El visado E-2: Una gran oportunidad de inversión en tiempos de cambio político

Shirin Navabi • February 13, 2025

 Click here to read this article in English

 
El visado E-2 es un visado de no inmigrante que permite a los inversores extranjeros de países con tratado, vivir y trabajar en Estados Unidos creando o comprando un negocio. A diferencia de otras categorías de visado, no exige una cantidad mínima fija de inversión. En su lugar, los solicitantes deben demostrar que su inversión es sustancial y suficiente para garantizar el éxito de su negocio. El visado es renovable indefinidamente mientras el negocio siga activo y cumpla los criterios necesarios, lo que lo convierte en una opción atractiva para los empresarios que buscan oportunidades a largo plazo en Estados Unidos.

Una de sus principales ventajas es la flexibilidad. Los inversores pueden establecer un nuevo negocio, adquirir uno ya existente o entrar en oportunidades de franquicia. Además, los cónyuges e hijos menores de 21 años pueden acompañar al solicitante principal, y los cónyuges pueden solicitar autorización de trabajo. Esto convierte al visado E-2 en una opción práctica para las personas con mentalidad empresarial que deseen establecerse en el mercado estadounidense.

Aunque el visado E-2 en sí se ha mantenido como una opción estable, los cambios en las políticas de inmigración de Estados Unidos han influido en el proceso de solicitud y en la experiencia general del inversor. Entender estos cambios es esencial para cualquiera que esté considerando esta vía.

Cambios políticos y el visado E-2: Lecciones del pasado

Durante la primera administración Trump (2017-2021), las políticas de inmigración de Estados Unidos se volvieron más restrictivas en múltiples categorías de visados. Aunque el programa E-2 no se vio directamente limitado, se produjeron cambios más amplios. La Orden Ejecutiva «Buy American, Hire American» (compra en América, contrata en América), firmada en 2017, condujo a un mayor escrutinio de las solicitudes de visado, exigiendo a los inversores que proporcionaran pruebas más sólidas de que su negocio crearía empleos y contribuiría a la economía estadounidense. Esto dió lugar a un aumento de las Solicitudes de Evidencia/Pruebas (RFE por sus siglas en inglés) y denegaciones para aquellos que no podían cumplir con estas expectativas.

Otro cambio significativo fue la suspensión del Programa de Exención de Entrevistas, que obligaba a todos los solicitantes del E-2, incluidas las renovaciones, a asistir a entrevistas en persona en las embajadas estadounidenses. Esto alargó los plazos de tramitación y aumentó el escrutinio de las solicitudes. Además, se revisaron y ajustaron los acuerdos de reciprocidad de visados, lo que repercutió en los períodos de validez y los costes para determinados países. Por ejemplo, se consideró que los ciudadanos iraníes no podían optar al visado E-2 debido a la terminación del tratado. Estos ajustes afectaron significativamente a los inversores de las naciones afectadas, aumentando sus costes y la frecuencia de renovación.

A pesar de estos cambios políticos, la tasa de aprobación de visados E-2 se mantuvo relativamente estable. Según datos del Departamento de Estado de Estados Unidos, hubo más de 43.000 aprobaciones en 2019, lo que refleja la continua viabilidad del programa. Incluso en 2020, cuando la pandemia de COVID-19 causó interrupciones globales, las cifras de aprobación siguieron siendo significativas. Estas cifras ponen de relieve que, aunque el proceso se hizo más riguroso, los inversores bien preparados siguieron obteniendo visados al demostrar planes de negocio sólidos, inversiones sustanciales y contribuciones económicas claras.

Qué esperar en el futuro

A medida que la nueva administración Trump va tomando forma, es probable que se produzcan nuevos cambios en la política de inmigración. Aunque es demasiado pronto para predecir el impacto exacto sobre el visado E-2, las tendencias pasadas sugieren un mayor escrutinio. Sin embargo, el programa en sí se ha mantenido intacto a través de múltiples administraciones, lo que refuerza su fiabilidad para los empresarios extranjeros.

Quienes estén considerando la posibilidad de obtener este visado deben mantenerse informados y asegurarse de que sus solicitudes cumplen los requisitos cambiantes. Una estrategia de inversión bien preparada, una documentación clara y un plan de creación de empleo definido pueden marcar una diferencia significativa a la hora de sortear cualquier posible cambio de política.

Por qué el visado E-2 sigue siendo una buena opción

El visado E-2 sigue siendo una opción resistente y valiosa para los empresarios extranjeros. Incluso durante los períodos de cambio de política, las tasas de aprobación se han mantenido fuertes para los inversores con solicitudes bien estructuradas. La posibilidad de renovarlo indefinidamente, combinada con su flexibilidad en cuanto al tamaño de la inversión y el tipo de negocio, lo convierten en una de las vías más atractivas para los inversores internacionales.

Con la preparación adecuada, los inversores pueden solicitar con confianza el visado E-2, sabiendo que la historia ha demostrado su estabilidad incluso en un entorno político cambiante. Adelantándose a los cambios políticos y garantizando una estrategia empresarial sólida, los empresarios pueden aprovechar las oportunidades que ofrece el mercado estadounidense.

Si usted está listo para dar el siguiente paso hacia el lanzamiento de su negocio en los Estados Unidos, puede ponerse en contacto con nuestra oficina para obtener orientación de expertos y asistencia personalizada con su solicitud.

Este blog no pretende ser una asesoría legal y nada aquí debe interpretarse como el establecimiento de una relación abogado-cliente. Programe una consulta con un abogado de inmigración antes de actuar sobre cualquier información que aquí lea.

Shirin Navabi


By Angelica Rice April 17, 2025
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By Santos Lloyd Law Team April 10, 2025
In 2025, the immigration landscape continues to shift under the weight of national security concerns, ushered in by Executive Order “ Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats. ” This directive tasks federal agencies—including the U.S. Department of State—with implementing enhanced screening and vetting protocols for all foreign nationals seeking visas or other immigration benefits. The result? A dramatically intensified vetting process, along with mounting concerns from immigrants, attorneys, and civil liberties advocates alike. Traditionally, airport security focused on verifying travel documents and screening for prohibited items, while consular officers assessed the legitimacy of visa petitions and the admissibility of applicants. Extreme vetting, however, represents a significant shift toward a far more invasive and comprehensive investigative process. It now includes detailed background checks, biometric verification, digital forensics, and expansive scrutiny of an applicant’s online presence and criminal or financial records. Since President Trump’s second term began in January 2025, the implementation of extreme vetting has expanded rapidly. Today, border screenings go far beyond routine document checks, encompassing a full-scale evaluation of a traveler’s digital life. This pivot reflects the administration’s intensified focus on national security, but it has also triggered urgent discussions about privacy, due process, and the fairness of modern immigration enforcement. At U.S. ports of entry—especially airports—noncitizens are now subject to rigorous and invasive procedures, including: Inspection of cell phones, laptops, and other devices (including deleted content) Review of social media activity on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) Biometric scanning, including fingerprinting and facial recognition These measures are no longer confined to travelers from high-risk countries. In practice, extreme vetting applies broadly across all nationalities, and increasingly affects lawful permanent residents as well. For noncitizens, this new landscape introduces a heightened level of uncertainty and vulnerability. Delays at U.S. consulates for visa issuance or renewal are becoming routine. Travelers must now be acutely aware of these changes, and those attending consular interviews or seeking visa renewals should be prepared to provide additional documentation verifying their maintenance of status, compliance with visa conditions, and the bona fide nature of their visa applications. It is critical to organize supporting materials in advance and be ready to answer questions about employment, education, travel history, and online activity. As the U.S. government continues to expand its use of data-driven risk assessment tools, travelers must adapt to a new normal, one where preparation is essential to navigating the immigration system without disruption.
By Shirin Navabi April 3, 2025
For international business owners and entrepreneurs engaged in cross-border trade with the United States , the opportunity to expand operations and establish a physical presence in the U.S. may be more accessible than expected. The E-1 Treaty Trader Visa is specifically designed to facilitate this type of business activity and offers a strategic pathway for qualifying individuals to live and work in the United States while managing or developing trade relationships. While 2025 has brought a trend of changes in immigration policy, the E-1 visa continues to stand out as a viable and welcoming option . Despite increased scrutiny across various immigration categories, this visa remains suitable for those involved in consistent, qualifying trade with the U.S. Its structure and purpose align well with current business realities, making it a stable choice even amid policy shifts. The E-1 visa is available to nationals of countries that maintain a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States . To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that they are engaged in substantial trade—defined as a continuous flow of sizable international transactions—primarily between their home country and the U.S. Unlike investment-based visas, the E-1 visa does not require a fixed monetary threshold. Instead, it emphasizes active commercial exchange, such as the regular transfer of goods, services, or technology. This visa is applicable across a wide range of industries , including but not limited to manufacturing, logistics, professional services, consulting, finance, tourism, and technology. If more than 50% of your international trade is with the United States, and the business activity is consistent and well-documented, the E-1 visa may be a strong fit for your current business model. In addition to its flexibility, the E-1 visa is renewable as long as the trade activity continues. It also extends benefits to eligible family members: spouses and unmarried children under 21 may accompany the principal visa holder, and spouses are eligible to apply for U.S. work authorization, offering added support and financial opportunity for the family. This visa category is particularly well-suited for business professionals who are already operating in international markets and looking to formalize or expand their presence in the U.S. It rewards active engagement, proven commercial performance, and long-term trade partnerships. If you are currently engaged in trade with the United States and are considering expanding your business operations, the E-1 Treaty Trader Visa may provide a clear and effective route forward. Our attorneys at Santos Lloyd Law Firm are here to help you assess your qualifications and guide you through each stage of the process with clarity, strategy, and confidence.
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