International Investors Should Look To Miami!

International business people seeking business opportunities in the United States should look to Miami, Florida. An E-2 Treaty Investor visa can enables a citizen from a country who maintains commerce and navigation treaties with the United States to enter the U.S. for investment and business purposes. To qualify for an E-2 Treaty Investor visa, one must be coming to the United States to invest in a new or existing enterprise. The international investor must engaging in substantial trade of services, technology, or qualified activities between the United States and the treaty country, and must be developing or directing an enterprise in which they invested considerable capital. Miami is an ideal location for international trade and business, as the city is the 11th largest United States Customs District. Miami also recently set the national record for trade surplus at $25.70 billion and has one of the most active ports in the U.S.

While establishing an international business in Miami is an excellent move, one should not tackle the process alone. An immigration attorney will be able to assist with the process of obtaining an E-2 visa. To qualify for a visa, you must first verify that you are coming to the United States to invest in a bona fide enterprise, rather than a marginal enterprise. A bona fide enterprise is a real, active, commercial, or entrepreneurial business and produces goods or services for a profit. The enterprise cannot be an idle investment, such as stocks or land; you must be investing in a new business venture or purchasing a pre-existing business. You will not be granted an E-2 visa if the enterprise you invest in is marginal, meaning that it will not generate enough income to provide you and your family with minimal living or make a significant economic contribution.

As an E-2 investor you must also show also that you are putting your funds at risk. The investing money must be your own. The money you invest must also be substantial in relationship to the total cost of purchasing or establishing the enterprise. Not only do you need to establish that you have the committed funds, but you also need to provide the source of these funds. This requires proof of a clear, legitimate path to show that you did not obtain the funds illegally.

It is not enough to invest in an enterprise in the U.S., to be eligible for an E-2 visa, you must also develop or direct a business venture. This is documented by showing that you own at least 50 percent of the company or have operational control through a corporate or management position.

If you are ready to apply for your E-2 Treaty Investor visa and establish your enterprise, identify the United States embassy or consulate you will complete this process through. A consular officer will determine during your interview if you are eligible by United States law for the E-2 Treaty Investor visa. Your application may require further administrative processing after your interview.

The process of obtaining an E-2 Treaty Investor visa requires a great deal of documentation, particularly in regard to your business or enterprise. Contacting an immigration attorney to assist you in the process of obtaining a visa will greatly assist you in establishing your business in the United States and capitalizing your investment. Miami, Florida is an ideal location to establish your business, as the city thrives on international trade and commerce.