E-2 investor visa is an excellent choice for an entrepreneur that wants to start or buy a business in the U.S. You can find out more about an E-2 visa by clicking here. An E-1 visa is available when a person or entity aboard conducts a significant amount of trade with the U.S. You can find out more about the E-1 visa by clicking here. Someone who is in the U.S. on an E-1 or E-2 visa can only work on the specific E activities for the E-1 or E-2 entity. We have processed hundreds of E visas and often receive questions regarding other activities that are permitted while in the U.S. The following activities are permitted while in the U.S. on an E-1 or E-2 visa to the extent they do not rise to the level of “running a business.”
- Buying or selling stock
- Buying a house
- Buying investment properties
- Renting a property (either yourself or renting out a property you own to others)
- Obtaining a mortgage
- Obtaining a license to drive
- Obtaining a social security number
- Going to school
- Earing passive income – for example, earning income from ads on a website or interest income
- Taking unpaid leave
- Obtaining health insurance
- Buying another business (as long as you do not work at the business)
- File a tax return
- Set up a business entity (as long as you do not work at the business)
- Hiring a nanny, home cleaner or personal assistant for personal services
- Owning a car
- Obtain Life Insurance
- Contribute to a retirement plan (For example, 401K)
You are not permitted to:
- Vote
- Work at a place other than the E business
- Accept certain Government benefits (For example, Medicaid)
- Commit most crimes
