E-2 Visa in Boca Raton: A Path for Treaty Investors to Work and Stay in the US
Ready to move your business to the US? If you’re seeking an E-2 visa in Boca Raton or anywhere else in the United States, you’re in the right place.
At the Weiss & Mow, P.C. law office in Boca Raton, we’ve worked with countless foreign investors using this visa to launch or buy businesses in the US, and we understand how to navigate the process.
This is more than just a way to work in the US. An E-2 visa is a smart move for investors who want flexibility now and a potential path to a green card down the road |
What is an E-2 Visa? Invest in the US and Build Your Future
This visa allows foreign nationals from treaty countries to invest in and run their own US-based business. With at least 50% ownership and a significant capital investment, it provides a flexible, renewable path to living and working in the US as long as your business is thriving.
So, what does “substantial” investment mean? Our Florida immigration lawyer is here to explain:
| “There’s no set number; we’ve seen investments as low as $50,000 qualify, depending on the business — but the key is that the amount must be enough to make the business viable.” |
| – Jessica J. Weiss, Weiss & Moy, Florida Immigration Lawyer |
Who Qualifies for This Visa?
If you’re considering an E-2 visa to move to South Florida or anywhere else in the country, you’ll need to meet certain qualifications to make your dream of doing business in the US a reality.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Be a citizen of a country with an E-2 treaty with the US
- Invest a substantial amount of money in a US business.
- Own at least 50% of the business;
- Actively run the business — this visa isn’t for silent investors.
- Ensure your business produces goods or services for profit — passive investments like buying a house and flipping it don’t count.
- Fully fund small businesses with cash usually — Smaller companies need to be 100% funded without loans usually.
What Types of Businesses Qualify?
Our Florida immigration lawyer, Jessica J. Weiss, has worked with clients investing in everything from restaurants to tech startups to franchises. She has helped clients in this area for more than two decades. As long as it is an active, legally operating, and profitable business, it can qualify for an E-2 visa in Boca Raton and throughout the US. Options include:
- Starting a new business
- Buying an existing US business
- Investing in a franchise
- Expanding a foreign business into the US
| The key is that the business can’t be “marginal” — it has to generate enough income to support more than you and your family. It has to also support other legal workers in the US. |
From E-2 to an EB-5 Visa: We Can Provide a Path to a Green Card
While the E-2 visa is temporary, it can open the door to permanent residency through the EB-5 program. We often work with clients who start small with an E-2, then grow their investment to qualify for an EB-5 visa. We can provide this service not just in Boca Raton but in any state in the country.
The EB-5 requires you to invest $1,050,000 (or $800,000 in a targeted employment area) and create 10 full-time jobs within two years. There’s also the option to invest in a Regional Center — an economic entity that promotes job creation — which allows for indirect job creation and a lower investment threshold.
“If you’re investing in a ‘troubled business’ — one that’s been around for at least two years and lost 20% of its net worth over the past year or two — you don’t have to create 10 new jobs,” Jessica explains. “Maintaining the existing jobs is enough to qualify for an EB-5.”
Why the E-2 Visa is a Game Changer for Investors
It offers several benefits that can make it an attractive option for investors looking to live and work in the US. Here are some of the key advantages:
- Flexibility: You can invest in a wide range of businesses, offering you the freedom to choose the right opportunity.
- Spouse’s Work Authorization: Your spouse can apply for a Social Security number and can work for any US employer once they activate their E-2 dependent classification.
- Children’s Education: Your children under 21 can attend school without needing a student visa.
- Unlimited Renewals: As long as your business remains operational and profitable, you can continue renewing your E-2 visa, provided the US and your country maintain their E-2 treaty agreement
- A Path to Permanent Residency: With the proper investment, one may qualify for EB-5 for permanent residency or another employment-based green card path.
These benefits make it an excellent option for those looking to establish themselves in the US while growing their business.
Why Work with Weiss & Moy, PC?
Immigration law isn’t just about filling out forms — it’s about strategy. We look at your long-term goals and build a visa plan that fits. At Weiss & Moy, P.C., we help you:
- Determine if you qualify for an E-2 visa, EB-5, or other green card-based employment category.
- Help review documents to prove your investment is substantial and at risk.
- File visa applications and supporting materials
- Plan for visa renewals or a transition from E-2 to EB-5
- Assist with the transition of kids 21 and over to other visa categories when they age out of the E-2, as kids can only be on it until they turn 21.
We give you a clear, practical roadmap tailored to your business and immigration goals. We provide immigration services with a heart, because we know this is a very important decision for you to come to the US, invest your money and often bring your immediate family to the US with you. With Law offices in Phoenix and Boca Raton, we offer localized expertise in the rapidly evolving world of immigration law for you to live and work anywhere in the US.
If you’re thinking you want to start with an E-2 visa or plan for a future green card application including EB-5, let our team at Weiss & Moy, P.C. guide you through every step. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward working, investing, and living in the United States. Call toll-free at 888-689-1862, or click here for more information!
