E-2 Visa for Indian, Russian and Chinese Citizens
Getting an E-2 Visa when you are from a non-treaty country like India, China and Russia is more complicated than if you were seeking a visa from another country, but our E-2 Visa lawyers are here to help.
E-2 Visa for Indian, Russian and Chinese Citizens
Many foreign nationals come to the United States as a treaty investor or trader on an E-2 Visa or E-1 Visa. These are very popular options for non-immigrant foreign investors and workers. Among the eligibility requirements for E-1 and E-2 Visas for the United States, one is your nationality.
You may be eligible for an E-1 or E-2 Visa only if your country maintains a special treaty of commerce or friendship with the United States (Treaty Countries). A list of Treaty Countries is available on E-2VisaWorld’s home page. Being a citizen of a treaty country is the first requirement to successfully obtaining an investor or trade visa.
E-2 Visa Non-Treaty Countries
Over 60 countries worldwide have E-1 and E-2 Visa treaties in place with the United States. Notable examples of countries that are not included among the Treaty Countries are India, China, Russia, and Brazil. The nationals from these countries have the EB-5 Visa as the only option in order to move and work in the United States under an investor status.
Unfortunately, EB-5 Visas (which is actually a Green Card reserved to investors) have become increasingly challenging to obtain. The minimum investment required, effective November 2019, has increased to $900,000 for distressed areas referred to as Targeted Employment Areas (TEA) and to $1.8 million for any other area in the United States.
E-2 Visa Through Second Citizenship
In light of the clear financial challenges connected to the EB-5 Visa, the best option for nationals of India, China, Russia, and Brazil is to join a program known as Citizenship by Investment (CBI). This enables them to gain second citizenship of a country actually listed among the Treaty Countries. These programs were created by certain countries to attract foreign direct investment by providing citizenship in return.
There are currently only a few countries that offer CBI programs. Turkey and Grenada, which are part of the Treaty Countries, are among the most popular. Brazilian nationals may also have the option to apply for an E-2 Visa through citizenship by descent from a European Union state, most likely Spain and Italy.
Once the second citizenship from a Treaty Country has been obtained, it will be possible to apply for the E-1 or E-2 Visas based on that citizenship.
E-2 Visa Second Citizenship in Grenada
Grenada is the easiest to apply for citizenship by investment because of its diversified program. Grenada citizenship can be obtained by making a $150,000 donation to the Island Transformation Fund or by making a real estate investment in the minimum amount of $350,000. It takes about 12 weeks to obtain Grenada citizenship.
E-2 Visa Second Citizenship in Turkey
In 2016, Turkey announced a citizenship investment program for foreigners. This is another option for those seeking United States immigration via the E-2 Visa as a national from a U.S. non-treaty country.
The bank deposit route is the most popular option for individuals to gain citizenship by depositing $500,000 into a Turkey bank account that needs to be maintained for a minimum of three years. Your other two investment options are a real estate investment ($250,000) and a capital investment ($500,000). The process of becoming a Turkey national takes about three to six months for completion.
E-2 Visa Investment Requirements
E-2 Visas investment requirements specify that the Visa may be granted based on a substantial investment made in a U.S. active business enterprise. U.S. Immigration laws do not set forth a minimum investment. However, it is highly advisable to invest at least $80,000. E-2 Visa applications supported by lower investment have been – and are currently being – approved, but certainly are more challenging and may result in a refusal.
E-2 Visa Second Citizenship Investment Requirements
If you are a Indian, Russian, Chinese, or Brazilian national and wish to apply for an E-2 Visa through the citizenship of another Treaty Country – such as Grenada or Turkey – you should keep in mind that this process will cost you more than it otherwise would. In addition to the usual E-2 Visa investment and related expenses, you will have to pay for the investment – or donation – and application fees to become a Grenada or Turkey citizen.
This route is still more convenient than going through the EB-5 visa route, which –noted above – requires a minimum investment of $900,000. It also takes much longer to get approved (at least 18 months).
Applying for an E-2 Visa as a Russian or Chinese national may cost you as low as $350,000 as opposed to $900,000 required for the EB-5 investment. If you apply for Grenada citizenship, the entire E-2 Visa process may take only six months. It is a little longer and more expensive if you go through Turkey citizenship.
Contact E-2VisaWorld for Your E-2 Visa Through Second Citizenship
The process to obtain an E-1 Visa or E-2 Visa as an Indian, Chinese or Russian national to go through Grenada or Turkey citizenship is definitely doable and worth the hassle. Many people have immigrated to the U.S. following this process.
Our E-2 Visa attorneys will guide you through the process and can provide you with a full package, including Grenada or Turkey citizenship plus the E-2 Visa application. Our E-2 Visa lawyers have helped several foreign individuals and businesses through this process, and we can help you too. Contact E-2VisaWorld today!