Logo RelisLaw More space
Menu
Logo RelisLaw More space 1
Facebook Instagram Youtube Tiktok Linkedin
Logo RelisLaw More space
Facebook Instagram Youtube Tiktok Linkedin

Am I Eligible for a T-1 Visa?

The United States Congress passed into law the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act in 2000, creating protections for immigrants who have become victims of coercive labor practices in the U.S.or trafficking into the U.S. (including having to pay for work visas from abroad).

Regardless of your documentation status in the U.S., if you were subjected to abuse from an employer, you may be eligible to receive a T-1 visa and remain in the United States. The T-1 visa is specifically for people currently in the United States, but other visas are available for overseas family members of T-1 visa recipients.

How does the T-1 visa work?

There are some qualifications to become eligible for the T-1 visa:

  • You must have experienced coercion in labor practices at work in the U.S. or trafficking to provide labor or services – e.g. threats, forcing or coercing you to do something, like work in particular conditions or hours you did not want to do. This can include threats like abuse of the legal system including threats of deportation.  
  • You must be helpful to law enforcement or other authorities (e.g. the Department of Labor) and comply with requests for information about the coercion you experienced and your entry to the U.S.
  • You must be able to demonstrate that you would experience extreme hardship were you to be removed from the United States. This can include very many reasons including services you need, available in the U.S. but not available in your home country.

If granted, the T-1 visa can allow you to remain in the United States for up to 4 years. 

You may then be able to change your immigration status to become a lawful permanent resident. There are also visas available for the loved ones of those who receive a T-1 visa, which would allow you to bring loved ones to the United States.

How do I demonstrate extreme hardship?

Demonstrating extreme hardship is an important step to receiving a T-1 visa. It is ultimately up to the immigration officer to determine whether or not you would experience extreme hardship, but part of the application process is making an argument for why you would. This can include not being able to access services you need that are not available in your home country, risks to you in your home country, and many others. Extreme hardship isn’t limited to just these reasons. You can always make an argument for any other issue you’d face if you were to be denied a visa.

Getting help with your visa application

Applying for a visa can be a long and complicated process. Having an experienced and knowledgeable attorney by your side can help you make your case and ensure your application is submitted properly. RelisLaw has helped many people through this process before, and we can help you too. Contact RelisLaw at 1-800-514-4290 to schedule a consultation today and simplify your visa application. Consultations are also available via Skype, Zoom, and other platforms.

The following two tabs change content below.

RelisLaw

We help people from around the world to live and work freely in the U.S., to achieve their dreams, unite families, or escape persecution. No matter what immigration service you need, RelisLaw will provide caring and dependable counsel to you and aggressive advocacy to vigorously fight for you using every available legal avenue. As a global firm, we work with people in countries around the world. We meet clients across the U.S., as well as in New York, Toronto, and Montréal. We also meet with clients globally, located in any country, via Skype and other platforms.
Scroll to Top
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa Requirements: A Definitive Guide for Business Owners and Managers - RelisLaw

E-2 Treaty Investor Visa: Comprehensive Guide for Business Owners

U.S. Investment Opportunity: The E-2 Visa

pexels michael burrows 7129717 scaled 1

The **E-2 Treaty Investor Visa** is a non-immigrant classification for foreign nationals investing a substantial amount of capital in a bona fide U.S. business. At RelisLaw, we specialize in maximizing the approval chances for **E-2 Visa Business Entrepreneurs and Managers**.

The E-2 visa allows investors and their **immediate family** (spouse and unmarried children under 21) to live and work in the United States. Initial approval can grant residency for up to **5 years** and is indefinitely renewable as long as the business meets the requirements. This visa is explicitly designed to spur **foreign investment and economic development** in the U.S.

DOWNLOAD: YOUR STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO E-2 VISA SUCCESS

RelisLaw provides the **solid, detailed guidance** you can rely on to build your strongest E-2 Application and successfully secure your future in the USA!

Since 2016, our clients worldwide have chosen RelisLaw, not only for our **meticulous work and consistent Approvals** but also for the continuous support we provide to help them achieve their dreams of working in the U.S.

Be prepared to discuss your **business plan, investment sources, and management role** in detail during your application process. Upon E-2 visa approval, you will receive authorization to start working in your approved U.S. business right away!

E-2 Treaty Investor Visa Eligibility Summary

E-2 Requirement Category Core Eligibility Criteria Definition of Investment
**Applicant & Business** – Must be a **citizen of a U.S. treaty country**.

– Must have already **invested or be actively investing a significant amount** of capital in a legitimate U.S. enterprise.

– The applicant must be coming to the U.S. solely to **develop and direct the enterprise** by having ownership (at least 50%) or a key managerial/executive role.		 – The investment must be **Substantial** relative to the total cost of the business (start-up or purchase).

– Funds must be large enough to demonstrate the investor’s strong **financial commitment** to the business’s success.

– The business must be **Not Marginal** (i.e., not solely created to provide a minimal living income for the investor and family, but must expand employment opportunities in the U.S.).
GET YOUR STEP-BY-STEP E-2 VISA GUIDE NOW
;