So You Don’t Have 1 Million USD, Here Is Your Investor’s US Visa
Posted on January 1st, 2009
Investor’s visa to the United States come in other forms than the 5th Preference employment-based category which requires an investment of one million dollars. This particular type of visa requires an investment of one million dollars. Pretty hefty for a Filipino investor. There is actually another type called E visa that does not require this amount of investment. The major requirement for this type of visa is that the country to which the applicant is a nationality of, must have entered a trade and investment treaty with the United States, and the Philippines is one such country. Hence, one may apply under this category provided that the applicant must have direct control of the enterprise, owning at least 50% thereof and operates control through a managerial position or other means. Investment must be direct or is actively in the process of investing in the enterprise. Likewise, investment needs to be substantial to show financial commitment to a successful operation of an enterprise which is not considered marginal. Intention to depart the United States must likewise be shown upon the expiration of the status.
The E visa does not lead to permanent residency; it is a non-immigrant visa classification but can likewise be extended to the spouse and minor children of the E visa holder. The spouse may also be eligible to get a work permit under this classification. The E visa is issued for an initial period of two years and can be extended by a proper showing that the trade and investment remains substantial. Suffice it to note that the visa holder is required to return once the validity period of the visa expires.
In conclusion, in order for you to qualify under this visa qualification, your investment has to be substantial, meaning a major one that you cannot afford to fail at. This requires a degree of proof to be validated, but sure beats a one million dollar investment.
