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Family-Based Immigration to the United States

For citizens or permanent residents who have family living abroad, the family-based immigration system allows their family members a simplified process for immigrating to the United States. Family-Based immigration is currently the largest source of immigration to the U.S., comprising about 65% of immigration per year, or over 80% of immigration in the past decade. Because most other forms of visa applications have a significantly higher number of applicants per year than are processed, family-based immigration is the only viable method for many people who want permanent residence in the United States.

What are the requirements for family-based immigration?

First, there must be a petitioner who is a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. They will file a petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, which requests that their family member be given permanent residence. There are two different categories within family-based immigration that dictate the process for the overseas family member, known as the beneficiary:

1. Immediate Relatives

Immediate relatives are given priority in immigration, and there are an unlimited number of visas available for them. They also do not have to wait in queue for visa numbers, which means there is no extended wait time as with other visa categories. To fall into the category of immediate relatives, the beneficiary has to be the spouse, unmarried child who is under 21 years of old, adopted orphan, or parent of a U.S. citizen.

2. Family Preference

The family preference category is not given the same priority as the immediate relatives category, which means that family members in this category will have to face wait times commonly estimated to be between 2 and 7 years. The family preference category is for unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens who are over 21 years old, spouses and unmarried children of permanent residents, and unmarried adult children of permanent residents.

Unfortunately, only those who fall into the immediate relative category have an expedited process and a guaranteed immigrant visa available to them. For those who have the option, this is the best way to gain permanent residence in the United States. If you’re in need of assistance with the family-based immigration process or any other visa application, contact RelisLaw at 1-800-514-4290 to schedule a consultation today. Consultations are also available via Skype, Zoom, and other platforms.

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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.
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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

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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
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