E-2 visa program
The United States of America’sE-2 Visais an investor visa program, which allows investors and their families to live and work in the United States by making a substantial investment in a US entity. A treaty investor may either start or invest in a business in the US in order to be eligible for the visa.
This program is exclusive to citizens of anycountry that has signed an E 2 treaty with the US.
There are currently 81 countries that have signed an E-2 treaty with the USA. New Zealandbeing the most recent country to sign the treaty on 10th June 2019.
Investors must meet the following criteria:
- The investment is not a passive investment and is in an active business that operates in the US.
- The investor must hold a share of at least 50% of the business.
- The invested business must generate profits and revenue that are proven to provide income for the investor, their families, as well as other families in the United States.
Family members, which include the applicant’s spouse and dependent children (unmarried and under 21) are also beneficiaries of the E2 visa.
Spouses of main applicants may be permitted to work in the country if an “Employment Authorization” is approved by the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services. On approval, they are free to take on any type of employment, without any limitations. An E2 visa can be obtained within a period of 90 days.
How to move to the USA with a Grenadian passport
The Grenadian Government has signed the E 2 treaty with the USA. This entitles all citizens of Grenada to obtain the E 2 visa via an investment of a “substantial” amount in a US entity. Usually, the minimum investment is at least $100,000, which is substantially lower than the EB 5 visa requirement. However, depending upon the type of business and its location, investments below the $100,000 threshold may be accepted for the E 2 visa. Unlike theEB 5 visa
The procedure for applying for an E 2 visa is as follows:
- Ensure that the US entity meets the E 2 visa immigration requirements
- Fill the DS-160 Form
- Pay the application fees and schedule an appointment at the US Embassy in Grenada
- Attend an interview at the US Embassy in Grenada
Once the interview is booked it is important that the applicant carries a list of documents that should be prepared in consultation with a professional immigration law firm.
Below is a summary of the list of documents:
- Filled DS-160 Form
- Valid Passport
- Two photographs that follow the US Embassy guidelines
- Visa application payment confirmation receipt
- Proof of ties with Grenada: This can be proven in the form of property ownership papers
- Proof that you are investing in a business that is viable and substantial:
- Business bank statements
- Tax returns
- Company organizational chart
- Business registration documents
- Company licenses
- Contracts with employees
- Contracts with clients
- Personal and business bank statements
- Business plan
Visa Interview
The final stage before getting your E2 visa is appearing for an interview at the US Embassy in Grenada.
Processing times differ from case to case and can take anywhere between two weeks and four months.
Period of Stay
Approved applicants and their family members are free to live in the US initially for a period of five years. Thereafter, extensions can be applied for every two years and there is no limit on the number of extensions that can be applied for.
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Grenada E2 visa treaty with the United States of America
The E2 treaty between Grenada and the United States of America was signed by form US President, Ronald Raegan in 1983.
Grenada is the only Caribbean country that has a bilateral agreement with the USA for the E 2 visa. The US E 2 visa allows Grenadian citizens to make a substantial investment in an active U.S. company, and in return reap the benefits of a life in the United States. This US E 2 visa allows an investor to live and work in the country.
The treaty states that Grenadian passport holders are welcome to invest a “substantial amount” in any US business, as long as the entity meets the E2 treaty guidelines, and the investor acquires a share of at 50% of the company. The treaty between the two countries has resulted in a mutually beneficial proposition, as Grenada now attracts more investors for their CBI program from non-treaty countries, and in turn, the US gains investors for the E2 program.
Benefits for investors
The US E 2 visa provides benefits for both the primary applicants (the investor), and their family members.
Below are some of the program’s key benefits for a treaty investor:
- There is no limit on the number of E2 renewals as long as the registered E 2 company continues to follow and operate within the E 2 visa guidelines.
- There is no taxation on worldwide income for E 2 visa holders as long as they do not spend more than 120 days per year in the US.
- Spouses of E 2 visa investors are allowed to work in the US by obtaining an Employment Authorization.
- Free education in US public schools and dependent children of E 2 up to 21 years of age do not have to pay the same tuition cost as an international student.
- E 2 visa holders are permitted to travel in and out of the United States without any restrictions
How to get Grenada Citizenship
Grenada is one of the five Caribbean Island countries which have a Citizenship by Investment Program (CBI). TheGrenada CBIis designed to offercitizenshipto individuals who would like to obtain a Grenada passport at a low cost, particularly those looking for a strong second passport.
The Government conducts strict due diligence on the applicant to ensure that they are of good moral standing, with no criminal record. The Government of Grenada also grants citizenship conditional to the applicant’s “good health”.
Ultimately, if all criteria are met for the Government’s due diligence, any high net worth individual is eligible to apply for the Grenada CBI program.
Grenada offers two routes to obtaincitizenship:
- a donation of US $150,0000 per individual applicant
- an investment of US $220,000.00 in a government-approved real estate project. Additionally, applicants must also make a minimum donation to the Government of US $50,000.00 (up to a family of 4 persons). Children up to the age of 30 years, and parents above 55 can be added to the Grenada CBI application under one single investment. All applications are reviewed on an individual basis and are subject to refusal. Investing in real estate to become a citizen is a good way to recoup the majority of the initial investment, and it is one of the better investment options for larger families as the initial real estate investment remains the same.
Below is a sample of the fees involved:
Fees for aprincipalapplicant include:
- a. Application & Government fees –US$ 1,500.00
- b. Processing fees –US$ 1,500.00
- c. Due diligence fees – US$ 5,000.00
Fees are payable in two parts:
1) Application, Due Diligence, Processing, and Agent’s fees are due at the point the application is ready to be submitted to the CBI Office. It is important to note that these fees are non-refundable.
2) The investmentamount is due upon approval of the applicantscitizenship.
The processing time for the application is approximately 60 to 90 days after the application is submitted to the CBI committee This is provided that all the documents are in order.
All applicants must get in touch with authorized ‘Marketing Agents’ and a law firm based in Grenada, to assist them with the process. These marketing agents and immigration lawyers in Grenada will provide applicants with all the application forms, and a checklist of required supporting documents.
Once they review the documents and are satisfiedthat they are correctly completed, they will request applicants to send them via courier service for submission to the CBI Office.
Grenada Citizenship-by-Investment for Indians
The Grenadian citizenship by investment programme (CBI) has been growing in popularity amongst Indians in recent years.
Below are some of the advantages for Indians who obtain a Grenada Passport via the Grenada CBI programme:
- A Grenada passport grants international visa-free travel to over 153 countries including the Schengen region, China and Russia. Indian citizens on the other hand are required to obtain a visa to over 170 countries. This visa-free access is one of the main reasons why Indians chose to obtain citizenship in Grenada.
- E 2 visa treaty has not been signed with India, and hence the Grenada citizenship by investment program is a quick and cheap option for Indians who intend to live and work in the US.
- Indians who obtain Grenada citizenship is that there is no foreign income tax, real estate tax, wealth tax, inheritance tax, or gift tax.
- An international business or corporation that is established under the International Companies Act, are completely exempt from corporate tax on any worldwide income, and for trade or commerce that is conducted outside Grenada.
The Indian Government, however, does not allow Indian passport holders the option of dual citizenship. This means that Indians who take up Grenada citizenship can not use it as their second passport must renounce their Indian passport.
Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card
There is an option to apply for an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card for Indians who chose to renounce their citizenship.
This is a permit that is granted by the Ministry of External Affairs in India to any persons of Indian origin and their spouses. The OCI card works as a permit that grants the right to live and work indefinitely in the country.
It is important to note that the main difference between an OCI card holder and an Indian passport holder is that, an OCI card holder is not entitled to vote in Indian elections, hold public office, and own agricultural land in their name.
The Grenada CBI programme continues to attract several Indians, despite the fact that dual citizenship is not permitted for Indian passport holders.
Do Grenadians need US visa?
A Grenadian does need a US visa for all forms of travel, including business, tourism, and work. All applications can be made to the US Embassy in the island of Barbados, which is an island member nation located 261 kilometers east of Grenada. Grenada citizenship does not allow for visa-free travel to the US.
Can Grenada citizens work in the US?
Grenada citizens can work in the US with an approved and valid visa that allows investors to work or run a business in the United States. There are 81 countries including Grenada that have a bilateral treaty with USA for the E-2 investor visa. This gives citizens access to live and work in the US. A spouse of the E2 investor can also gain access to an Employment Authorization in order to work freely in the US.
Can E 2 visa lead to green card?
Unlike the EB 5 visa, the E2 does not lead to a Green Card. The E 2 visa is classified as a ‘non-immigrant visa’ and is subject to renewals every two years. The only way to ‘convert’ an E 2 visa to a green card is via an immigrant visa category. The following categories can help applicants obtain a green card- EB 5 visa; Company Sponsored Green Card; EB-1 A (for those with extraordinary ability); National Interest Waiver; or a Marriage based Green Card.
Does Grenada allow dual citizenship?
Grenada does allow dual citizenship, which makes it popular citizenship by investment programme. However, if the applicant is the holder of a passport who’s nation does not allow dual citizenship, he/she must make a decision to renounce that citizenship if they want to take up Grenada citizenship. With most countries allowing for dual citizenship, Grenada has become a popular route for many individuals who are looking for a second passport.
How do I get dual citizenship in Grenada?
To be eligible for Grenadian Citizenship, applicants must either make a donation (in USD) of $150,000 to the government’s National Transformation Fund or invest a minimum amount of $220,000 in a government-approved real estate investment. Once the investment or donation is made, a Grenada passport is issued to the applicant(s) within three to six months.
The donation amount of $150,000 benefits only one applicant. However, any investment in a government-approved real estate property can avail passports for their spouse, dependent children up to 30, dependent parents & grandparents above 65, and even dependent siblings who are above 18 years of age. In the case of a real estate investment, the investment in a property must be held for a minimum period of five years from the date of purchase of the property.
What is the wait time for obtaining an E2?
Processing time for the E2 immigration can take any from two weeks to three months. If the applicant does not hear back from the US consulate within this timeframe, it does not necessarily mean that the E2 petition is rejected.
Do any other Caribbean Islands have an E2 treaty with the US?
Apart from being able to add a spouse and dependent family members under one investment, the Caribbean Island of Grenada has an added advantage of an E2 treaty with the US. There is no other Caribbean passport that grants an access route to the US via the E2.
What happens to dependent children once they turn 21?
Dependent children will no longer qualify for renewals under the same E2 once they turn 21. There are different ways to structure an E2 for dependent children over 21. The first route is if the child acquires at least 50% of the existing E2 company that is owned by their parent. This will make the child eligible for an a fresh E2 . The second option is to apply for an E2 Employee permit, provided the child is of the same nationality as the parent, and they meet the requirements under the E2 treaty.
What can Migronis do for you?
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Our extensive knowledge of citizenship by investment not only helps you gain a passport that enables you to travel visa free, but allows you more financial freedom through more favorable tax regimes and banking options.
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FAQs
US E-2 Visa through Grenada’s citizenship | Migronis? ›
What is the Grenada E-2 Visa? Grenadian citizens are eligible for E-2 treaty Investor Visa. This means that Grenadian passport holders can apply for an E-2 Visa in the US. Once the E-2 Visa is approved, you can move and invest in a business in the United States.
What is the E-2 visa of the USA via Grenada citizenship? ›What is the Grenada E-2 Visa? Grenadian citizens are eligible for E-2 treaty Investor Visa. This means that Grenadian passport holders can apply for an E-2 Visa in the US. Once the E-2 Visa is approved, you can move and invest in a business in the United States.
Can Grenada citizens live in the US? ›E-2 Visa Benefits for Grenadian Citizens
The E-2 business visa offers many benefits to Grenadian citizens, including the ability to live and work in the United States. This visa can also be obtained for your spouse and children under 21 years of age, allowing them to study in U.S. schools.
The E2 visa is a non-immigrant visa which prohibits the visa holder from having an intent to immigrate to the United States at the time the Visa is issued or used for entry. Accordingly, the E2 does not provide an individual with a direct pathway to permanent residency (a green card).
How long is E-2 visa in Grenada? ›Grenada citizens can be granted E-2 Treaty Investor Visa for up to five years, allowing you, your spouse, and children under 21 years old to live in the USA.
Can E-2 visa be converted to green card? ›For foreign nationals to secure a green card and permanent residence from an E2 visa, they must apply for an immigrant visa. There are two ways to do this: Apply for an immigrant visa at a US Consulate abroad; or. Adjust status to an immigrant status, within the United States.
How long can you stay in US with E-2 visa? ›How long is E2 visa valid for? An E2 visa can be valid for anything from 3 months to 5 years, depending on your treaty country, although you will still only be allowed to stay in the States for a period of 2 years at a time.
What is the advantage of Grenada citizenship? ›Why do investors get a Grenada passport? Grenada passport holders can visit 146 countries without a visa, including Schengen, the UK, China, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Grenada citizens can stay in these countries without a visa from 30 to 180 days a year.
How long can I stay in USA with Grenada passport? ›Visa not required for a max. stay of 90 days for holders of a valid multiple entry visa issued by the US, UK or Schengen.
Can I work in the USA with a Grenada passport? ›Grenada citizens can work in the US with an approved and valid visa that allows investors to work or run a business in the United States. There are 81 countries including Grenada that have a bilateral treaty with USA for the E-2 investor visa. This gives citizens access to live and work in the US.
Can an E2 visa holder get a Social Security number? ›
All U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), and certain visa holders (e.g., E-1, E-2, H-1B, L-1 or O-1) are able to obtain a social security number (SSN) in the U.S. upon request.
Who qualifies for EB2 green card? ›You may be eligible for an employment-based, second preference (EB-2) permanent worker visa if you are a member of a profession and you have an advanced degree or its equivalent, or if you have an exceptional ability.
What are the changes in E2 visa 2023? ›Latest Updates to the E-2 Visa Program – 2023
One of the most significant changes is that Portuguese nationals are now able to apply for both E-1 Treaty trader visas and E-2 Investor visas. Portugal, in fact, has been added to the E-2 and E-1 visa country list.
The federal government does require the person to make a significant investment in the business. While the amount varies, a person can earn an E-2 visa with only $15,000 worth of ownership interest. Usually, though, it is difficult to get an E-2 visa without an investment of more than $100,000 or $150,000.
What is the acceptance rate for E-2 visa? ›The E-2 Visa has a higher approval rate at 89% relative to other non immigrant visas. Despite stricter immigration policies implemented under the Trump administration.
How fast can you get E-2 visa? ›The processing time for an E2 visa varies by Consulate anywhere from about two weeks to four months. After an initial review is completed, the Consulate will set up an interview with the applicant. If the E2 visa is approved, it may take up to a week for the visa itself to be issued.
Can I buy property in the US on a E2 visa? ›If you are an E-2 visa holder, you may be asking "Can You Get a Mortgage With an E-2 Visa?" The answer is Yes, absolutely! E-2 investors currently residing in the United States are able to get a loan for the purposes of purchasing a home.
How many years does it take to get green card from E2 visa? ›If you have a child who is a US citizen it could be as little as 12 months but if it is a sibling the application process could take up to 10 years. Other factors such as your nationality can impact on the time it takes to process your application.
What is the minimum investment for E2? ›There is no set minimum investment amount to qualify for an E2 visa. Investments as low as $100,000 or even lower have qualified for E2.
How much money is required for E2 visa in USA? ›The applicant must make a substantial investment to qualify for the E2 investor visa. However, the law does not state a minimum dollar amount. Generally, the applicant should be prepared to invest at least $100,000 US dollars in the enterprise to have a good E2 visa case.
How many times can you renew an E2 visa? ›
There is no limit on the E2 visa renewal, as long as you meet all the requirements. The E2 visa renewal process is relatively simple if your business generates adequate income without violating the rules. Once your visa expires, you need to leave the country and file a visa renewal through the US consulate abroad.
Can I bring my family to USA on E2 visa? ›What does the E2 dependant visa allow? An E2 dependant visa will allow a spouse or dependent child to accompany or follow to join an E2 nonimmigrant in the US, whether the principal applicant or primary visa-holder is the E2 treaty investor or the employee of a treaty investor.
How strong is the Grenadian passport? ›How many countries can a Grenada passport enter without a visa? Grenada passport holders have visa-free access to over 140 countries. Global mobility is one of the several Grenada passport benefits.
How fast can I get Grenada citizenship? ›It usually takes 3 to 4 months for a citizenship by investment application to be processed and for you to get a Grenada passport.
Which Caribbean citizenship is easiest? ›St Kitts and Nevis offers the quickest route to Caribbean citizenship. Its special fast-track application option enables investors to have their submissions processed and receive their approval letters within 60 days.
Can Grenada citizens travel to USA without visa? ›Do Grenadians need US visa? Yes. Grenadian citizens require a visa to enter the USA.
Does Grenada allow triple citizenship? ›Yes, many countries in the Caribbean allow their nationals to have multiple citizenship, including Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominica.
Do Grenadians need visa for Canada? ›A visa is required for stays not exceeding six months. If traveling for business, tourism, medical, visiting friends or family, you will be required to apply for a visa matching your travel purpose. Those traveling for business must have invitation letters from their Canadian business partner.
Can you drive in Grenada with a US license? ›A U.S., British, or Canadian driver's license is valid on Grenada; however, you must obtain a local permit, costing EC$30.
Which country citizens can work in USA without visa? ›- Andorra (1991)
- Australia (1996)
- Austria (1991)
- Belgium (1991)
- Brunei (1993)
- Chile (2014)
- Croatia (2021)
- Czech Republic (2008)
Does Grenada have a tax treaty with us? ›
Bilateral Taxation Treaties
Grenada approved the passing of a legislation that will implement the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act Inter-Governmental Agreement (FACTA) with the United States of America.
With E2 status, you have all the same rights to work for and operate your business in the United States. The main difference has to do with travel. With E2 status, if you leave the United States, you lose your E2 status. In order to travel in and out of the U.S. and keep your status you will need an E2 visa.
What can I do with an E2 visa? ›The E2 Treaty Investor visa allows the investor to live and work in the US to direct and develop the business, and allows entry of Executive, Management and Essential skills employees. In larger businesses management and executive level employees may be sent to the US instead of the owners of the business.
Does an E2 visa need a work permit? ›An E2 visa spouse can apply for work authorization (EAD), to work in the United States. The spouse of an E2 investor may also be eligible to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).
Is it worth waiting for green card in EB-2? ›The EB2 visa is a great option to obtain a U.S. green card. It is a good option for people with advanced degrees, exceptional ability, or for those who can work in the national interest of the US, hoping to attain permanent resident status in the United States.
Who can sponsor EB-2 visa? ›An employer in the United States seeking to hire a foreign national with an advanced degree, may be able to sponsor them for permanent residency through the Employment-Based Second Preference (EB2) visa category.
Can I apply for EB-2 from outside the US? ›Can I apply for EB2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) category from outside of the U.S.? Yes. Please click here for more information regarding applying for National Interest Waiver (NIW) from outside of the U.S.
What is the new law for E2 visa holders? ›The bill, H.R. 3265, would allow the children of E-2 visa holders to remain in the United States until they are 26. And apply for work authorization. Also, after 10 years of running a successful U.S. business or franchise, they are eligible to apply for a green card.
Can you get E2 visa in USA without having a status? ›Yes, you can apply for an E2 visa even if you are not the only owner of the business. However, you must have a controlling interest in the business, which means that you must own at least 50% of the business.
Can an E2 visa be rejected? ›The E2 visa offers non-US nationals from Treaty countries the opportunity to come to the US to invest in and set up business. While there is no cap on the number of E2 visas that can be granted, the eligibility criteria remain stringent and E2 visa refusals are not uncommon.
Can E2 visa be converted to green card? ›
For foreign nationals to secure a green card and permanent residence from an E2 visa, they must apply for an immigrant visa. There are two ways to do this: Apply for an immigrant visa at a US Consulate abroad; or. Adjust status to an immigrant status, within the United States.
What is the best way to get E2 visa? ›Those who are in legal status in the US can change their status to get an E2 visa. This can be done by filing Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The application must contain proof of your nationality, investment, and intent to return.
Can I apply for E2 visa by myself? ›If you're an individual investor, you'll file the petition yourself. If you're part of a company, your employer will need to file Form I-129 for you. Once the application is completed, USCIS will deny or approve your application.
Does E2 visa require an interview? ›However, applying for an E2 visa can be a complex process, demanding extensive supporting documentation. You will also be asked to arrange an appointment to attend an interview with a consular officer to answer various questions about your application and the information provided in it.
Is there an interview for E2 visa? ›Regardless of the visa category in question, sooner or later most foreign nationals will have to attend an in-person interview at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy in their country of residency. This important and necessary step is particularly true for E2 Visa applicants.
What are the conditions for E2 visa in USA? ›To qualify for E-2 classification, the treaty investor must: Be a national of a country with which the United States maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation; Have invested, or be actively in the process of investing, a substantial amount of capital in a bona fide enterprise in the United States; and.
What education do you need for E2 visa? ›For both E-2 investor and E-2 employee visas, there is no minimum education requirement, in contrast to other types of work visas that require Bachelors' or Masters' degrees. However, E-2 investors and E-2 employees must show that they have the relevant skills and experience for the position.
What is 90 day rule E2 visa? ›The 90-day rule applies a presumption that a nonimmigrant visa holder made a misrepresentation at the time of admission or application for a nonimmigrant visa when that nonimmigrant enters the United States and within 90 days engages in conduct inconsistent with his or her nonimmigrant status.
Which countries are eligible for USA E-2 visa? ›The E-2 Visa is available to foreign nationals from treaty countries that include the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Argentina, and Ethiopia. Countries with no treaty with the US for the E2 Visa include India, China, Vietnam, Kenya, and Dubai. this is different from EB5 Immigrant Investor Visa.
How much money is required for E-2 visa in USA? ›The applicant must make a substantial investment to qualify for the E2 investor visa. However, the law does not state a minimum dollar amount. Generally, the applicant should be prepared to invest at least $100,000 US dollars in the enterprise to have a good E2 visa case.
What are the benefits of USA E-2 visa? ›
- Free education in US public schools and more affordable, in-state tuition costs at US universities.
- Spouses have the ability to work anywhere in the United States.
- The Grenada E-2 visa can be renewed indefinitely, as long as the E-2 business maintains operations.
The Grenada passport ranking is due to the degree of global entry it guarantees to Grenadian passport holders, who may travel visa-free to 142 countries, but who otherwise need a visa to access 60 countries globally. National passports are ranked according to how many countries a holder can access visa-free.
Which passports can enter US without visa? ›- Andorra (1991)
- Australia (1996)
- Austria (1991)
- Belgium (1991)
- Brunei (1993)
- Chile (2014)
- Croatia (2021)
- Czech Republic (2008)
Premium processing time is 15 days for $2,500. For outside of the US, E2 visa processing time through a Consulate varies from 2 weeks to 4 months. Meet Us in USA, Dubai, India, and Singapore. May, June and July 2023!
How hard is it to get an E2 visa? ›The federal government does require the person to make a significant investment in the business. While the amount varies, a person can earn an E-2 visa with only $15,000 worth of ownership interest. Usually, though, it is difficult to get an E-2 visa without an investment of more than $100,000 or $150,000.
Is it easy to get EB-2 visa? ›How Do I Qualify For an EB-2 Visa with Exceptional Ability? Applicants in this category must prove exceptional ability. That means you are better than most people in the field of sciences, arts or business. You must also have at least 10 years' experience working in your field and a confirmed US job offer.
What is the lowest investment for E2 visa? ›Investment Requirements for E-2 Visa
As a general guide, we recommend the E-2 route to people with a minimum of $100,000 – $200,000 USD to invest. In exceptional cases, USCIS will consider applications with amounts as low as $50,000 USD.