visa classification if they invest a sizable amount of money in a U.S. company. It’s also possible that some workers for that person or for a qualifying company qualify for this categorization.

Here, we will take a look at some of the requirements of these E2 visas and find out if they are actually good for business people who want to invest in Pakistan.

Requirements for E-2

Following includes the requirements of E2 Visa for Pakistani;

• You must be a citizen of a nation which has a treaty with the United States
• It requires a minimum 50% ownership percentage and an investor commitment of at least US $100,000.
• Usually, you can move to the US to launch and run the company.
• Additionally, you must generate substantial profits for investors and the economy by hiring Americans.
• Obviously, Money has to be “at risk”

E2 Visa Requirements Description:

To get an in-depth analysis of E2 visa requirements we drafted some details to have a clear view of E2 visa for Pakistani;

• Investment Amount

Although there is no set investment amount needed, it must be appropriate for the type of business the investor is beginning. Some companies, like those in the trucking industry, would need $100,000 – $200,000 .The E2 minimum investment to launch a franchise might just need Approx. $100,000 and more. The investment amount may be used to cover a wide range of startup-related costs.

• Investment Capital at Risk
  

The business should be run, managed, and developed by the investor. E2 investors visa must typically own and control at least 50% of the US business and have the requisite nationality .The money cannot be guaranteed, and the investment must be considered “at-risk,” meaning there is a chance of both gains and losses. 

• Establish a Business

E2 Pakistani investors must be able to move to the US to establish and manage the business. It is essential that the business should be operational.

• Proper Business Plan

There must be a legitimate and comprehensive business plan for the investor. In addition to personnel hiring, the plan should include objectives and benchmarks for the US company’s operations.

• Ready to takeoff upon E2 termination

Since the E2 visa category is a non-immigrant visa category, any E2 visa personnel must be able and willing to leave the US upon the termination of their E2 visa status. However, if certain requirements are met, the E2 Treaty investor visa may be renewed forever.

• Duration of stay in the US

A maximum initial stay of two years will be permitted for qualified treaty investors and staff. Requests for up to two-year extensions of stay or changes of status to the E-2 classification may be granted. An E2 nonimmigrant visa may be granted as many extensions as necessary. However, all E2 nonimmigrants must continue to intend to leave the country after their status expires or is cancelled.

If a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officer finds that an E-2 nonimmigrant is acceptable, they will typically award them an automatic two-year period of readmission upon their return to the country.

E2 visa processing time:

The location of the investor affects how quickly an E2 visa for Pakistani will be processed. The typical wait time for an investor who is in the United States is five months. The processing time for E2 visas obtained through a consulate is 2 weeks. Most E2 petitions are submitted through the American Consulate abroad. Depending on the consulate, the processing period for an E2 visa can change, although it often takes two weeks to four months. The Consulate will schedule an interview with the applicant after the initial evaluation is over. If the E2 visa is accepted, it can take up to a week before the actual visa is issued. Although some U.S. consulates provide projected processing periods on their websites, applicants should wait until the visa has been stamped in their passport because processing durations vary between consulates and approval of an E2 visa is not assured.

E2 Visa consultants in Pakistan:

E2 Visa consultants can help you navigate the E-2 Visa Program through our presence in Pakistan in conjunction with our U.S. Legal Partner. These consultants usually guide a whole procedure to acquire an E2 Visa. Hiring a consultant pave your path but they charge a due commission for their services. In order to get yourself out from hustle just go for consultant for a smooth procedure. Otherwise by detail analysis you can do by yourself.

Documents required for E2 Application:

Following a set of documents you should need to file an E2 application,

• DS-160 form
• Treaty Investor application
• Your Resume with proper information
• Passport validity must exceed more than 6 months
• Passport size photographs
• Proof of funds/investing capital
• Proof of the business’s establishment in the U.S.
•  proof of remittance to the US
• Evidence that the business is promising and will significantly boost the American economy
•  Evidence that the company is a legitimate, active entity.
•  U.S. investment proof

Conclusion

By fulfilling the above requirements, Pakistanis are eligible for the E2 visa. These requirements are significantly fulfilled to qualify for E-2 visa. Depending on the type of business that a Pakistani investor is interested in, he may decide to invest a sizeable sum in multinational enterprises, franchises, restaurants, consulting firms, or the purchase of an already existing business.