Application Procedure

The application for an E1 or E2 visa is generally filed directly at the US embassy or consulate where the investor is based. In some cases, an application can also be filed directly with the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) in the US.

The visa application will contain information about the foreign investor, the US company and the qualifications of the visa applicant. After the review of the visa application has been completed by the US Consulate or Embassy, the applicant will receive an invitation for an interview. This interview is always in person. Assuming the interview goes well, the applicant will receive his/her passport plus visa via courier after a few business days (in Amsterdam). The validity of an E-visa is dependent on the treaty country: 3 years for Dutch citizens, 5 years for German citizens, etc.

Employment Authorization for the partner

Spouses of E visa holders may work in the United States after applying for work authorization with USCIS. However, this application can only be initiated after arrival in the US on the E-visa. After the approval of this application by USCIS, the partner can work for any employer in the US. Unlike the work visa of the principal applicant, who can only work for the company listed on the visa. Please note that it may take a couple of months to obtain the work authorization for the spouse.

Processing Times

The processing time of the E-visa application depends on the US Consulate that reviews the application, and how busy that particular consulate is. It can vary from a few weeks to many months. Because of the large volume of E visa applications we file every year we always have a realistic idea on how long it will take. There generally are significant differences in processing times between US Consulates and Embassies in different countries. VisaVersa has extensive experience with preparing and filing E1 and E2 applications at US Consulates and Embassies throughout Europe (Amsterdam, Brussels, London, Frankfurt, Madrid, Paris, etc).

Over the past 20 years, we have assisted with more than 1000 successful E-visa applications.We have a very good working relationship with the visa officers at several US consulates. After more than 20 years they know us and our excellent reputation.