Todo lo que un emprendedor necesita saber
Angelica Rice • September 1, 2022
Click here to read this article in English and Portuguese
Las visas E-2 son una de las visas de negocios más populares para los empresarios que desean comenzar un negocio en los Estados Unidos.
Son ventajosas porque no hay cantidad limitada para ellas (siempre que uno sea elegible para la visa, se puede otorgar en cualquier momento), se pueden renovar o extender una cantidad ilimitada de veces y el costo de inversión es mucho menor que el Visa EB-5, mucho menos de $500,000. Por último, la cantidad de empleados que se espera que la empresa admita para una visa E-2 es de aproximadamente 3-4, no un mínimo de 10 como el EB-5. El único inconveniente es que no son un camino directo a una tarjeta verde (Green Card o Tarjeta de residente permanente).
¿La visa E2 es adecuada para usted? Sigue leyendo para averiguarlo.
¿Qué es una visa E-2?
La visa E-2 es una visa de comerciante e inversionista por tratado para los Estados Unidos. Es una categoría de visa de no inmigrante de Estados Unidos y se emite para inversores individuales o empresas inversoras de países que tienen un tratado con los Estados Unidos. La inversión puede ser en cualquier industria o negocio.
¿Mi país tiene un tratado con los EE.UU.?
Para ser elegible para una visa E-2, su país de origen debe tener un tratado con los Estados Unidos que le permita ser elegible para la visa. Se puede encontrar una lista completa de los países del tratado en el sitio web del Departamento de Estado, consulte el enlace a continuación.
¿Cuáles son los requisitos de elegibilidad para una visa E-2?
Para ser elegible para una visa E-2, hay varios criterios que debe cumplir, tales como:
- Si es un inversionista individual, debe ser nacional de un país que tenga un tratado de inversión con los Estados Unidos.
- Si el solicitante es una empresa, debe ser propiedad de al menos el 50% de un país con tratado de inversión.
- Si una empresa envía a un empleado con una visa E-2, el empleado debe ser nacional de un país con tratado de inversión, así como estar en un puesto de supervisión, gerencia, ejecutivo o conocimiento especializado (empleado esencial).
- El inversionista (individuo o empresa) debe tener la intención de invertir una cantidad sustancial de capital en un negocio de buena fe, existente o nuevo. Una empresa de buena fe es una empresa real que produce productos o servicios y es rentable.
- El inversionista (individual o empresa) debe asegurarse de que el negocio genere más ganancias que solo para ganarse la vida. Las nuevas empresas están exentas del requisito de beneficio marginal, pero deben cumplir este requisito en un plazo de cinco años.
- El inversionista (individuo o empresa) debe tener el objetivo de desarrollar aún más el negocio a través de esa inversión.
- El inversionista (individuo o empresa) debe colocar los fondos en una cuenta bancaria o un agente hasta que se apruebe su visa.
- El inversionista debe tener la intención de regresar a su país de origen una vez que termine su trabajo.
El último requisito es uno de los más importantes, ya que la mayoría de las personas tienden a tener problemas con esto a medida que continúa su estadía en los Estados Unidos. Esto se convierte especialmente en un problema y es una posible violación del estatus de la visa E-2, cuando uno desea solicitar una visa EB-2 mientras se encuentra en los Estados Unidos. Visite nuestro artículo relacionado sobre las visas de negocios EB-2
de Kyle Huffman
para obtener más información sobre las visas EB-2.
El monto de inversión objetivo para una visa E-2 suele oscilar entre $ 100,000 y $ 200,000; sin embargo, en ciertas circunstancias, una inversión más pequeña a veces es suficiente para cumplir con el requisito. Lo contrario también es cierto, ya que una inversión superior a $ 100,000 - $ 200,000 ciertamente cumple con el requisito, en caso de que el negocio sea uno que necesite dicha financiación.
¿Por cuánto tiempo es válida mi visa E-2?
La duración de la validez de su Visa E-2 depende de su nacionalidad y puede variar de 3 meses a 5 años. Esto también se conoce como el "período de reciprocidad". Esencialmente, el período de validez de la Visa E-2 está establecido por el Tratado entre su país y los Estados Unidos.
El período de validez es el período de tiempo para el que se emite la visa E-2: hasta la fecha de vencimiento de su visa E-2, se le permitirá ingresar a los Estados Unidos.
¿Cuánto tiempo puedo permanecer en los Estados Unidos después de ingresar con mi visa E-2?
Esto se conoce como el “período de estadía”, que es diferente del “período de vigencia” mencionado anteriormente. El período de estadía es la duración de su estadía en los Estados Unidos, independientemente del período de validez de su visa E-2. El período de estadía se le asignará a su llegada a los Estados Unidos y para la Visa E-2 será de 2 años. Si desea permanecer en los Estados Unidos por más tiempo, debe renovar o extender el período de estadía de su Visa E2.
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre Renovación y Extensión?
La diferencia radica en si uno planea permanecer en los Estados Unidos para extender su visa, o si está dispuesto a viajar de regreso a su país de origen y renovar su visa en el consulado.
Si decide salir de los Estados Unidos y volver a ingresar, su visa E-2 se renovará automáticamente por otros 2 años.
Si desea permanecer en los Estados Unidos y extender su visa E-2, debe presentar una solicitud I-539 con USCIS. Las extensiones se otorgan en incrementos de 2 años y se pueden extender tantas veces como el inversionista desee. Se otorgarán extensiones siempre que el inversionista continúe cumpliendo con todos los requisitos de elegibilidad para la visa E-2 y continúe demostrando su intención de regresar a su país de origen.
Si un inversionista E-2 se vuelve elegible para otro tipo de visa, puede solicitar un cambio de estado ante USCIS.
¿Puedo incluir a mis dependientes en una visa E-2?
Sí. Los dependientes incluyen al cónyuge y los hijos solteros y menores de 21 años, del titular de la visa. Pueden aplicar al mismo tiempo que el titular principal de la visa o más tarde después de que ya se haya otorgado la visa E-2.
Con una visa E-2, los dependientes pueden estudiar y el cónyuge puede trabajar. A partir del 12 de noviembre de 2021, la capacidad de trabajar de un cónyuge E-2 depende de su estado E-2. Esto significa que si un cónyuge E-2 tiene los documentos para demostrar que tiene un estado E-2 válido (es decir, un aviso de aprobación E-2 y un I-94 válido), puede trabajar sin tener que presentar una solicitud de autorización de empleo. (Formulario I-765). Si el cónyuge todavía quiere una tarjeta EAD física y quiere tener documentación para mostrar la autorización de trabajo y su identidad, puede presentar una solicitud I-765 pero no está obligado a hacerlo.
Si los dependientes desean extender su estadía, deben presentar una solicitud I-539. No obtienen renovaciones automáticas si salen de los Estados Unidos y regresan. Además, si el titular principal de la visa cambia su estatus, los dependientes también serán elegibles para el cambio de estatus.
¿Cuál es el tiempo de procesamiento de una visa E2?
Los tiempos de procesamiento varían dependiendo de si presenta la solicitud en un consulado o dentro de los Estados Unidos con USCIS. Si presenta la solicitud con USCIS, el tiempo de procesamiento suele ser de 3 a 5 meses. Para conocer los tiempos de procesamiento más actualizados, visite la página web de tiempos de procesamiento de USCIS a continuación.
Si presenta la solicitud en el consulado, el tiempo de procesamiento varía según el país en el que presente la solicitud.
¿Cuántas veces puedo entrar y salir de los Estados Unidos usando mi visa E-2?
Ya sea que se emita una visa E-2 para una sola entrada o entradas múltiples, depende del tratado de su país con los Estados Unidos, específicamente la tabla de reciprocidad en el sitio web del Departamento de Estado. Vea el enlace a continuación.
Si desea obtener más información sobre cómo solicitar una visa E2, comuníquese con la firma de abogados Santos Lloyd y nuestro talentoso equipo de experimentados abogados de inmigración estará encantado de ayudarlo.
Este blog no pretende ser un consejo legal y nada aquí debe interpretarse como el establecimiento de una relación abogado-cliente. Programe una consulta con un abogado de inmigración antes de actuar sobre cualquier información que lea aquí.
This Facebook widget is no longer supported.
Similar Posts
As an immigration law firm, we regularly assist highly skilled professionals working in the U.S. on temporary work visas such as H-1B who are seeking a path to permanent residency. For many of these individuals, the EB-2 and EB-3 employment-based green card categories are the most pursued—and frequently misunderstood—routes . While both are viable pathways to permanent residency, they differ in meaningful ways that can significantly impact the timing, eligibility, and overall strategy of your case. The EB-2 category is intended for individuals who either hold an advanced degree or demonstrate exceptional ability in their field . Most applicants qualify by having a master’s degree (or higher), or a bachelor’s degree accompanied by at least five years of progressive experience in their profession. There is also a subcategory within EB-2 known as the National Interest Waiver (NIW), which allows qualified individuals to self-petition without employer sponsorship if their work substantially benefits the United States. This route is especially relevant for researchers, entrepreneurs, and professionals in high national interest or mission-critical fields. In contrast, the EB-3 category includes professionals with a bachelor’s degree as well as skilled workers with at least two years of training or experience . While the educational threshold for EB-3 may appear less rigorous, the process itself is equally structured. One key distinction between EB-2 and EB-3 lies in the requirements of the job being offered, not just the applicant’s own credentials. For example, if a position requires only a bachelor’s degree, even a highly qualified candidate with a master’s degree may still fall under EB-3. Regardless of which category applies, most employment-based green card cases begin with the PERM labor certification process . This is a formal procedure overseen by the U.S. Department of Labor, in which the employer must test the labor market and demonstrate that there are no able, willing, qualified, and available U.S. workers for the position. The employer must also agree to pay the prevailing wage as determined by the Department of Labor. This step is both mandatory and highly detail-sensitive; inaccuracies in the job description, recruitment steps, or wage determination can lead to significant delays or even denials. Once PERM certification is approved, the employer files Form I-140 , the Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker. This petition confirms that the employee meets the requirements for the offered position under either EB-2 or EB-3, and that the employer is financially capable of providing the job as described. If the employee’s priority date—which is based on the date the PERM was filed—is current according to the Department of State’s Visa Bulletin, the individual may then file Form I-485 to adjust their status to lawful permanent resident. One of the more nuanced aspects of this process involves understanding how priority dates and visa backlogs affect the timeline. For applicants from countries with high demand, such as India or China, significant delays are common—particularly under EB-2. Paradoxically, there are times when the EB-3 category moves faster, prompting some applicants to file a second I-140 under EB-3 while retaining the original priority date. This strategy can be effective but requires careful legal planning to ensure it’s done correctly. Another strategic factor is portability. If your I-485 application has been pending for at least 180 days and your I-140 has been approved, you may be eligible to change employers under the AC21 portability provisions, so long as the new job is in the same or a similar occupational classification. This flexibility can be critical for employees who experience job changes or promotions during the often lengthy green card process. Ultimately, the choice between EB-2 and EB-3 isn’t about prestige —it’s about aligning your qualifications, the job requirements, and your immigration history with current legal standards and market conditions. The right strategy depends not only on your education and experience, but also on your long-term career goals and country of origin. At our firm, we work closely with both employers and employees to develop individualized immigration strategies that streamline the process and avoid unnecessary setbacks. Whether you're a corporate professional evaluating your green card options or an employer preparing to sponsor a key team member, we offer the insight and experience to move your case forward with confidence.
Embarking on the exhilarating journey of launching a new tech startup in the United States is a venture that blends innovation with ambition, and the dynamic landscape of the country offers an unparalleled stage for entrepreneurs to turn their groundbreaking ideas into thriving businesses. The United States highly values its position among the technology leaders of the world. In a nation fueled by a relentless pursuit of technological advancements, the process of bringing a startup to life involves navigating through a myriad of opportunities, challenges, and regulatory landscapes. This is particularly true for foreign entrepreneurs, who must also navigate the immigration system in addition to focusing on launching their businesses. Nevertheless, the United States recognizes the value in bringing technological innovators into the country and has created special considerations for immigrants with education in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) who are seeking to develop important cutting-edge technologies in the United States. These special considerations apply to the EB-2 National Interest Waiver, an immigrant visa classification which leads to permanent residency, and eventually citizenship in the United States. At the heart of every EB-2 National Interest Waiver petition is a proposed endeavor, and while these proposals for the United States can be about nearly anything, the Immigration Service is directed to recognize particular importance for proposals that aim to develop specific technologies that the Biden administration has identified as critical for U.S. competitiveness and national security. In particular, these areas of critical and emerging technologies include: Advanced Computing Advanced Engineering Materials Advanced Gas Turbine Engine Technologies Advanced Manufacturing Advanced and Networked Sensing and Signature Management Advanced Nuclear Energy Technologies Artificial Intelligence Autonomous Systems and Robotics Biotechnologies Communication and Networking Technologies Directed Energy Financial Technologies Human-Machine Interfaces Hypersonics Networked Sensors and Sensing Quantum Information Technologies Renewable Energy Generation and Storage Semiconductors and Microelectronics Space Technologies and Systems If you are a tech entrepreneur with an education in a STEM field, seeking to launch a startup in the U.S. developing any of these technologies, the EB-2 National Interest Waiver might be your ticket to permanent residency. Whether you're drawn to the iconic landscapes of Silicon Valley or the emerging tech scenes across the nation, the time is now to make your mark. If you are interested in applying for a National Interest Waiver to launch a startup in the United States, schedule an appointment with one of our skilled attorneys.
Starting July 10, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is implementing a strict new rule regarding signatures on immigration benefit requests. Taking this change seriously is crucial, as the consequences for submitting an invalid signature are severe and costly. Under the new rule, USCIS officers have the authority to deny your filing if they discover an invalid signature during the adjudication process, even if your application was already accepted and you were issued a receipt notice. If your case is denied for a signature defect, USCIS will not allow you to fix or "cure" the mistake. You will be forced to submit an entirely new petition and pay a new filing fee, which could result in missed deadlines, delayed work authorization, or even the loss of your legal status. USCIS officers may use imaging tools during adjudication to closely compare signatures across your previous filings to detect inconsistencies or copy-and-pasted images of signatures. Under the new rules, USCIS strictly considers several types of signatures to be invalid, including software-generated or digital signatures, such as those created by DocuSign, as well as copy-and-pasted or inserted images of signatures reused across multiple forms. Furthermore, stamped or typewritten names are prohibited, along with any signatures executed by anyone other than the authorized requestor, such as an attorney, interpreter, or preparer. Because USCIS now has expanded authority to outright deny cases and keep filing fees over signature defects, it is highly recommended that you adopt a practice of using wet-ink signatures for not just USCIS forms, but all documents submitted in your petition such as recommendation letters or personal statements. Thus, any upcoming petition you are filing with USCIS must include original, handwritten, “wet-ink” signatures. While USCIS does allow you to submit a scanned, photocopied, or faxed version of your application, the copy you upload or mail must be of a document that was physically signed in wet ink. Audit your signature practices before the July 10, 2026, implementation date to protect your filing fees and ensure your immigration case stays safely on track.
Navigating U.S. immigration law can often feel like learning a completely new language. Two terms that frequently confuse are lawful status and a period of authorized stay. While they sound similar and both relate to your ability to remain in the United States, they are distinct legal concepts. Understanding the difference is critical. Mixing them up can accidentally lead to visa violations, unlawful presence, and severe long-term immigration consequences. 1. What is Lawful Status? Lawful status means you have been officially granted the right to be in the United States by the U.S. government, and that right is currently active. You hold a lawful status if you are: A U.S. citizen or national. A Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or Conditional Permanent Resident. A nonimmigrant who was lawfully admitted to the country for a temporary period (such as on a tourist, student, or work visa). For temporary visa holders, your lawful status is directly tied to your Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record). As long as the date on your I-94 has not passed, and you are actively following the rules of your visa - such as maintaining a full course load on an F-1 student visa or working only for your approved sponsor on an H-1B visa - you are in lawful status. 2. What is a Period of Authorized Stay? A period of authorized stay is essentially a temporary legal buffer. It means the government allows you to physically remain in the country for the time being, but you do not hold an active, lawful status. The most common way to enter this buffer zone is by filing to extend, change, or adjust your visa status before your current permission expires. While you wait for USCIS to make a decision, your Form I-94 expiration date will often pass. At that exact moment, your active lawful status officially ends. However, because you submitted your application on time, you automatically enter a period of authorized stay for as long as your case remains pending. It is important to note that, while this authorized stay stops you from accruing unlawful presence (the dangerous clock that triggers multi-year reentry bars), it does not grant you a formal legal status, nor does it completely shield you from the initiation of removal (deportation) proceedings. It functions as a temporary stay, not a permanent safety net. If USCIS denies your application and your original visa has already expired, your temporary buffer zone vanishes instantly. The consequences are immediate and serious: since you no longer hold a valid status or a pending case, you no longer have legal permission to be in the country, giving the government the right to start removal proceedings. To avoid these highly stressful risks, the safest strategy is to maintain a valid underlying status when possible. If you are currently waiting on a pending application or have questions about your options, our office is here to help you navigate the system safely. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation.
Navigating the immigration landscape as a professional athlete can feel as demanding as a championship final, but understanding the P-1A visa can help you to plan ahead and successfully petition USCIS when the time comes to apply. For individual athletes like surfers, Rodeo cowboys, or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighters, the P-1A serves as the primary gateway to competing in the United States. While it is often compared to the O-1 visa, the P-1A has a distinct threshold that is more easily accessible than the O-1; rather than proving "extraordinary ability," you must demonstrate "international recognition". This means your achievements must be renowned or leading in more than one country, showcasing a level of skill that is substantially above the ordinary. For those competing in individual sports, the spotlight is entirely on your personal accolades and standing rather than a team or league’s reputation as in the case of a team sport athlete. You must show that you are personally well-known within your sport across multiple countries, and that the U.S. events you intend to enter typically draw other internationally recognized participants. One of the most significant advantages for the solo competitor is the duration of stay, as individual athletes can often secure a P-1 visa for an initial period of up to five years, which can eventually be extended to a total of ten. This stands in stark contrast to team athletes, who are generally limited to the duration of a specific season or contract with a team. If you are looking to be proactive about your future eligibility, you should treat your career milestones as a collection of evidence for the "Two-Out-of-Seven" rule used by USCIS. To qualify, you must provide evidence satisfying at least two of the following seven criteria: Evidence of having participated to a significant extent in a prior season with a major U.S. sports league. Evidence of participation in an international competition with a national team. Evidence of having participated to a significant extent in a prior season for a U.S. college or university in intercollegiate competition. A written statement from an official of a major U.S. sports league or the governing body of the sport detailing your international recognition. A written statement from a member of the sports media or a recognized expert. Evidence that you or your team is ranked, if the sport has international rankings. Evidence that you or your team has received a significant honor or award in the sport. Building your resume with these specific benchmarks in mind is essential. Here are some suggestions to help an individual sport athlete to meet these criteria and successfully qualify for a P-1A visa: First, you should actively seek opportunities to represent your national team or strive for high international rankings , as these are concrete proof of your standing. If you are working with an immigration attorney, make sure they have a clear understanding of your sport, how its governing body determines rankings, and the significance of your accomplishments- successfully showing USCIS why your rankings or results indicate you are performing at an elite and internationally recognized level is key to a successful outcome. Beyond the trophies, your professional network plays a crucial role ; cultivating relationships with recognized experts or sports media members who can provide written statements will significantly strengthen your future petition. Major media articles that discuss your accomplishments or explain the significance of competitions or rankings you feature in, can also have a strong positive impact on your case. As you prepare, remember that every petition also requires a formal consultation letter from an appropriate labor organization , if one exists that covers your sport. A good immigration attorney will help you to identify the appropriate labor organization and engage with them on your behalf to secure the consultation letter you need. Generally, they will want to see the same evidence that USCIS will be evaluating, and they may need some time to review your petition prior to issuing you a consultation letter. Finally, you will also need a written contract with an employer or agent within the United States, and a detailed itinerary of the events where you will perform . Your immigration attorney can also help you to structure your contract with your agent or employer, and guide you in creating an itinerary based on the events or competitions you will participate in. While every individual sport is different, USCIS will want to see that you have set up a structure that will pay you a living wage to perform your sport, and that you have planned out an itinerary of competitions or events in sufficient detail that covers the entire period of time for which you are requesting the P-1A visa. At Santos Lloyd Law Firm, P.C., we are experienced in helping talented individuals who are accomplished in many different sports to continue their careers here in the United States. If you are such an athlete interested in competing here, please contact us, and we will be happy to discuss your case.
