How much does it cost for a US E2 visa? Explaining the costs involved in applying for and obtaining an investor visa.

Thank you for visiting our site and we hope you find this information useful.Our company, Reinvent NY Inc, continues to assist individuals and companies entering or immigrating to the United States in 2019, providing comprehensive services to support all aspects of the process.

 

In particular, for assistance in obtaining the E2 visa discussed in this article, Onodera, our president, obtained a 5-year visa in 2019 (during the previous Trump administration) with all of his own capital in one shot, and using this knowledge, our legal team has helped 250 cases to obtain visas to date.We have assisted in 250 visa cases with our team of attorneys.

We would be happy to discuss this area with you.In this article, we will explain the “investment amount,” an area we receive many questions about.

 

Introduction

The E2 visa is an investor visa for citizens of trade treaty countries including Japan to operate a business in the U.S. It is valid for two to five years and can be renewed if conditions are met.Obtaining this visa requires a substantial investment in the business, as well as a variety of other fees, including application fees and fees to hire a specialist.

 

We know that very few correct cases of these fees are available on the Internet.

In our own case and in the course of assisting numerous clients, we have seen how little correct information is available.

 

In this article, we will explain in detail the costs associated with obtaining an E2 visa in four categories: the amount of investment, the official costs of the application process, the cost of hiring a specialist, and other associated costs.

This article is only a guide and reference based on our experience.

 

 

What is an E2 Visa?

First of all, the E2 visa is an investor visa for operating a business in the United States.It is a nonimmigrant visa issued under trade treaties with certain countries, including Japan, and is intended for foreign investors who will make substantial investments and actively operate and develop their businesses.

 

The main features of this visa are as follows

Eligibility	Expiration Date	Family Treatment
Citizens of countries that are signatories to trade treaties (including Japan) Investors who invest substantial amounts Involved in the management and control of the business in which they invest	Usually 2 to 5 years Renewal possible if conditions are met No direct transition to permanent residence	Can be accompanied by spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age Spouse can obtain a work permit Children can study without a student visa

The E2 visa is based on the actual operation of the business and is not granted for mere investment purposes or real estate investment.Investors themselves must be actively involved in the development of the business.The business must also contribute to the U.S. economy and be large enough to provide a livelihood for the investor and his/her family.

 

Thus, the E2 visa is a viable option for investors looking to establish a business in the United States.However, there are various requirements that must be met in order to apply, including “substantial investment” and a detailed business plan.

 

 

Why is it important to know the costs?

In obtaining an E2 visa, an accurate understanding of expenses is an important factor in the success or failure of the application.For this visa, you must prove that your investment is “above the limit,” which is not just the size of your investment, but you must show that you have sufficient funds for the ongoing operation and development of your business.

Therefore, all necessary expenses, from initial investment to working capital, must be accurately identified and incorporated into the plan.

 

The application must also clearly indicate the source and use of investment funds.The business plan must include a detailed financial plan, properly estimating necessary expenses and showing a plan to secure sufficient working capital to demonstrate the feasibility and sustainability of the business.

 

In addition, establishing a business in the U.S. often involves unexpected costs, such as obtaining permits, purchasing additional equipment, and hiring personnel.In addition, you will also need to consider the costs of establishing a livelihood, such as housing, medical insurance, and children’s education, which will be necessary in addition to the business investment.

 

Overview of Expenses

The costs associated with obtaining an E2 visa fall into four main categories.

 

The first is the investment in the business.This is the most significant expense.

Second are official fees such as visa application fees and various other fees.

Third are the costs of hiring lawyers, accountants, consultants, and other professionals.

And fourth are the incidental costs associated with setting up the business and improving the living environment.These costs can vary widely depending on the size and form of the business and the choice of professional.

 

Investment Requirements for E2 Visa Application

Although “substantial investment” is a basic requirement for the E2 visa, there is no clear minimum investment amount set by law.However, in order for an application to be approved, it must be demonstrated that the investment is sufficient for the business to succeed.

 

The amount of investment varies greatly depending on the type of industry, the size of the business, and the region, and there are also detailed regulations regarding the type of investment and how it is calculated.Here, we will explain in detail the amount of investment required to apply for an E2 visa, from practical guidelines to specific calculation methods.

 

 

Minimum Investment Amount

The criteria for a “substantial investment” under the E2 visa vary depending on the nature and size of the business, and there is no clear legal minimum.

As a practical guide, Small businesses require at least $100,000 to $200,000.We have actual examples of cases where we have assisted in both less and more than this.Please contact us for more information.

 

This amount varies depending on the size of the business and the type of industry, and is typically $150,000 or more for medium-sized businesses and $200,000 or more for large businesses.The key is to be able to demonstrate that the investment amount is sufficient to make the business successful.

After 2025, this will change depending on the administration.

 

 

Typical Investment Amounts by Industry

The amount of investment required varies greatly depending on the type of business.Storefront businesses, such as retail stores and restaurants, typically require $150,000 to $300,000.This includes a store deposit, interior construction costs, capital expenditures, and initial inventory.

 

On the other hand, service businesses, such as consulting, can start with as little as $100,000 to $200,000.IT-related services can be anywhere from $150,000 to $250,000.

 

The amount of investment varies depending on the size of the local economy, with larger cities tending to require more investment.

Industry	General Investment	Major Investments
Restaurant	$150,000-$300,000	Store deposit, interior construction, kitchen equipment, initial inventory, working capital
Retail Store	$200,000-$250,000	Store deposit, interior construction, display cabinets, POS system, merchandise inventory, working capital
Consulting	~$150,000 *That is and handled by a knowledgeable attorney,business plan and application process are key.	Office deposit, office equipment, website development, marketing expenses, working capital
IT Services	~$250,000 *This is and is handled by a knowledgeable attorney,business plan and application process are key.	Office deposit, servers and equipment, software licenses, development costs, working capital
Beauty salon/salon	$200,000-$300,000	Store deposit, interior construction, beauty equipment, working capital
Manufacturing	Over $300,000	Plant lease/purchase, manufacturing equipment, raw materials, working capital
Real Estate Investment	$200,000 to $500,000 *That and savvyresponse by attorneys, business plans and application procedures are key.	Property purchase/deposit, renovation costs, working capital
Import/export business	$150,000 to $300,000 *That and savvyresponse by attorneys, business plans and application procedures are key.	Warehouse deposit, inventory management system, initial inventory, working capital
Fitness gym	$200,000-$400,000	Store deposit, interior construction, training equipment, working capital
Automotive Services	$200,000 to $400,000	Store deposit, equipment and tools, diagnostic equipment, inventory, working capital

 

 

In our examples of assistance, we have seen many cases around and below $100,000.

For cases below the $200,000 investment, the key is the application process, which centers on the preparation of a business plan.Please contact us.

 

 

How to Calculate the Investment Amount

Multiple factors must be considered when calculating the investment amount.First, there are the initial investment costs, such as the cost of purchasing the business assets, the security deposit for the rental property, and the interior construction costs.Next, there are the costs of purchasing inventory and merchandise, as well as business facilities and equipment.

 

In addition, you will need to set aside at least several months, ideally a year, of working capital for labor, advertising, insurance, etc.The total of these expenses will be accepted as the investment amount when applying for an E2 visa.However, the amount of investment must be an amount that has already been invested or an amount that can be proven to be a reliable investment.

 

 

Types of Investments and Allowable Expenses

There are several important requirements for investments allowed under the E2 visa.First, the investment must be for a real for-profit business.

Mere real estate or stock investments are not allowed; the investment must be for the purpose of actually operating a business.Investment funds must be legally obtained and their source must be clearly verifiable.

 

Allowable expenses include the cost of purchasing land and buildings, business facilities and equipment, merchandise inventory, deposits for office leases, and working capital.However, future earnings projections and the value of goodwill (goodwill) are usually not allowable.In addition, investment must be made with the applicant’s own funds; investments through loans are generally not allowed.

 

 

Official fees for the application process

The application for an E2 visa requires various fees to be paid to the U.S. government.These official fees are the basic fees that all applicants must pay.First, there is a $160 filing fee for the DS-160 (nonimmigrant visa application).In addition to this, there is an E2 visa-specific reciprocity fee of $140.

 

In addition, a fee of approximately $200 will be required to authenticate the various documents necessary for the application, depending on the type and number of documents.Specifically, this includes certification of the company registration, financial statements, contract documents, etc.If your spouse or children are also coming to the U.S. with you, an application fee will be required for each family member.

Depending on the timing and circumstances of the application, additional fees may apply.For example, if you want an emergency application or express processing, you will need to pay an additional fee.Also, if you are reapplying after your application has been denied, you will need to pay a new application fee.

 

These official fees must be paid in the manner designated by the U.S. embassy or consulate, usually by credit card or transfer at a designated bank.After payment, you should keep the receipt in a safe place.Please note that these fees are subject to periodic revision and that the amount may vary depending on the exchange rate.

 

Once paid, the application fee is not refundable in principle, even if the application is rejected or withdrawn.Therefore, it is recommended that you thoroughly check the application requirements and prepare all necessary documents before applying.

Cost Item	Amount (U.S. dollars)	Remarks
DS-160 application fee	$160	Basic Visa Application Fee
Mutual Agreement Fee	$140	Additional fees specific to E2 visa
SEVIS fee	$220	If necessary
Document authentication fee	$200-$300	Depends on type and number of documents
Emergency Application Fee	$350	Only if emergency processing is requested
Spouse’s visa application fee	$160	If you have a spouse
Visa application fee for children	160/person	If you have children under 21 years of age
Reapplication fee	$160	For reapplication after rejection

Professional fees

When applying for an E2 visa, the assistance of an experienced professional is an essential component of a successful application.Key professionals include immigration attorneys, accountants, and business consultants, whose expertise and experience can support different aspects of the application process.

 

The cost of hiring these professionals is not inexpensive, but the selection and use of the right professional can increase the success rate of your application and result in a more efficient investment.This section provides a detailed explanation of the typical cost of hiring each expert and the services they provide.

 

 

Attorney Fees

For E2 visa applications, hiring an experienced immigration attorney is strongly recommended.The typical fee for an attorney is $0 to $500 for an initial consultation and $8,000 to $15,000 for the preparation of the application and representation.

For special or complex cases, additional fees of $1,000 to $3,000 may be charged.Costs can vary widely depending on the experience and track record of the attorney and the size of the firm.

 

Accountant Fees

There are three main items in the cost of hiring an accountant.First, assistance with the preparation of a business plan costs from $2,000 to $5,000.Next, $1,000 to $3,000 for preparation of financial statements and $500 to $2,000 for tax consultation.

These fees vary depending on the size and complexity of the business and the amount of documentation required.They will also vary depending on the scope of the work to be performed by the accountant.In particular, if you are considering the acquisition of an existing business, additional due diligence (corporate valuation) fees may be required.

 

Consultant Fees

Hiring a business consultant is important to increase the probability of business success.A few thousand dollars to over $12,000 is typical.These costs vary widely depending on the experience of the consultant, the scope of services provided, and the depth of the investigation.Additional fees may be incurred on a monthly basis for ongoing consulting services.

 

We offer consulting and round-trip services based on the experience acquired by our representatives themselves.In addition, we have over 250 cases of experience in assisting not only large corporations, but also many individual business owners.Please contact us.

 

 

Key Points and Considerations when Obtaining an E2 Visa

The main points and points to note when obtaining an E2 visa are explained in detail from three important perspectives.

Proving the amount of investment is not only about the amount, but also about the feasibility of the business

When applying for an E2 visa, it is not enough to simply provide the minimum amount of investment required.More important than the size of the investment is demonstrating that the business can reliably succeed and continue to operate in the United States.This requires a detailed business plan that specifically explains the market analysis, competitive landscape, revenue projections, and marketing strategy.

 

It is also necessary to prove that the source of the investment funds is clear and legally obtained.This requires bank statements showing the flow of funds and documentary proof of the assets from which the funds originated.Furthermore, it must be shown that the investment has already been executed or is in the concrete stage just prior to investment; mere investment intentions or planning stages will not be accepted.

 

The selection of an expert and the timing of the request will determine the success or failure of the application.

The selection of an experienced immigration attorney or consultant is critical to the success of an E2 visa application.In particular, the assistance of an expert who is familiar with E2 visa screening trends and requirements can greatly increase the success rate of your application.The selection of an expert should be based on a comprehensive evaluation of past performance, expertise, and cost-effectiveness.

 

Importantly, the expert should be consulted from the earliest stages of the business plan.By obtaining expert advice during the planning stage, you can develop a business plan that meets the requirements for application and avoid rework or revisions later.In addition, by obtaining opinions from multiple experts, you may be able to select a more appropriate approach.

 

Develop a business and financial plan well in advance

E2 visa applicants should develop their business and financial plans well in advance.It is recommended that you allow for an extra 20% of your original budget to cover unexpected additional costs.It is especially important to have sufficient working capital available, as it is often necessary to spend more than anticipated immediately after the start of a business.

 

It is recommended to have at least six months’ worth of working capital, but ideally one year’s worth of working capital.This is because it is necessary to anticipate a sufficient period of time for the business to get off the ground.Furthermore, in addition to the business investment, a comprehensive financial plan must also take into account the costs of establishing a foundation for living in the U.S., such as housing, medical insurance, and children’s education.

 

Thus, the key to obtaining an E2 visa is the feasibility of the investment, the appropriate use of professionals, and sufficient financial resources.Proper consideration of these factors and careful preparation will increase the chances of a successful application.

Conclusion.

Obtaining an E2 visa requires a minimum investment of at least $100,000 to $200,000 in the business, and even more depending on the type of business.In addition to this, there are public fees of approximately $720, professional fees of $20,000 to $30,000, and other incidental costs.

 

To ensure success, it is important to accurately identify these costs in advance and to plan adequately for them.It is also advisable to allow about 20% of your budget for unexpected expenses.

Consulting with an expert can be expensive, but getting the right advice can result in cost savings.

 

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