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H1B Visa: A Special Guide for Those Who Want to Work in America

Asım Kılınç, Immigration Attorney, CK Law Firm

Many foreign professionals with the goal of working in the US can achieve their work visa goal with the H1B visa. The H1B visa allows professionals who specialize in fields such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics to start work after being offered jobs by US employers. In this guide, I answer the following questions about the H1B visa:

  • H-1B Visa Occupations: Which Sectors Can You Apply?
  • H-1B Visa Application Requirements: Who is Eligible?
  • Documents Required for H-1B Visa
  • H-1B Visa Fee: Detailed Analysis
  • What is the H-1B Visa Quota?

If you have any other questions about the H1B visa, please feel free to contact us in the comments section of this blog or on the CK Law Firm Immigration Lawyer Webpage. You can also contact me on LinkedIn for private inquiries and consultations.

H-1B Visa Occupations: Which Sectors Can You Apply From?

H-1B visa occupations require specialization, especially in fields such as computer science, engineering and health sciences. This visa is also suitable for people of different nationalities working in positions that require a high level of education and expertise. Some sample professions for which you can apply for an H-1B visa are as follows:

  • Computer systems analysts
  • Biotechnology experts
  • Architect
  • Engineer
  • Financial and investment analysts

H-1B Visa Application Requirements: Who is Eligible?

To be eligible to apply for an H1-B visa, candidates generally need to have a bachelor’s degree in the relevant field or equivalent professional experience. Among the H1-B visa requirements, it is important for candidates to document that they have the necessary knowledge and skills for the job position they are applying for. People who have these competencies can apply for an H1-B temporary work visa.

What are the Documents Required for H-1B Visa?

We need to consider the documents required for the H-1B visa application in two separate categories. The documents that your employer, i.e. the sponsor, must provide and the documents that you, as the applicant, must provide are separate. First of all, the documents that the employer must provide are as follows:

  • Approved and signed H visa request form
  • A document containing the average salary of employees in similar positions in your region
  • Document showing the salary paid by the employer to employees in similar positions
  • Fee receipt paid to the US Department of Homeland Security (Paid by the employer)
  • All offer letters explaining the terms and duration of employment
  • If the employee will be working in more than one location, additional documentation listing the dates and address of the locations where the work will be performed
  • Evidence that the employee has the degree required for the job, such as transcripts and diplomas.
  • Translation of all documents not originally in English certified by a sworn translator
  • Educational equivalency assessment for degrees from non-US universities
  • Current CV
  • Professional license (if required)
  • Passport page with personal details and expiration date
  • If the employee is in the US, the passport page showing the most recent visa stamp and documents showing the status of presence and entry and exit from the country

The documents that you, the people who will apply for the H-1B visa, should prepare are as follows:

  • Passport
  • Application fee receipt
  • Photo
  • Receipt number (can be found on form I-129)

H-1B Visa Fee: Detailed Cost Analysis

H-1B visa fees primarily include the H-1B registration fee. This registration fee is 215 dollars. The subsequent Form I-129 fee has two different pricing according to the size of the employer’s company. While this fee is 780 dollars for large companies, it is 460 dollars for small businesses.

Form I-129 is a form that employers in the United States submit to the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in the United States to apply for work authorization for non-immigrant workers. This form must be approved to apply for an American Temporary Work Visa.

In addition to these fees, there is also a Premium processing fee to ensure that your transaction is fast-tracked within 15 days. The fee for this process is 2,805 dollars. However, this does not speed up your consular visa process.

How to Get an H-1B Visa: Step-by-Step Application Guide

The answer to the question of how to get an H-1B visa may vary due to the fact that the process is completely personal. In this process, you must first find an employer who will offer you a job offer from your profession. Afterwards, your H-1B visa process starts with the employer registering online for you.

Once the registration is approved, your employer files a DOL (US Department of Labor) approved LCA (Labor Condition Application) and Form I-129 (Petition for Alien Worker) with USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services). After all documents are submitted completely and accurately, USCIS evaluates the application and the H-1B visa allows you to start your US life.

What is an H-1B Visa Quota?

After finding answers to the questions of what is an H-1B visa, another most curious issue is the quota of the H-1B visa. As applications for H-1B visas have increased over time, a certain quota has been formed in this visa type and these applications have become received by lottery as many as the number determined in the quota. Previously, applications remained open for a long time to fill the quota, while today the quota is filled quickly.

This quota offers 85,000 positions. Of these, 65,000 are reserved for bachelor’s graduates or experienced people, while 20,000 are reserved for postgraduates or higher academic professionals.

If you would like support with your H1-B visa process, you can always contact us through the CK Law Firm Website or in the comments. You can also reach me on LinkedIn for private inquiries or consulting services.

Asım Kılınç, Immigration Attorney, CK Law Firm

The H1B visa, which is also preferred by foreign professionals who want to work in the United States, involves various payments during the application process. These fees consist of different items that concern both the applicant and the employer. The H1B visa cost may vary depending on the current regulations of the year of application, expedited processing content and foreign exchange rules.

In this guide, I provide detailed information about the H1B visa price, payment items and total costs. In this article, you can find answers to the following questions:

  • What Does the H1B Visa Cover?
  • How Many Dollars is an H1B Visa?
  • America H1B Visa Fee: Costs for Employer and Applicant
  • H1B Visa Premium Processing Fee: Expedited Processing Cost

If you have any questions about the H1B visa other than these topics, please feel free to contact me via the comments section below this article or by sending me a message directly via LinkedIn. Don’t forget that you can also send me your questions through the web page of CK Law Firm Immigration Law Firm, which I am the co-founder of!

What Does an H1B Visa Cover?

The H1B visa is designed for employers who wish to hire foreign professionals to work in the United States in certain specialized occupations. These occupational groups include jobs that require a high level of education and expertise in fields such as technology, engineering and finance. Individuals who wish to obtain this visa must first receive a job offer from an American employer. The employer must first submit an approved Labor Condition Application (LCA) from the U.S. Department of Labor in order to apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on your behalf.

An application has multiple cost items. The basic costs consist of the application fee, the fraud prevention fee and the training fund fees that the employer has to pay. There is also an optional premium processing fee to expedite the processing.

However, once you have an H1B visa, you can get the right to work in the US for 3 years. Then, if you request an extension, you can continue to work in the US by extending this visa. Moreover, in some cases, it may be possible to convert your H1B visa into a Green Card.

How Many Dollars is an H1B Visa?

The question of how many dollars an H1B visa costs is a question that many professionals ask. There are several stages in the application process and these costs are usually covered by the employer. First, a registration fee is paid for the H1B visa. This means that if the application is accepted, the employer must pay the Form I-129 (Petition for Alien Employee) filing fee.

  • Registration Fee: Registration of application for H1B visa $215
  • Form I-129 Fee: Once the application is accepted, payment amounts vary depending on the size of the employer’s company. For large businesses, the fee is $780. For small businesses and non-profit organizations, the fee is $460.

Regulations on the US visa fee are shaped by the fees set by the US Department of State according to the law. However, it should not be ignored that these fees may change over time.

America H1B Visa Fee: Costs for Employer and Applicant

The US H1B visa fee policy, which has different payments between the employer and employee, has different requirements for both parties. These fees are paid at different stages of the application process and the responsibilities of the parties are clearly defined.

Wages Covered by the Employer:

  • Filing Fee: The employer pays a filing fee of $460 or $780 for Form I-129 submitted to USCIS.
  • Attorney Fees: Lawyers’ fees are paid by the employer to provide legal support during the visa application process.

Fees Covered by the Applicant:

  • Consular Visa Application Fee: The applicant pays a visa application fee of USD 190 at the time of the visa interview at the US consulate.

It is also very important that you pay attention to the important points I have mentioned below. These points are of great importance in the smooth progress of your visa process.

  • The employer cannot legally charge certain fees for the application process to the employee; they must pay these fees themselves.
  • The applicant is responsible for personal costs, such as the consular visa application fee.
  • The cost of additional services, such as premium processing fees, is determined by agreement between the employer and the employee.

H1B Visa Premium Processing Fee: Expedited Processing Cost

The H1B visa premium processing fee is an option for employers who want to expedite the application process. With the premium processing option, USCIS commits to finalize your petition within 15 business days. This service costs $2,805 and is usually paid by the employer.

Premium processing is particularly favored when the application process falls within a critical timeframe. However, the premium processing fee only speeds up USCIS processing time; it has no impact on consular interview and visa approval times.

You can contact us for more information about the US H1B visa and get expert support for your immigration process. You can also reach me anytime on Linkedin and we can schedule a meeting for any questions you may have about the process.

By Ergul Celiksoy, Immigration Attorney at CK Law Firm

What is an H1B Visa? The H1B visa is a work visa designed for professionals who want to work temporarily in the United States. It is a type of visa applied by individuals working in fields such as technology, engineering, finance and health. This visa makes it easier for US employers to hire talented employees.

The H-1B visa application is made with the support of an employer operating in the US. In other words, this visa is not open to individual application. The employer submits a petition to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of the applicant. Once approved, the applicant can enter the US with a work permit. If you want to pursue a career in the US, it is critical that you have detailed information about the H1B visa and create the right strategy. In this article, I will discuss the following topics about the H-1B visa:

  • What is an H1B Visa?
  • How to Get an H-1B Visa?
  • H-1B Visa Application Requirements and Dates
  • H-1B Visa Prices: What are the Current Costs?
  • H-1B Visa and Advantages of Working in the USA

If you have any other questions about the H1B visa, please feel free to contact me via the comments section at the bottom of this article, by sending me a message directly via Linkedln, or via the Webpage of CK Law Firm Immigration Law Firm, which I co-founded!

What is an H-1B Visa?

The H1B work permit is an immigration program that allows qualified individuals to work in the United States for specific periods of time. It is usually also intended for foreign professionals working in specialized sectors such as technology, healthcare, engineering and finance.

The H-1B visa makes it easier for US employers to hire qualified and skilled workers from abroad. The H1B work permit, which cannot be applied for without the sponsorship of an employer, is initially granted for 3 years and can be extended under certain conditions.

For foreigners aiming for a career in the US, H1B work authorization can help them take their work experience to a global level and create long-term residency opportunities. In addition, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in the relevant field or equivalent professional experience.

How to Get an H-1B Visa?

There are certain conditions for obtaining an H-1B visa. If you comply with these conditions, your application is more likely to be successful. The process proceeds in two different ways for the employer and the employee. First of all, what the employer must do:

  • Employer Sponsorship: The first step of the application is for an American employer to sponsor you. The employer applies to USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) with documents proving the requirements of the position and your qualifications.
  • Labor Condition Application (LCA): The employer must submit the LCA to the U.S. Department of Labor, along with documentation confirming that you are a suitable candidate for the job conditions and that the workplace is available.
  • Petition for Foreign Employee (Form I-129): The employer files an H1B petition on your behalf. This petition is necessary to prove that the employer needs a foreign worker for the position.

Different procedures are applied for those who want to become employees. The process here proceeds as follows:

  • Educational Qualifications: You must provide proof of licensure that proves you are skilled and qualified for the position offered.
  • Job Offer: You must have a valid job offer from a US employer for a specialized occupation.
  • Work Experience: You should prepare documents to prove your experience that you are competent enough in your profession.

After USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) reviews the application and approves the petition, you move on to the other stages of the process. The consular interview is an important part of the H-1B visa process. In this interview, your documents supporting your work permit are examined and if found appropriate, your visa is approved. Apart from this, if you have any questions about how to get an H-1B visa, you can contact us via our CK Law Firm Immigration Law Firm’s Web Page.

H-1B Visa Application Requirements and Dates

H-1B visa requirements include educational level, professional specialization and employer support. The applicant must have at least a bachelor’s degree and the position requires special expertise. The employer must prove that the position applied for cannot be filled in the pool of employees in the US. Salary and working conditions must also be in line with industry standards.

US H-1B visa application deadlines usually start in April each year and continue until the quota set by USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) is filled. The annual quota is usually limited to 85,000 people and therefore applications are completed within a few days. If the number of registrations exceeds the limit due to high demand, people can be randomly selected through a lottery system.

H-1B Visa Prices: What are the Current Costs?

H-1B visa prices are an intriguing cost for both the applicant and the employer. As of 2024, I can say that the application fee has changed for both the employee and the employer. At this point, with the fees changing every year, you need to follow the amount you plan for your application correctly.

For example, for H-1B visa prices, the amount that the employee has to pay in 2023 is $10, while in 2024 this amount is $215. While the amount that the employer has to pay was $2,500 in 2023; this payment increased to $2,805 in 2024. In this case, the total payment for H-1B visa in 2024 is $3,020.

H-1B Visa and Advantages of Working in the USA

The H-1B visa offers many advantages to international workers. First of all, these visa holders can work legally in the US for 3 years. In addition, those who work under certain conditions have the opportunity to extend this period if they wish. At the same time, the family of the visa holder can accompany him/her by obtaining an H-4 visa. H-4 visa holders can study in the US and in some cases, they can also obtain a work permit.

The H-1B visa provides a strong foundation to realize your career goals. Working in the US is a unique opportunity for those who want to gain international experience and expand their future career opportunities.

If you are planning to apply for an H-1B visa, you can contact us about the process. If you have any questions, please do not forget that you can contact me via the comments section at the bottom of this article, by sending me a message directly on Linkedln or via the website of CK Law Firm Immigration Lawyer, which I co-founded!

Asım Kılınç, Immigration Attorney, CK Law Firm

The O-1 visa is a special work visa granted to individuals with extraordinary abilities in the United States. With this visa, Turkish citizens also gain access to a prestigious opportunity. It allows individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievements in fields such as the arts, sciences, business, education, or sports to work and reside temporarily in the U.S. In this article, I delve into the details of the O-1 visa and address the following topics:

  • What is the O-1 Visa? What Are Its Requirements?
  • How to Obtain an O-1 Visa for the U.S.? What Are Its Advantages?
  • Who Can Apply for the O-1 Visa? Who Is It Suitable For?
  • How to Apply for the O-1 Visa? – Information About the Process
  • What Documents Are Required for the O-1 Visa?
  • How Long Is the O-1 Visa Valid? What Is Its Duration of Validity?
  • Are There Quotas for O-1 Visas?

If you have any additional questions about the O-1 visa, please don’t hesitate to reach out through the comments section below this article or via the CK Law Firm Immigration Attorney Firm’s Website. You can also contact me directly on LinkedIn for any inquiries you may have!

What is an O-1 Visa? What Are Its Requirements?

Why Is the O-1 Visa Suitable for Entrepreneurs and Startups?

This visa is a work visa designed for individuals with extraordinary abilities in fields such as science, business, education, or athletics. Unlike many other U.S. work visas, the O-1A visa allows you to sponsor yourself by establishing your own company instead of relying on a U.S. employer. This flexibility provides a significant advantage for startup founders and entrepreneurs.


Advantages of the O-1 Visa for Entrepreneurs

  1. Unlimited Renewals: The O-1A visa has no annual cap, allowing for flexible renewals.
  2. Broad Eligibility: Covers a wide range of fields, from science to business.
  3. No Formal Education Requirement: Focuses on achievements and skills rather than formal education.
  4. Family Coverage: Spouses and children can live in the U.S. under an O-3 visa.
  5. Fast Processing: Premium processing allows decisions within 15 days.
  6. No Salary Requirements: You can set your own salary as the founder of your company.

How to Obtain an O-1 Visa

1. Gather the Required Evidence

To demonstrate your extraordinary abilities, prepare the following:

  • Awards or notable achievements
  • Memberships in professional associations
  • Media coverage
  • Roles as a judge or evaluator in your field
  • Patents or original contributions

2. Establish Your U.S. Company (Self-Sponsor)

By setting up your own company, you can present yourself as the “employer.” This step is crucial for creating an employer-employee relationship.

3. Sign an Employment Contract with Yourself

Draft an employment contract with your U.S. company for a leadership or equivalent role.

4. File Form I-129 with USCIS

Complete Form I-129 on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website and submit it.

5. Attend the Visa Interview

Once your visa is approved, you’ll be invited for an interview at the nearest U.S. consulate. During the interview, present your documents and achievements professionally and confidently.


The O-1A visa provides a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs aiming to establish businesses in the U.S. However, preparing the necessary documents, completing company setup, and developing a solid application strategy are critical to a successful application. Seeking expert assistance can simplify the process and help you achieve your goals quickly.

Differences Between the O-1A and O-1B Visas

The O-1 visa is divided into two categories:

  • O-1A Visa: Designed for individuals with extraordinary abilities in science, business, education, or athletics.
  • O-1B Visa: Tailored for individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary achievements in the arts, film, or television industries.

While the O-1A visa covers a broader range of fields, the O-1B visa focuses specifically on creative and artistic endeavors. For instance:

  • A startup founder or scientist would apply for the O-1A visa.
  • A film director or actor would apply for the O-1B visa.

Additionally, the O-1B visa is often tied to specific projects in the arts and entertainment industries, whereas the O-1A visa offers greater flexibility across various fields.


How Long Is the O-1 Visa Valid?

The duration of the O-1 visa depends on the length of the project or employment contract mentioned in your application. Generally, the O-1 visa is valid for up to 3 years.

With valid justification, you can apply to extend this visa, allowing you to remain in the U.S. without transitioning to another visa type. For more detailed information on validity periods, feel free to reach out to me directly on LinkedIn.


Is There a Cap on O-1 Visas?

Unlike many other visa types, the O-1 visa does not have an annual cap. However, applications are meticulously reviewed, so it’s essential to submit a flawless application to improve your chances of approval.

Proper guidance is crucial for a successful O-1 visa application. If you’re considering applying for an O-1 visa, you can contact me through the comments section below this article, send me a message directly on Linkedln, or visit the website of CK Law Firm, where I am a co-founder, for assistance on various topics.

Asım Kılınç, Immigration Attorney, CK Law Firm

Are you an artist, scientist, athlete, or professional with extraordinary abilities looking to work in the United States? Designed specifically for extraordinary talent individuals who stand out in their field, the O1 visa opens the door to incredible opportunities without the limitations of other work visas.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know—who qualifies, how to apply, sponsorship requirements, and how the O-1 Visa can pave the way for a Green Card. If you believe your skills deserve international recognition, keep reading to learn how to make the O-1 Visa work for you! In this article, we cover the following topics about the O-1 Visa:

  • What is an O-1 Visa?
  • Who Qualifies For an O-1 Visa?
  • What is the O-1 Visa Processing Process?
  • Is an O-1 Visa Sponsor Required?
  • Does O-1 Visa Lead to Green Card? 
  • How Long is an O-1 Visa Good For? And Is There an O-1 Visa Extension?
  • Is O-1 Visa Better Than H-1B?

If you have any further questions about the O-1 Visa, please feel free to reach out to us through the comments section below this article or via the website of CK Law Firm Immigration Attorneys!

What is an O-1 Visa?

The O1 Visa is a special work visa for individuals with extraordinary abilities, allowing them to work in the United States. This visa is specifically designed for professionals who have achieved national or international recognition in fields such as science, arts, education, business, or athletics. To qualify for the O-1 Visa, applicants must provide substantial evidence that demonstrates their extraordinary abilities.

Unlike other work visas, the O1 work visa is not for ordinary skills or experiences. It targets individuals who stand out in their fields with significant achievements. If you believe you have reached a distinguished level in your career and wish to work in the United States, the O1 Visa could be the perfect option for you.

Who Qualifies for an O-1 Visa?

To meet the O-1 Visa requirements, applicants must demonstrate that they have achieved extraordinary ability in their respective fields. This could include evidence of significant awards, achievements, or recognition on a national or international scale. For example, a scientist who has won a prestigious award, an artist with critical acclaim, or a world-renowned athlete would likely qualify. To further clarify, here are the key criteria that determine O1 Visa eligibility:

  • Receipt of major national or international awards (e.g., Nobel Prize, Emmy, Grammy).
  • Membership in prestigious organizations that require outstanding achievements.
  • Published material about the applicant in major media or trade publications.
  • Evidence of participation as a judge of the work of others in the field.
  • Original contributions of major significance to the field.
  • Evidence of authorship of scholarly articles in professional journals or media.
  • Critical or leading roles in distinguished organizations.
  • High salary or compensation compared to others in the field.
  • Commercial success in the arts, such as box office sales or critical recognition.

However, winning major awards is not the only pathway. The O1 Visa requirements also include alternative criteria, such as media recognition, significant roles in reputable organizations, or leadership positions in your field. The O1 Visa usa is not limited to a few elite individuals but is accessible to anyone who can document their extraordinary accomplishments.

What is the O-1 Visa Processing Process?

The O1 Visa processing time begins with obtaining sponsorship from a U.S. employer or agent. Once you secure a sponsor, they will file a petition (Form I-129) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The O-1 Visa processing process typically range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the case and workload.

To ensure a smooth application process, you need to submit documents proving your achievements, such as award certificates, media publications, employment contracts, or reference letters. Working with an experienced immigration attorney can streamline your application and minimize delays. The O1 Visa offers a high approval rate when supported with solid documentation.

Is an O-1 Visa Sponsor Required?

Yes, an O-1 visa sponsor is required to apply for this visa. A U.S.-based employer, agent, or organization must file the petition on your behalf, proving that they intend to employ or represent you. This sponsorship process is essential for the success of your O1 work visa application.

If you do not have a direct employer, an agent can step in to sponsor your application. Many professionals in the entertainment and arts industries, for example, secure an O1 visa sponsor through agencies. Proper legal representation can help you navigate this requirement and find a sponsor aligned with your goals.

Does the O-1 Visa Lead to a Green Card?

While the O1 Visa does not directly lead to a Green Card, it is an excellent pathway to obtaining permanent residency in the United States. Many O-1 visa holders transition to a Green Card through the EB-1 visa category, which also targets individuals with extraordinary abilities. This process is known as O-1 visa to green card conversion.

The O-1 extraordinary ability visa sets a strong foundation for EB-1 applications, as both visas require similar evidence of achievements. If you plan to build a long-term career in the United States, transitioning from an O-1 Visa lead to a Green Card is a viable and strategic option.

How Long is an O-1 Visa Good For? And Is There an O-1 Visa Extension?

The O-1 Visa is initially granted for up to three years, depending on the length of the project or employment. After this period, you can apply for an O-1 visa extension in increments of one year as long as you continue to work in your field of extraordinary ability.

Many professionals successfully extend their O1 Visa multiple times by providing evidence that their work or projects are ongoing. If you are involved in long-term assignments or multiple projects, the O1 visa extension process ensures that you can maintain your legal status in the U.S. and continue to achieve your career goals.

Is O-1 Visa Better Than H-1B?

When comparing the O1 Visa to the H-1B visa, there are several significant advantages. The O-1 Visa is specifically for individuals with extraordinary abilities and has no annual cap, unlike the H-1B visa, which is subject to strict numerical limitations. This makes the O-1 Visa a more reliable option for qualified applicants.

Additionally, the O1 work visa is more flexible in terms of duration and extensions, and it also provides a stronger pathway to obtaining a Green Card. If you have the qualifications to meet the O-1 Visa requirements, it is often a better choice than the H-1B visa for establishing your career in the United States.

Therefore, it is crucial to apply for the O-1 visa with the right guidance. If you are planning to apply for an O-1 visa, please do not hesitate to reach out to me through the comments section below this article, send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or contact me via the website of CK Law Firm Immigration Attorneys, where I am a founding partner!

CK Law Firm content editor Özlem Kara sat down with Ergül Çeliksoy, a founding partner of CK Law Firm and an expert in E-2 Investor Visa, to address the most frequently asked questions on Ekşi Sözlük regarding E-2 Investor Visa. We thank Ergül Çeliksoy for this insightful and enjoyable interview.

By reading this blog, you will find answers to the following questions:

  • What is the E-2 Investor Visa?
  • Who Can Apply for the E-2 Investor Visa?
  • What Documents Are Required for the E-2 Visa?
  • Requirements for the E-2 Visa
  • E-2 Visa Application Process

What is the E-2 Investor Visa?

The E-2 Investor Visa allows citizens of treaty countries to establish or purchase a business in the United States by making a significant investment. This visa enables investors to live in the U.S. and manage their businesses.

The E-2 visa also allows family members (spouse and children under 21) to reside in the United States. However, it is not an immigrant visa, meaning it does not directly lead to a Green Card. The visa duration can be extended based on the continuity and success of the business.

Who Can Apply for the E-2 Investor Visa?

Individuals who meet the following criteria can apply for the E-2 Investor Visa:

  • Must be a citizen of a country that has an E-2 visa treaty with the United States.
  • Must invest a significant amount of capital in a U.S. business.
  • The investor must actively manage and control the business operations.
  • The investment must carry commercial risk and contribute to the U.S. economy.
  • The investment source must be legal, and the business must be operational.

What Documents Are Required for the E-2 Visa?

To apply for the E-2 Visa, the following documents must be carefully prepared:

  1. Passport
  2. DS-160 Application Form
  3. Photo
  4. E-2 Business Plan
  5. Proof of Investment
  6. Business-Related Documents
  7. Employee Documentation
  8. Previous Business Experience Records
  9. Intent to Return Documentation

Requirements for the E-2 Visa

  1. Qualified Investor Status
    The applicant must be a national of a country that has a treaty of commerce with the United States.
  2. Significant Capital Investment
    The investment must be substantial and sufficient to make the business operational and sustainable. The investment must be at risk and actively used in business operations.
  3. Active Business Management
    The investor must actively manage the business operations. Passive investments do not qualify for the E-2 visa.
  4. Genuine and Commercially Viable Investment
    The business must be a real, active, and operating enterprise that generates income and contributes to the U.S. economy.
  5. Business Sustainability and Plan
    The investment must create employment opportunities for U.S. citizens or Green Card holders. A detailed business plan is essential to demonstrate the business’s long-term viability.
  6. Irrevocable Investment
    The investment must not be speculative and must be subject to financial risk.
  7. Temporary Stay
    The E-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa, but it can be renewed as long as the business remains operational.
  8. Family Members
    Spouses and children under 21 of the E-2 visa holder can accompany the investor. Spouses can work, and children can attend school.

E-2 Visa Application Process

  1. Preparing the Business Plan
    A comprehensive business plan must be created to outline the investment details, business operations, and sustainability.
  2. Compiling the Required Documents
    All necessary documents, including financial details, proof of investment, and active management involvement, must be prepared meticulously.
  3. Consular Interview
    Applicants must attend an interview at the U.S. Consulate to explain their business plan and investment.
  4. Visa Approval and Entry to the U.S.
    Once approved, the investor can enter the U.S. to start or take over the business.

Closing Notes from Ergül Çeliksoy

The E-2 visa offers a unique opportunity for investors who wish to establish or manage businesses in the U.S. However, thorough preparation, a solid business plan, and active business involvement are essential for success. For questions regarding E-2 eligibility and documentation, you can visit cklawfirm.org, email us at info@cklawfirm.org, or reach me directly on LinkedIn.

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