E-2 Visa Lawyer
The E-2 treaty investor visa offers a path for founders and investors from treaty countries to actively operate a U.S. business. Anthony Girand Law advises clients through investment structuring and petition filing.
What the E-2 Visa Offers
The E-2 treaty investor visa allows nationals of qualifying treaty countries to live and work in the United States based on a substantial investment in a business they will actively direct and develop, rather than simply own passively.
Nationality and Treaty Requirements
Eligibility depends on the investor's nationality matching a country with a qualifying treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States. Confirming treaty status early avoids pursuing a category the investor cannot ultimately use.
The Substantiality Requirement
There is no fixed dollar threshold for E-2 investment, but the amount must be substantial in proportion to the total cost of the enterprise, and sufficient to demonstrate the investor's genuine financial commitment. Businesses with lower total costs generally require a proportionally higher investment percentage.
Active Direction and Development
E-2 status requires more than passive ownership — the investor must be positioned to direct and develop the enterprise, whether through an active operational or executive role in the business.
Structuring the Investment
Properly documenting the source and placement of investment funds, along with the business plan for the enterprise, is central to a successful E-2 petition. This often intersects with broader company formation and structuring decisions.
Renewals and Ongoing Operation
E-2 status can generally be renewed as long as the underlying business continues to operate and the investor continues to meet the visa's substantive requirements, making the health of the business directly relevant to maintaining status over time.
Working With Anthony Girand, Esq.
Anthony Girand, Esq. is a JD/MBA and Maryland attorney whose practice includes immigration, tax controversy, federal litigation, startup law, and regulatory compliance. He brings a business-minded legal perspective to matters involving federal agencies, founders, professionals, companies, and individuals facing consequential legal decisions.
Attorney advertising. This website is for general informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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About Anthony Girand, Esq.
Anthony Girand, Esq. is a JD/MBA attorney with a federal practice spanning immigration, tax controversy, federal litigation, startup law, and regulatory compliance matters, including MoCRA and cosmetics compliance. He has been a member of the Maryland Bar since 1995.
His combined legal and business background allows him to counsel founders, business owners, and individuals facing complex federal legal matters with practical, business-minded strategy.
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Attorney Advertising. This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contacting Anthony Girand Law through this website does not create an attorney-client relationship. Do not send confidential information until an attorney-client relationship has been established in writing. Past results, if discussed, do not guarantee future outcomes. Read full disclaimer.