Top E2 Visa Interview Questions Revealed!

Summary

In this video, US immigration lawyer Michael Ler outlines the E2 visa interview process, focusing on common questions applicants can expect. He covers inquiries about the applicant's company, ownership structure, qualifications, role in the business, investment details, and operational status. Ler emphasizes the importance of being well-prepared with specific answers to demonstrate the legitimacy of the business and the applicant's investment, as well as the lawful source of funds. This guidance helps applicants understand what to anticipate and how to present their case effectively during the E2 visa interview.

Takeaways

• 📅 The E2 visa interview takes place at a consulate or embassy towards the end of the application process.
• 🏢 Applicants may be asked about their business name and ownership structure to verify that at least 50% of the business is owned by citizens of an E2 treaty country.
• 📊 Applicants will need to explain what their company does in the United States and why they are qualified to operate such a business.
• 👨‍💼 The immigration officer will ask about the applicant's role in the company, ensuring they are directing and developing the business rather than doing day-to-day tasks.
• 💵 One key question focuses on how much money has been invested in the business and whether the investment is substantial.
• 🛠️ Applicants must provide details on how the money has been spent, including receipts and proof of expenditures to demonstrate that funds are being used appropriately.
• 🔍 The source of the investment funds must be lawful, and applicants should be prepared to explain where the money came from.
• ⚙️ The officer may ask whether the business is already operational or when it will be operational, expecting it to be close to or fully functional.
• 👥 Questions regarding the number of employees help the officer assess whether the business is marginal or legitimate.
• 🕐 Applicants should be ready to answer when they plan to enter the U.S. and how long they intend to stay, with guidance from their immigration attorney.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the E2 visa interview?

The purpose of the E2 visa interview is for an immigration officer to ask questions related to the applicant’s business and verify eligibility for the E2 visa. This includes questions about the business, investment, and the applicant's qualifications.

What types of general questions can you expect in an E2 visa interview?

General questions may include the purpose of your visit, the name of your company, the ownership structure, the nature of your business, and your qualifications to operate the business.

Why does the immigration officer ask about the ownership structure of your company?

The immigration officer asks about ownership structure to ensure that at least 50% of the company is owned by citizens of an E2 treaty country, which is a requirement for the E2 visa.

What should you be prepared to explain about your role in the business during the interview?

You should be prepared to explain that your role is to direct and develop the business, not perform day-to-day operational tasks like serving customers or performing menial jobs.

Why does the immigration officer ask about the amount of money you have invested in the business?

The officer asks about the investment to ensure it is substantial and at risk, as the E2 visa is an investment-based visa. The officer wants to confirm that the money is actively being used to support the business, not just sitting in a bank account.

What kind of knowledge should you have about your business expenditures for the interview?

You should be familiar with where the investment funds have been spent, such as specific expenditures for the business, and be prepared to provide receipts or documentation to prove it.

Why is it important to know the source of your investment funds?

The source of investment funds must come from a lawful source, so the immigration officer will ask about it to verify the legality of the funds. You need to be well-versed in where the funds came from, whether from gifts, property sales, or other sources.

What does the officer want to know when they ask if your business is operational?

The officer is checking if the business is already operating or if it is close to being operational. The business should either be running or ready to operate soon, with only the visa being a final requirement.

How important is it for your business to have employees when applying for an E2 visa?

While not required, having employees helps demonstrate that the business is not marginal, meaning it generates enough to support more than just the investor's family. Employees also show that the business is real and operational.

What kind of preparation should you do before attending the E2 visa interview?

You should thoroughly review your E2 application, know all relevant details such as investment amounts, sources of funds, and your role in the business, and be ready to provide documentation. Being well-prepared is crucial to avoiding issues during the interview.

Outlines

00:00

💼 Introduction to the E2 Visa Interview Process

In this introduction, immigration lawyer Michael Ler explains that the video will cover what to expect during an E2 visa interview, specifically when applying at a U.S. consulate or embassy. He highlights the types of questions that are typically asked during the interview and assures viewers that the information provided is based on common experiences of his clients.

05:01

❓ Initial Questions and Company Ownership

The paragraph delves into potential questions at the start of the interview, such as the reason for the applicant’s presence, the company’s name, and its ownership structure. The immigration officer may ask these to ensure the company is majority-owned by citizens of an E2 treaty country and to gather basic business details.

10:03

🌿 What Your Business Does and Your Qualifications

This section covers the type of business the applicant is involved in and why they are qualified to operate it. The interviewer may ask about the applicant's experience, particularly in managing or running a similar business, to assess the likelihood of success in the U.S. market. It emphasizes the importance of demonstrating expertise relevant to the business.

👨‍💼 Your Role in the Company

Here, Ler explains that the immigration officer will likely ask about the applicant's role and duties in the business. The focus is to ensure the applicant is coming to the U.S. to direct and develop the business, rather than engage in day-to-day tasks. For an E2 visa, the applicant must show they will be in a managerial or executive role.

💰 Investment Amount and Spending

This paragraph outlines the common questions regarding the investment made in the business. Applicants should be ready to explain how much money has been invested, how it was spent, and provide receipts if necessary. The officer wants to verify that the funds have been put at risk and spent on necessary business expenses rather than just sitting idle.

🔍 Source of Investment Funds

This section discusses the importance of proving the lawful origin of investment funds. The officer may ask where the funds came from, and the applicant should have a clear breakdown of all sources, such as gifts or property sales, along with supporting documents like gift letters or proof of sale.

🏢 Business Operations Status

Here, Ler talks about the officer's inquiry into whether the business is already operational or close to it. The business should be at an advanced stage, with few remaining requirements, to show readiness for operation once the visa is granted. If the business is still in the planning stages, the officer may deem the application premature.

👥 Employees and Business Marginality

In this part, the focus is on whether the business has employees. While not a strict requirement, having employees helps prove that the business is not marginal and contributes to the broader economy. It also demonstrates the business is real and operational, making the case for the visa approval stronger.

🕒 Timing of U.S. Entry and Stay

This section highlights the need for the applicant to be prepared to answer questions regarding their intended entry date to the U.S. and the duration of their stay. Applicants should consult with their immigration attorney for advice on how to respond based on their personal situation, as these questions can affect the visa approval.

📄 Preparation and Final Tips for the Interview

In the conclusion, Ler stresses the importance of being well-prepared for the E2 visa interview. Applicants should understand their business thoroughly and be ready to answer common questions without sounding rehearsed. Being caught off guard by basic questions can negatively impact the interview, so careful preparation is key to success.

Keywords

💡E2 Visa

An E2 Visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows individuals from countries with a treaty of commerce with the United States to enter and work in the U.S. based on an investment they control. In the video, the E2 Visa is central to the discussion, as the speaker explains what to expect in the visa interview and how to prepare for it.

💡Ownership Structure

Ownership structure refers to how a company is owned, including the distribution of equity among stakeholders. In the context of the E2 Visa interview, the immigration officer may ask about the ownership structure to ensure that at least 50% of the business is owned by citizens of a country that has a treaty with the U.S., which is a requirement for the E2 Visa.

💡Investment

Investment refers to the capital that the applicant has put into their business in the United States. The speaker emphasizes that the amount of money invested is a crucial factor in obtaining an E2 Visa, as it demonstrates the applicant's commitment to the business. The visa is based on substantial investment, and the officer may ask how much has been invested and what the funds were used for.

💡Lawful Source of Funds

The lawful source of funds refers to the legal origin of the money used for the investment in the U.S. business. During the E2 Visa interview, the applicant may be asked to prove that the funds came from legal sources, such as gifts, property sales, or other legitimate income sources. This is essential to meet the visa requirements.

💡Operational Status

Operational status refers to whether the applicant's business is currently running or is close to starting operations. The officer may ask whether the business is already operational or when it will be ready. The E2 Visa applicant should demonstrate that their business is either operational or nearly ready to start, with minimal steps remaining, such as obtaining the visa itself.

💡Marginal Business

A marginal business is one that only generates enough income to support the visa applicant and their family. The U.S. government requires that E2 Visa businesses not be marginal but instead contribute to the economy. The video mentions that having employees helps prove that the business is not marginal and shows that it has broader economic benefits.

💡Business Role

Business role refers to the applicant's responsibilities in the company. For an E2 Visa, the applicant must play a key role in directing and developing the business rather than just performing day-to-day tasks. The immigration officer may ask questions about the applicant's role to ensure they are actively involved in the strategic growth of the company.

💡Expenditures

Expenditures refer to the money spent on the business, such as for equipment, inventory, or operational costs. The E2 Visa applicant must show that the investment funds have been put at risk, meaning that money has been spent to grow the business rather than sitting unused in a bank account. The officer may ask for receipts or proof of these expenditures during the interview.

💡Employees

Employees refer to the staff hired by the business. While not a strict requirement for an E2 Visa, having employees strengthens the applicant’s case by showing that the business is substantial and provides jobs to others. The officer may ask how many employees the company has, as this indicates the business's scale and operation.

💡Interview Preparation

Interview preparation involves thoroughly understanding the details of the E2 Visa application and anticipating common questions. The speaker advises that applicants should not rely on scripted answers but should be well-versed in the specifics of their business and investment. Being caught off guard by basic questions can harm the applicant’s chances of visa approval.

Highlights

Introduction to E2 visa interview expectations by US immigration lawyer Michael Ler

Explanation of the E2 visa interview process at a consulate or embassy

Common question: Purpose of the interview and the applicant's intention

Inquiry about the company's name and ownership structure

Question on the nature of the business and its operations in the United States

Assessment of the applicant's qualifications to operate the business

Clarification of the applicant's role and responsibilities within the company

Importance of demonstrating a substantial investment in the business

Discussion on the具体用途 of the invested funds and business expenditures

Verification of the lawful source of investment funds

Inquiry about the business's operational status and timeline

Significance of having employees in demonstrating a non-marginal business

Questions regarding the applicant's planned arrival and duration of stay in the United States

Advice on preparing for the E2 visa interview with a thorough understanding of the application

Emphasis on the importance of having solid answers to common interview questions

Conclusion and summary of key points for a successful E2 visa interview

Transcripts

hey everybody US immigration lawyer

Michael ler here and in today's video I

want to go over what to expect in your

E2 visa interview so specifically when

somebody's applying for their E2 Visa at

a consulate or an embassy abroad towards

the end of the process they have to

attend an interview usually where an

immigration officer will ask them

various questions about their business

now many people wonder what types of

questions are going to be asked of me in

this interview well in this video I want

to provide some general questions that

may or may not be asked of you in our

experience many of these questions

routinely get asked of our clients so I

think you're going to find this

information helpful without further Ado

I want to jump right

[Music]

in you go to the interview and the

immigration officer may ask you what are

you here today for or why are you here

today and of course the answer to such a

question is that you're here to conduct

your E2 visa interview now another

question that they made may ask is what

is the name of your company and what is

the ownership structure of your company

now of course the name is just to get

some general information and they'll

likely have the name as part of the

material that you've already submitted

to them but the ownership structure the

reason that they're asking about the

ownership structure is to see what

percentage of equity what ownership

percentage you have in the company and

to make sure that the company is at

least 50% owned by citizens of an E2

treaty country so so far very general

questions now another question that they

may ask is what does your company in the

United States do and again very basic

question where you're explaining what it

is that your company does another

question that may be asked of you is why

are you qualified to operate such a

business so for example if you're going

to be opening a landscaping business in

the United States and they ask you why

you're qualified to operate such a

business they're asking asking that to

determine whether you have any

experience whatsoever in landscaping

what your experience is in business they

want to know if we give them this Visa

what is the likelihood that they'll be

successful in this business have they

ever had any experience in landscaping

what is that experience so here they're

looking for you to explain why you're

qualified to conduct such business

activities in the United States and they

want to be reassured that you have what

it takes to be successful in this

business now another question that they

may ask you is what is your role with

this company what are your duties with

this company and the idea behind this

question is that as somebody that's

applying for their E2 Visa you are

required to be seeking entry to the

United States to direct and develop your

business so if you were going to be

opening up a coffee shop and you're

going to be doing an e Visa you can't be

a barista you're not supposed to be the

cashier taking the orders and making the

lattes Your Role with the company for an

E2 Visa is to direct and develop the

business so when they're asking you this

question regarding what your role is

what your duties are they're asking this

to determine whether your role is such

that you're directing and developing the

business as opposed to just doing the

day-to-day work of this business so

that's an important thing to be aware of

now another question that they may ask

you is how much money have you invested

in this business and of course they're

asking this because the E2 Visa is an

investment-based visa and they want to

know whether you've made a substantial

investment in the business so they're

going to ask you how much have you

invested it's very likely that they may

ask you that question so you should be

aware of how much has been invested and

what the various expenditures were made

on so what you've invested in and that

brings me to my next question which is

what has the money been used for what

has the money been spent on what

expenditures have you made and they may

be asking you this question for a number

of reasons

for one they may be seeking assurance

that the money has actually been put at

risk so that the money is not just

sitting in the business's bank account

but that it's actually been spent on

things that your business needs so again

they may ask you where the money has

been spent and you should be prepared to

answer that and you should have a

knowledge of where your expenditures

have been made and when you're going in

for the interview you should be very

knowledgeable of your spefic specific

application packet so that if the

immigration officer asks you for

receipts demonstrating that the

expenditures have been made you can

quickly open up to that part of your

application that has the receipts and

you can quickly provide them to the

officer or direct them to where the

receipts are in the application packet

you can tell the officer oh please turn

to page 20 for example now another

question that the immigration officer

may ask you is where did you get the

money that you used used to invest in

the business and they're asking you this

question because as part of the E2 visa

requirements your investment funds must

come from a lawful source so they're

asking you where you got these

investment funds from to be able to

determine that the funds actually came

from a lawful source so you should be

very well-versed in where your

investment funds came from if

$50,000 of the investment came from a

gift from your sibling you should know

that and if

$220,000 came from the sale of a

property for example you should know

that so you should have a well-rounded

and well-versed understanding of the

breakdown of your investment funds and

where they came from and similar to the

question that I asked earlier if the

immigration officer asks for a gift

letter or asks for proof of the sale of

the property you should know where those

documents are in your packet so that you

can quickly bring them up as needed in

the interview another question that the

immigration officer may ask is is the

business already operational or when

will the business be operational and

they're asking this in some part to

determine how far along you are in this

business is the business already

operating or is this business several

months away from operating and still has

a lot to do because when you're going in

for your E2 visa interview your business

should either already be operational or

it should be very close to being oper

operational for example it should be to

the point where if it's not already

operational all that's remaining is for

you to get your visa so that you can

come to the United States and start

operating it but you shouldn't be in a

position where there are still several

things to take place before your

business can be operational you

shouldn't be in a position where you're

at the interview and you still need

licenses and you still need to get your

lease and you still need all these other

things to take place before you can

operate because then the immigration

officer could say that your business

it's it's too early for you to start

applying for the Visa you still have to

get this business Farther Along before

you can apply so when they're asking is

the business already operational or when

will the business be operating they're

trying to figure out how far along you

are in this process and whether it might

be too early for you to apply for this

Visa another question that they may ask

is does your company have any employees

if so how many employees does it have

now having employees while it's not

absolutely required to get an E2 visa

application approved it is very helpful

because with the E2 Visa there's this

requirement that the business cannot be

marginal a marginal business is

basically a business that's small it

only benefits the E2 investor and their

family to generate some sort of a

minimal living and when you have

employees for one it helps to combat

this inference that your business is

marginal and also it helps to show that

your business is actually real and

operating it's not some idea that you

have of a business that you're planning

on doing months down the line but when

you have employees it's really that

added proof in the pudding that this is

a real business this is legitimate Etc

and just a couple more questions to go

over the immigration officer may ask you

when you plan to come to the United

States and how long you plan to stay in

the United States once you're here and

they may have various reasons for asking

these questions but you should have

answers ready regarding when you plan to

come to the United States and how long

you plan to stay and regarding those

questions you should specifically

discuss with your immigration attorney

in terms of the most appropriate way to

answer those questions in light of your

personal circumstances but generally so

far we've gone over some of the most

common questions that get asked during

the E2 visa interview we covered

questions regarding the ownership of the

business regarding the nature of the

business and why you're qualified to

operate such a business we talked about

evidence of the actual investment

regarding how much has been invested

what the inv investment funds went

toward what did the investment funds go

to purchase and we talked about where

the business is currently is the

business currently operating is it on

the verge of being operational and

various other questions again these are

some of the most common questions that

get asked during this interview so when

you're preparing for your E2 visa

interview while you shouldn't be in a

situation where it's like you're reading

off a script it shouldn't be these

generic answers that you've memorized

but you should have responses ready so

now that you see some of the common

questions that get asked during this

interview it's important for you to

adequately prepare going into your

interview you don't want to be in a

position where these basic questions are

asked of you and you're totally caught

off guard and you don't have answers you

should have an understanding of each of

these questions and you should have an

answer ready regarding each of these

questions so when somebody asks you how

much you've invested in the business you

should know that clearly there really

isn't a good explanation for why you

don't know that so not having solid

answers to these questions can be

harmful in the interview process so

again you want to make sure that you're

well prepared you want to have a

thorough understanding of your E2

application and this will ultimately

help you when you go for the interview

so I hope you found this information

helpful I hope that this was overall a

useful video