Access to US under E2 treaty visa for Grenada Citizens

One of the very important key points that distinguishes Grenada from other citizenship programmes in the caribbean (Dominica, Antigua, St Kitts Nevis, St Lucia) is Grenada has signed E2 Investor Treaty with the US.

The E-2 Treaty allows a national of a treaty country to be admitted to the United States (E2 visa) when investing a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business of their choice. There is no minimum investment limit (it can be as low as $50,000). The business must be real business and does not enforce on having minimum number of employees.

 

The E-2 treaty investor visa is generally a temporary residence permit that allows you to live in the United States as long as you are operating the business. You have to leave the US if the business fails. Some of the examples of business are

• Large companies who establish manufacturing plants
• Real estate investors
• Small businessmen who purchase a franchise or small business
• Retirees who use the Treaty Investor visa as a means of getting US status so they can retire in America

 

E2 Investor visa is a non-immigrant visa valid for a period of five years and can be renewed with 2 year extensions. Non-immigrant visa means you will not get  green card or citizenship in the US  under E2 status. Family members can qualify for E2 visa as well.

 

This type of visa is great when you want to visit US anytime for business. You must hold Grenada passport to apply for this visa. It can be a joint venture partnership and you are allowed to work for the business you created.

 

E-2 visa holders may stay outside the U.S. for any amount of time, and still re-enter the U.S. with their valid visa. The processing time for E2 visa is 60 days (unlike 12-18 months for EB5)

 

E2 investor visa is not to be confused to EB5 investor visa, which requires investment of $500,000 fully gives immigrant status to permanently live in the US. IRS taxes on worldwide income for those who obtained  EB5 status.

 

Here are some differences between EB5 and E2 visas

EB5 Investor visa

E2  Investor Visa

Gives immigrant visa status in US US permanent residence or Greencard Path to US citizenship in 6 years Must satisfy residency requirements living in the us Processing time is 12-18 months Requires minimum $500,000 business investment. Must create atleast 10 full time jobs through employment of US citizens Must pay US taxes on worldwide income. Family members qualify

Offers Non-immigrant visa status in US No permanent residence or green card No path for US citizenship No residency requirements. Enter and exit US anytime and can stay outside US indefinitely. Processing time is only 60 days No minimum investment ceiling. Investments in business can be as low as $50,000 or less No requirement to employ or create jobs. There are ways to avoid paying US taxes on worldwide income Family members also qualify