Maria Vizdoaga explained to the Moldovan business owners in the United States the benefits of obtaining an E-2 investor's visa. The presentation focused on the steps that each investor must take to have a successful application with the U.S. consulates abroad or with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

The E-2 investor's visa allows foreign investors that have the nationality of countries, which have a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States, to open or purchase an enterprise, make a substantial investment in it and operate the business owning at least 50% of company shares.

To qualify for an E-2 investor's visa, you must:

• Be a national of a country the United States has a treaty of commerce and navigation with;
• Have invested or be in the process of investing a substantial amount of capital in a bona fide enterprise in the United States; and
• Intend to enter the United States solely to develop and direct the investment enterprise.

Spouses of E-2 workers in valid E-2 status may engage in employment without restriction and can easily apply for an employment authorization document.

Qualified treaty investors and employees are allowed a maximum initial stay of two years, regardless of the length of the visa issued by a U.S. Consulate. Requests for extension of stay in, or changes of status to, E-2 classification may be granted in increments of up to two years each. Investors can apply for an extension and they are usually granted if the business is operating.

If you want to find out whether you qualify for an E-2 investor's visa, book a consultation with Vizdoaga Law Office and let's get started on your business.