E2 Visa Holder Work
E2 visas are nonimmigrant investor visas available to citizens of certain countries with which the United States has treaty agreements. The visa allows the principal visa holder and up to two dependents to live and work in the US. Spouses of E2 visa holders are allowed to work on the visa, subject to a number of limitations. In this article we will discuss Can the spouse of an E2 visa holder work in the United States and what those limitations are.
The E2 Visa is designed for individuals who want to start or expand a business in the United States. In order to qualify for the visa, there are a few basic requirements that must be met. First, the visa holder must make a substantial investment into the company that is at risk and must be able to show that the funds are irrevocably committed to the business. In addition, the visa holder must have control over the company or at least be a major shareholder. Finally, the visa holder must demonstrate that they will leave the country when their business is complete.
In addition to these basic requirements, the visa holder must also show that they have sufficient funds to cover the required investment and to support themselves in the United States while they are working on their business. This can be done by providing financial documents such as bank statements and tax returns. The visa holder must also be able to prove that the investment is being used for the purpose for which it was intended and that it will generate significant revenue and employment opportunities in the United States.
Can the Spouse of an E2 Visa Holder Work in the United States?
Once the visa holder has satisfied all of these requirements they will need to apply for an E2 visa at a US consulate or embassy in their country of origin. The process requires a substantial amount of documentation and an interview with a consular officer. The visa is typically valid for two years and can be renewed indefinitely as long as the visa holder continues to meet all of the eligibility requirements.
Unlike many other business and employment-based visas, the E2 visa also allows spouses of the visa holder to work in the United States. Spouses of E2 visa holders can be employed by any US-based company, including the principal E2 business and may work either full or part time. In addition, the spouse can also choose to start their own company and may be self-employed.
The EAD (Employment Authorization Document) is typically issued within 2 to 3 months and offers a great deal of flexibility and freedom for the spouse of an E2 visa holder. The EAD can be extended for up to three more years, but in order to do so, the spouse must file form I-765 with USCIS prior to the expiration of the card. The spouse can also obtain a Social Security number by filing form SS-5 with the Social Security Administration. Spouses of E2 visa holders who are children under the age of 21 can also work, but they will not be able to change their status to a different employment-based visa once they reach the age of 21, or they will need to obtain their own visa in order to remain in the United States.