Exciting news! This article discusses the increased validity of E2 visas for Ukraine, jumping from 3 months to 27 months. This significant change means that Ukrainian citizens can now obtain E2 visas with extended validity, alongside other benefits which we will explore below.
The E-2 Investor Visa is a nonimmigrant visa for nationals of treaty countries to live and work in the U.S. by investing in a US business. This visa also extends to the investor’s spouse and unmarried children under 21. Furthermore, E-2 businesses can bring E2 employees in executive, managerial, or specialized roles essential to the firm’s operations in the U.S. You can establish a new business or buy an existing business to qualify for the E-2, including a franchise.
To qualify, you must invest a substantial amount of capital (cash, equipment, intellectual property, etc) in the US business and ultimately create US jobs. While the extact investment depends on the nature of the business, investors should generally expect to invest at least $50,000. To learn more, visit E-2 visa minimum investment and  E-2 visa for spouse and dependents.
You can apply for E2 visa at a US Consulate abroad or through change of status to E2, if you are in the US. Keep in mind that applying for E2 while in the US is possible under certain circumstances, but is not available to individuals travelling to the United States on ESTA.
Ukraine has an E-2 treaty with the United States meaning that Ukrainian citizens can apply for E-2 visa. Our firm has secured an E-2 visa for a Ukrainian citizen for 27 months. To learn more visit What are the E-2 visa requirements?.
E2 Visa Validity and Reciprocity for Ukrainians
In a surprising move, the U.S. Department of State has recently extended the validity of E2 visa for citizens of Ukraine from a mere 3 months to 27 months, offering considerably longer stays in the United States. Additionally, the previous limit of two entries has been replaced with “multiple entries,” granting increased travel flexibility for Ukrainians with E2 visas. Finally, Ukrainian citizens do not need to pay a reciprocity fee.
What does this mean? First, it means that Ukrainian citizens can apply and obtain an E2 visa that is valid for 27 months instead of only 3 months. And second, it means that Ukrainian E2 visa holders can now travel internationally and re-enter the United States as needed, eliminating prior restrictions that limited them to only two trips. Under the prior reciprocity schedule, Ukrainian citizens were limited to only two entries in the US on their E2 visa.
However, the length of the E2 visa does not dictate how long you can stay in the US to run your business. Once you enter the United States, you are entitled to two years in E2 status. If you leave the US and reenter during the validity of your visa, you are entitled to another two years in E2 status from each entry.
Why Partner with Malescu Law
Our E2 visa lawyers specialize in E-2 visa applications, including those involving existing business acquisitions, holding companies, complex corporate structures or E2 visa refusals.
To learn more about visas for Canadians, visit E2 visa for Canadians and US visa for Canadian citizens.
Find out more about other E-2 visa success stories and approvals, E-2 visa renewal process, other investment visa options, E-2 for Australians, E-2 for UK Citizens and other visa options to start a business in the US for you.
We provide comprehensive assitance with E-2 visa applications, including:
- Business formation and corporate structure
- Legal and financial due diligence.
- E2 business plan  drafting.
- Professional business valuations.
- Comprehensive case strategy for complex E2 visa applications.
We serve companies and individuals across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
Contact us or schedule a consultation to evaluate your case and E-2 eligibility.
Malescu Law P.A. – Business & Immigration Lawyers