Overview - Change of Status vs Consular Processing
(1) Change of Status to E2 status or E1 status from a different non-immigrant status in the United States; or
(2) Consular Processing to apply for an E1 or E2 visa in a US consulate and enter the US using that E2 or E1 visa.
This page explains this choice and some of the advantages and disadvantages of both options.
What is Immigration “Status”?
Every person who is not a US Citizen and is lawfully in the United States has an immigration “Status”. “Status” denotes the way in which a person is present in the United States and what that person is permitted to do in the United States.
Status is initially conferred at the point to entry to the United States and is usually determined by the visa used to arrive at the US border. Thus, a student seeking to enter the US using an E1 treaty trader visa will usually be admitted in “E1 Status”.
The Status in which an applicant is admitted to the United States is in the hands of the border officer. On rare occasions the Status of a foreigner admitted to the United States might not match the status of the visa used to get to the US border.
What is a Visa?
A US visa is a document that enables you to arrive at the US border and seek admission to the United States. A visa and its validity dates are of no meaning while you are present in the United States.Regardless of the validity period of an E2 or E1 visa, an E visa holder is typically admitted to the United States for a period of two years. Stated differently, an E visa holder is granted two years of E Status when entering the United States.
What are E1 and E2 Visas? How do they differ from each other?
E-1 and E-2 visas are non-immigrant visas designed for individuals from a country that has a treaty of friendship, commerce, and navigation with the United States. These visas serve two distinct purposes: E-1 visas are for those who intend to engage in substantial trade primarily between the United States and the treaty country, while E-2 visas are for individuals who want to establish and manage an enterprise in which they have invested or plan to invest a significant amount of capital.Who qualifies for the E1 Treaty Trader visa?
According to the guidelines set by USCIS, the E1 visa is intended for nationals of a treaty country who seek admission to the United States solely for the purpose of conducting international trade on their own behalf. To meet the eligibility requirements for an E1 visa, applicants must:- Belong to the same nationality as the principal alien employer, who must hold the nationality of the treaty country.
- Meet the definition of an "employee" as specified by the relevant law.
- Either perform executive or supervisory duties or, if employed in a subordinate role, possess special qualifications that are vital to the efficient functioning of the treaty enterprise.
- The key to a successful E1 visa application lies in satisfying the "special qualifications" criteria.
- The employee's proven expertise in their field of operations.
- Whether others possess the same specific skills as the employee.
- The salary that can be commanded by these special qualifications.
- The availability of similar skills and qualifications within the United States.
- Individuals eligible for the E1 Treaty Trader visa typically receive an initial stay of up to two years. If needed and as long as the individual remains eligible, this stay can be extended in increments of two years.
Who qualifies for the E2 Treaty Investor visa?
While the E1 visa is intended for nationals of a treaty country engaging in international trade on their own behalf, the E2 visa caters to individuals who wish to be admitted to the United States by making a substantial capital investment in a US-based business. The USCIS rules also mention the possibility for certain employees of a qualifying person or organization to obtain an E2 visa.(Check out our E2 Visa requirements page for more.)To have a successful E2 visa application, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Be a national of a country that has a commerce and navigation treaty with the United States.
- Have made a substantial capital investment, or be actively involved in the process of investing, in a genuine enterprise within the United States.
- Seek entry into the United States solely to develop and oversee the investment enterprise. This can be established through demonstrating at least 50% ownership of the enterprise or by having operational control through a managerial position or other corporate arrangement.
What a E2 Treaty Investor Visa or E1 Treaty Trader is Not
A visa does not guarantee entry to the United States in E2 Status. When you arrive at the US border a US border officer who works for CBP will determine your eligibility to enter the US in E2 Status.CBP is the US government agency that controls the US borders. The US State Department make visa decisions. As the US State Department is a different Government agency a decision from the US State Department to issue and E2 visa is not binding on CBP. One way to think of your E visa is a request from the US State Department to CBP to admit you to the US in E2 Status.
Occasionally either a two year period of stay is not granted or the officer at the US border makes a mistake entering data to the US Government’s computer system. This can result in periods of authorized stay/status of less than two years. It is essential to check the period of stay granted at the US Border by visiting the US Government’s I-94 download page.
What is Change of Status?
Change of Status allows a person who is present in the United States in a particular status to “change status” to a different category without leaving the country. This is NOT a visa application.How Can an E2 Investor Change of Status to E2 Status?
Typically, an E2 investor enters the USA using a B1-B2 visit visa for the purpose of investigating their E2 business. Having entered the US using a B1-B2 visa the E2 investor will be in B1-B2 status.
While B1-B2 status does allow an E2 investor to investigate and even set-up his business in the US he/she cannot work in that business, operate it or direct it from within the US. Examples of permitted activities in B1-B2 status would include:
- visiting the business site;
- incorporating a US business;
- conducting due diligence on the business;
- finding potential employees for the US business;
- opening a bank account
Once the investor is ready to operate and work in his/her E2 business the investor can “change status” to E2 status, enabling the investor to work in and operate the business.
What is Consular Processing?
The only way to obtain an E2 visa is through Consular Processing at a US consulate outside the United States. Consular Processing is simply the process of applying for a visa at a US consulate.
Why Duration of E2 Visas Vary by Nationality and by Issuing Consulate
The maximum initial validity period of an E2 visa and the number of entries allowed to the US are capped based on the Nationality of the Investor. Details by nationality are given in the E visa reciprocity table.
Consular officers can grant E2 visa validity periods less than the maximum prescribed in the reciprocity table. The tendency of consulates to do this varies by consulate and consular officer.
Advantages of Consular Processing Vs. Change of Status
| Change of Status (“COS”) | Consular Processing | |
| Location of Applicant | Must be in lawful status in the United States. | Must be outside the United States at the time of consular interview. |
| Consistency | USCIS can be inconsistent and interaction with the officer responsible for adjudication of your case in advance is not possible. | It is possible to interact with consulates and seek their general view on particular issues of E2 visa law. Unless the attitude of consulates to specific issues is known in advance they can be less consistent. |
| Visa | Does not grant a visa. Persons with COS to E2 Status must apply for an E2 visa outside the United States if they depart and wish to return to the US. | Grants a visa for entry to the United States. |
| Processing Speed | Premium processing is available meaning that an application can be approved in two weeks. | No premium processing. Adjudication time varies significantly by consulate. See DOS visa adjudication times by consulate. Expedited processing is commonly given on request in business cases but is not guaranteed. |
| Interview | No interview is necessary. | Consular interview, limited exceptions apply. |
| Government Processing Fees | At the time of writing a fee of USD 460 is due. However, this can be changed by USCIS. Check here for the latest fees. | Fees vary by consulate based on reciprocity. Consular fees can be more or less expensive than COS fees. For example, which the reciprocity fee in the case of France is 0 the for Australians in currently USD 3,547.00. |
| Legal Fees and E2 Visa Costs | Lawyers generally charge the same for preparing an application, whether COS or Consular. | Lawyers generally charge the same for preparing an application, whether COS or Consular. However, some law firms have foreign offices serving particular consulates. If you want in-person assistance at the consulate there may be additional fees. |
E2 Visa Solutions by Country of Nationality or Residency
Select your country for more information
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E2 Visa for Mexican nationals
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"After finding D&A through an internet search in 2020, my wife and I had several free consultations with David Cantor. Despite our initial attempt at filing for our E2 visa independently ending in failure, we decided to hire D&A for their expertise and support. Over the course of four long years, Verdie and Cristina were incredibly patient as we took our time to prepare for the E2 submission. Verdie became our E2 Attorney in 2021, and from the start, Verdie and Cristina's patience was evident. Despite our intermittent engagement over the years, they always treated us with the utmost attention. Working with Verdie and the D&A team was a pleasure; their professionalism and support were unwavering. Verdie's calm demeanor and succinct communication style made navigating the process much smoother, even during complex discussions. I wholeheartedly recommend Verdie and D&A - Davies & Associates, to anyone seeking an immigration law firm who can efficiently handle their case with precision and without unnecessary fanfare. Their ability to get things done speaks volumes about their dedication to their clients' success."
I had the pleasure of working with Verdie and Nessa to obtain my E2 Visa. Their in-depth knowledge and experience allowed me to be fully prepared in my application and they were able to answer all questions leading up to the Visa interview.
Verdie was an amazing attorney, providing exceptional client care throughout the process. He had a great depth of knowledge in all areas on business visas in the US.
I had a great experience with Davies & Associates. They are very thorough in the approach and their have experts in this field who know the domain very well.I would certainly be leaning onto them for any future needs as well.
Outstanding Immigration Attorney: Highly Recommended! Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5) I had the pleasure of working with Verdie Atienza and his team at Davies & Associates , a top-notch immigration attorney in the United States. Their professionalism, expertise, and dedication throughout the process were exceptional. With in-depth knowledge of immigration law, they provided accurate advice and addressed all my concerns, instilling confidence. Verdie Atienza and his team meticulously reviewed my documentation and maintained excellent communication, keeping me updated regularly. What sets Davies & Associates apart is their unparalleled attention to detail. Communication with Verdie Atienza and his team in USA and Sukanya Raman in India was always prompt and efficient. They promptly returned my calls and emails, providing regular updates on the progress of my case. This level of responsiveness and transparency significantly reduced my stress levels, as I knew I could rely on their support and guidance throughout the entire process. Their personalized approach, ethical conduct, and genuine care for my success made them an outstanding attorney. I highly recommend Davies & Associates for all your immigration needs.
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E visa Immigration lawyer near meSeveral lawyers told me I would not be able to get a TN visa. Two weeks after contacting Davies & Associates I was working in New York, visa in hand.
Individual seeking 'Impossible' TN VisaD&A was very detail-oriented and was very thorough in what they did” L1 Visa Client. There was a lot of work on my case and worked on it 24/7 and was very patient answering all my questions.
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E2 + CBI ClientD&A was my guiding light through the entire EB5 Process.
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Parent of 2 EB5 Visa HoldersI'm in a process of extending my L1 visa. I submitted a few questions regarding my case and he contacted me back almost immediately both by e-mail and telephone. Unlike other attorneys I met before, he gave me the impression of knowing from the top of his head what kind of visa I have, and what actions had to be taken to extend it. He is very thorough and clear regarding the process and what to expect in terms of timelines and issues that may arise. He is constantly in contact, so you definitely know he's working on your case.
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