Tudo que um empreendedor precisa saber
Angelica Rice • May 4, 2022
Os vistos E-2 são um dos vistos de negócios mais populares para empreendedores que desejam iniciar um negócio nos Estados Unidos.
Eles são vantajosos porque não há cota para eles (desde que seja elegível para o visto, ele pode ser concedido a qualquer momento), podem ser renovados ou prorrogados por um número ilimitado de vezes, e o custo de investimento é muito menor do que o Visto EB-5, muito menos de $ 500.000. Por fim, o número de funcionários que a empresa deve apoiar para um visto E-2 é de cerca de 3-4, não um mínimo de 10 como o EB-5. A única desvantagem é que eles não são um caminho direto para um green card.
O visto E2 é ideal para você? Continue lendo para descobrir.
O que é um visto E-2?
O visto E-2 é um Visto de Comerciante e Investidor para os Estados Unidos. É uma categoria de visto de não-imigrante dos EUA e é emitida para investidores individuais ou empresas investidoras de países que possuem um tratado com os Estados Unidos. O investimento pode ser em qualquer setor ou negócio.
Meu país tem um tratado com os EUA?
Para ser elegível para um visto E-2, seu país de origem deve ter um tratado com os Estados Unidos que permita que você seja elegível para o visto. Uma lista completa dos países do tratado pode ser encontrada no site do Departamento de Estado, veja o link abaixo.
Quais são os requisitos de elegibilidade para um visto E-2?
Para ser elegível para um visto E-2, existem vários critérios que você deve atender, como:
- Se você é um investidor individual, deve ser nacional de um país que tenha um tratado de investimento com os EUA.
- Se o requerente for uma empresa, deve ser de propriedade de pelo menos 50% de um país de investimento do tratado.
- Se uma empresa estiver enviando um funcionário com um visto E-2, o funcionário deve ser nacional de um país que tem tratado de investimento, bem como estar em uma posição de supervisão, gerencial, executiva ou de conhecimento especializado (funcionário essencial).
- O investidor (pessoa física ou jurídica) deve ter a intenção de investir uma quantidade substancial de capital em um negócio de boa-fé existente ou novo. Uma empresa de boa-fé é uma empresa real que produz produtos ou serviços e é lucrativa.
- O investidor (pessoa física ou jurídica) deve garantir que o negócio gere mais lucro do que apenas ganhar a vida. Novos negócios estão isentos do requisito de lucro marginal, mas devem cumprir esse requisito dentro de cinco anos.
- O investidor (pessoa física ou jurídica) deve ter o objetivo de desenvolver ainda mais o negócio por meio desse investimento.
- O investidor (pessoa física ou jurídica) deve depositar os fundos em uma conta bancária ou em um agente até que seu visto seja aprovado.
- O investidor deve ter a intenção de retornar ao seu país de origem assim que seu trabalho estiver concluído.
O último requisito é um dos mais importantes, pois a maioria das pessoas tende a ter problemas com isso à medida que sua estada nos Estados Unidos continua. Isso se torna especialmente um problema e é uma violação potencial do status do visto E-2, quando se deseja solicitar um visto EB-2 enquanto ainda estiver nos EUA. Por favor, visite nosso artigo relacionado sobre vistos de negócios EB-2
por Kyle Huffman
para obter mais informações sobre vistos EB-2.
O valor do investimento alvo para um visto E-2 é geralmente entre $ 100.000 - $ 200.000, no entanto, sob certas circunstâncias, um investimento menor às vezes é suficiente para atender ao requisito. O inverso também é verdadeiro, pois um investimento maior que $ 100.000 - $ 200.000 certamente atende ao requisito, caso o negócio precise de tal financiamento.
Por quanto tempo meu visto E-2 é válido?
A duração da validade do seu visto E-2 depende da sua nacionalidade e pode variar de 3 meses a 5 anos. Isso também é conhecido como o “período de reciprocidade”. Essencialmente, o período de validade do Visto E-2 é estabelecido pelo Tratado entre o seu país e os Estados Unidos.
O período de validade é o prazo para o qual o visto E-2 é emitido: até a data de expiração do seu visto E-2, você poderá entrar nos Estados Unidos.
Quanto tempo posso permanecer nos Estados Unidos depois de entrar com meu visto E-2?
Isso é conhecido como o “período de permanência”, que é diferente do “período de validade” mencionado acima. O período de permanência é a duração da sua estadia nos Estados Unidos, independentemente do período de validade do seu visto E-2. O período de permanência será atribuído na sua chegada aos Estados Unidos e para o visto E-2 será de 2 anos. Se você deseja permanecer nos Estados Unidos por mais tempo, você deve renovar ou estender o período de permanência do seu visto E2.
Qual é a diferença entre renovação e extensão?
A diferença está em saber se a pessoa planeja permanecer nos Estados Unidos para estender o visto ou se está disposta a viajar de volta ao país de origem e renovar o visto no consulado.
Caso você opte por sair dos Estados Unidos e reentrar, seu visto E-2 será renovado automaticamente por mais 2 anos.
Se você deseja permanecer nos Estados Unidos e estender seu visto E-2, você deve apresentar uma solicitação I-539 ao USCIS. As extensões são concedidas em incrementos de 2 anos e podem ser estendidas quantas vezes o investidor desejar. As extensões serão concedidas desde que o investidor continue atendendo a todos os requisitos de elegibilidade para o visto E-2 e continue a provar sua intenção de retornar ao seu país de origem.
Se um investidor E-2 se tornar elegível para outro tipo de visto, ele poderá solicitar uma mudança de status no USCIS.
Posso incluir meus dependentes em um visto E-2?
Sim. Os dependentes incluem o cônjuge e filhos solteiros menores de 21 anos do titular do visto principal. Eles podem solicitar ao mesmo tempo que o titular do visto principal ou posteriormente após o visto E-2 já ter sido concedido.
Com um visto E-2, os dependentes podem estudar e o cônjuge pode trabalhar. A partir de 12 de novembro de 2021, a capacidade de trabalho de um cônjuge E-2 é incidente ao seu status E-2. Isso significa que, se um cônjuge E-2 tiver os documentos para mostrar que está no status E-2 válido (ou seja, um aviso de aprovação E-2 e I-94 válido), ele poderá trabalhar sem ter que apresentar um pedido de autorização de emprego (Formulário I-765). Se o cônjuge ainda quiser um cartão EAD físico e quiser ter a documentação para mostrar a autorização de trabalho e sua identidade, ele pode apresentar um pedido I-765, mas não é necessário.
Se os dependentes quiserem prolongar sua estada, eles devem apresentar um requerimento I-539. Eles não recebem renovações automáticas se deixarem os EUA e retornarem. Além disso, se o titular do visto principal mudar de status, os dependentes também se tornarão elegíveis para mudança de status.
Qual é o tempo de processamento de um visto E2?
Os tempos de processamento variam dependendo se você está solicitando em um consulado ou nos Estados Unidos com o USCIS. Se aplicar com o USCIS, o tempo de processamento geralmente é de 3 a 5 meses. Para obter os tempos de processamento mais atualizados, visite a página de tempos de processamento do USCIS abaixo.
Se a solicitação for feita no consulado, o tempo de processamento varia de acordo com o país em que você está solicitando.
Quantas vezes posso entrar e sair dos Estados Unidos usando meu visto E-2?
Se um visto E-2 é emitido para uma única entrada ou várias entradas, depende do tratado do seu país com os Estados Unidos, especificamente a tabela de reciprocidade no site do Departamento de Estado. Veja o link abaixo.
Se você quiser saber mais sobre como solicitar um visto E2, entre em contato com o Santos Lloyd Law Firm e nossa talentosa equipe de experientes advogados de imigração terá prazer em ajudá-lo!
Este blog não tem o propósito de ser um aconselhamento jurídico e nada aqui deve ser construído como o estabelecimento de um relacionamento advogado-cliente. Por favor, agende uma consulta com um advogado de imigração antes de agir sobre qualquer informação lida aqui.
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.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released updated policy guidance detailing how officers will evaluate "public charge" inadmissibility for individuals applying for green cards through adjustment of status. This update follows a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) final rule that rescinds the 2022 public charge regulations. The new policy takes effect on September 18, 2026 , and applies to all green card applications (Form I-485) postmarked or submitted on or after that date. Who Is Subject to the Public Charge Rule? Most family-based and employment-based green card applicants will be subject to the public charge ground of inadmissibility. This includes spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, as well as most employment visa preference categories, investors, and diversity visa applicants. Certain categories remain explicitly exempt under immigration law. These include: Asylees and refugees Victims of human trafficking (T visa) or crime (U visa) Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioners Special Immigrant Juveniles Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applicants Certain military-related applicants and other designated humanitarian groups How USCIS Will Make Determinations USCIS officers will evaluate whether an applicant is likely to become a public charge by reviewing the totality of their circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Key factors include: Five Statutory Factors: Age, health, family status, assets/financial resources, and education or skills. Affidavit of Support: Submission of Form I-864 executed by a sponsor. Use of Public Benefits: USCIS will look at means-tested public benefits, such as cash assistance for income maintenance, housing assistance, food stamps (SNAP), or college financial aid. Note on timing: For benefits received before September 18, 2026, USCIS will only consider public cash assistance for income maintenance and long-term institutionalization at government expense. For benefits received on or after September 18, 2026, the broader consideration of all listed means-tested benefits will apply. Public Charge Bonds If an officer determines that an applicant is inadmissible solely on public charge grounds, USCIS may issue a Notice of Intent to Deny that invites the applicant to post a public charge bond using Form I-945. If an invited applicant successfully posts the required cash or surety bond, USCIS may approve the application for permanent residence. Public charge bonds can only be submitted if explicitly invited by USCIS. Santos Lloyd Law Firm will continue to monitor immigration developments closely and provide updates as further implementation details are released. For more information, please access: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-issues-guidance-on-making-public-charge-inadmissibility-determination
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is considering a regulatory proposal that would remove the discretionary 60-day grace period currently available to certain nonimmigrant visa holders (including H-1B, L-1, TN, E, and O-1) and their dependents. The draft rule is currently undergoing interagency review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and has not yet been formally published for public feedback. What This Means Right Now Nothing changes today. The 60-day grace period remains in effect while this rule goes through the approval process. Under current rules, if your job ends early, you have up to 60 days (or until your I-94 expires) to leave the U.S., find a new sponsor, or apply to change status. What Could Change If approved, foreign workers who lose their jobs would no longer get automatic time to find a new employer or change status from within the U.S. They would generally be required to leave the country immediately. Next Steps Once the OMB finishes its initial review, the proposed rule will be published in the Federal Register, opening a public comment period of 30 to 60 days. Based on feedback received during this time, DHS may decide to alter, withdraw, or proceed with the proposal. If the government decides to finalize the rule, the entire process will likely take several months before taking effect. Santos Lloyd Law Firm will continue to monitor developments closely and will share updates on our immigration blog and social media pages as more details emerge.
Navigating the United States immigration system can be complicated and stressful, and maximizing your chances of a successful outcome can have a huge positive impact on your personal or professional life. While hiring an experienced immigration attorney is an excellent first step toward securing a positive outcome, it is vital to remember that legal representation is fundamentally a partnership. Your attorney is your advocate, but the strength and efficiency of your case rely heavily on the preparation, collaboration, and transparency you bring to the table. To help you maximize the value of your legal counsel and build a seamless, robust application package, here are five essential tips for making your partnership with an immigration attorney a genuine success. 1. Streamlining Translated Documents: The Value of Advance Preparation Submitting an immigration petition requires an extensive paper trail of supporting evidence. This often includes vital records such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, police clearance certificates, or academic transcripts. A strict, non-negotiable rule enforced by USCIS is that any document used as supporting evidence that is written in a language other than English must be accompanied by a full and complete English translation. You can proactively save significant time and keep your legal process moving forward by arranging for these translations before sending documents to your attorney. However, you cannot simply translate them yourself or have a bilingual friend write it out. USCIS requires the translator to provide a formal, written attestation. While you don’t need to hire a professional translator, the certification must explicitly state that the translator is competent to translate from the foreign language into English and that the translation is accurate, true, and complete. Having these documents translated with proper written attestations beforehand allows your attorney to begin analyzing your evidence and compiling your packet immediately without administrative delays. 2. Understanding Legal Fees vs. USCIS Filing Fees Like any legal process, immigration law matters are expensive, and they involve two distinct types of cost- understanding these can help you to budget properly and avoid unnecessary friction or delays. When entering into a legal retainer agreement, it is crucial to recognize the operational difference between the legal fees charged by your law firm and the administrative filing fees mandated by the U.S. government: Legal Fees: These fees are paid directly to your immigration attorney for their professional expertise, time, legal labor, and ongoing representation. This covers strategy formulation, document drafting, compilation of the legal brief, and managing communications with government agencies. A good attorney will be clear about how much things will cost, at what point you will need to pay them, and why the costs may vary for certain situations (such as expediting a case to meet a deadline). USCIS Fees: These are flat filing fees established by the U.S. government to process specific immigration forms. These fees are mandatory regardless of whether you hire an attorney, and they are generally non-refundable—meaning the government keeps the money even if your application is ultimately denied. It is also important to remember that these fees will be charged to your account shortly after your case is filed, so make sure you have the requisite amount available in your account to avoid your filing being rejected due to payment failure. Review your legal contract carefully to ensure you understand how both fee types are structured. Your attorney will explicitly instruct you on how and when government fees must be paid, which typically requires separate checks, money orders, or specific credit card authorization forms made out directly to the "U.S. Department of Homeland Security." 3. Submitting Your Documents Properly When preparing documents for your attorney, ensure that they are properly scanned using a scanner or a dedicated mobile scanning app. If you must take photos of a document using a smartphone, ensure the camera is perfectly level, the lighting is bright and even, and the image displays the entire document —including all four corners, edges, and margins. Blurry, skewed, or cropped images look unprofessional and raise immediate red flags regarding document alteration. Furthermore, pay absolute attention to signature requirements. While electronic signatures are standard in commercial business, USCIS enforces strict guidelines. Most immigration forms and critical supporting affidavits require an original "wet signature"—meaning you must physically sign the paper document with an ink pen before it is submitted or scanned. Digital fonts or unapproved electronic signatures can result in your entire application package being rejected and sent back, costing you valuable time and filing priorities. 4. Transparency is Key: Providing the Full Picture Your immigration attorney’s sole objective is to protect your interests, advocate for your legal status, and help you achieve your goals. However, an attorney cannot effectively defend you against risks they do not know exist. To ensure a successful outcome, you must provide your legal counsel with a complete, completely unvarnished picture of all relevant facts—both positive and negative—from your very first consultation. Clients are occasionally hesitant to disclose past complications, such as a prior visa denial, an unauthorized period of employment, an arrest or citation, or previous marriages. Concealing these facts from your attorney is incredibly risky. The U.S. government possesses expansive domestic and international databases and will uncover this information during background checks. If your attorney is blindsided by an undisclosed adverse fact mid-process, they cannot prepare a proactive legal defense, alternative strategy, or necessary waiver in advance. Remember that your disclosures are entirely protected by attorney-client privilege; your attorney is there to solve your problems, not to judge them! 5. Managing Expectations: Why Attorneys Cannot Guarantee Outcomes One of the most foundational elements of a healthy attorney-client relationship is alignment on expectations. It is critical to understand from the outset that an immigration attorney can never guarantee a successful outcome for your case. Whether you are applying for a family-sponsored green card, an employment-based visa, asylum, or naturalization, the ultimate authority to approve or deny a petition rests entirely within the discretion of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Department of State consular officers, or immigration judges. Immigration law explicitly grants immense discretionary power to the government officials evaluating your case. An attorney’s role is to deeply analyze the law, construct a compelling legal narrative, meticulously organize your supporting evidence, and protect your rights from administrative overreach. However, because the final decision is entirely subject to agency discretion, any attorney who claims a "100% guaranteed approval" is acting unethically. Trust the counsel who gives you an honest assessment of your case's strengths and potential vulnerabilities, rather than empty promises. Conclusion: A Collaborative Approach to Success Achieving your immigration goals is a shared responsibility. Treat your application with the seriousness it deserves, work hand-in-hand with your legal counsel, and you will set yourself on the most reliable path to success. If you are ready to take action on your case and are seeking a competent, experienced, and trustworthy immigration attorney to work with you towards the outcome you are looking for, please contact us today and we will be ready to assist you.
