O Visto E-2: Uma Forte Oportunidade de Investimento em Tempos de Mudanças Políticas
Shirin Navabi • February 13, 2025
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O Visto E-2 é um visto de não-imigrante que permite que investidores estrangeiros de países signatários de tratados vivam e trabalhem nos Estados Unidos, iniciando ou adquirindo um negócio. Ao contrário de outras categorias de visto, ele não exige um valor mínimo fixo de investimento. Em vez disso, os candidatos devem demonstrar que seu investimento é substancial e suficiente para garantir o sucesso de seu negócio. O visto é renovável indefinidamente, desde que o negócio permaneça ativo e atenda aos critérios necessários, tornando-o uma opção atraente para empreendedores que buscam oportunidades de longo prazo nos EUA.
Uma das suas principais vantagens é a flexibilidade. Os investidores podem estabelecer um novo negócio, adquirir um já existente ou entrar em oportunidades de franquia. Além disso, cônjuges e filhos menores de 21 anos podem acompanhar o requerente principal, com os cônjuges trendo direito a solicitar autorização de trabalho. Isso torna o Visto E-2 uma opção prática para indivíduos com espírito empreendedor que desejam se estabelecer no mercado dos EUA.
Embora o Visto E-2 tenha permanecido uma opção estável, mudanças nas políticas de imigração dos EUA influenciaram o processo de solicitação e a experiência geral dos investidores. Compreender essas mudanças é essencial para qualquer pessoa que esteja considerando esse caminho.
Mudanças Políticas e o Visto E-2: Lições do Passado
Durante o primeiro governo Trump (2017–2021), as políticas de imigração dos EUA tornaram-se mais restritivas em diversas categorias de visto. Embora o programa E-2 não tenha sido diretamente limitado, mudanças mais amplas tiveram impacto sobre ele. A Ordem Executiva "Buy American, Hire American", assinada em 2017, levou a uma fiscalização mais rigorosa das solicitações de visto, exigindo que investidores apresentassem provas mais substanciais de que seus negócios criariam empregos e contribuiriam para a economia dos EUA. Isso resultou em um aumento nos pedidos de Evidência Adicional (RFEs) e nas negativas para aqueles que não conseguiam atender a essas exigências.
Outra mudança significativa foi a suspensão do Programa de Dispensa de Entrevista, o que obrigou todos os solicitantes do visto E-2, incluindo renovações, a comparecer a entrevistas presenciais nas embaixadas dos EUA. Isso aumentou os prazos de processamento e intensificou a análise das solicitações. Além disso, os acordos de reciprocidade de vistos foram revisados e ajustados, impactando os períodos de validade e os custos para determinados países. Por exemplo, cidadãos iranianos foram considerados inelegíveis para o visto E-2 devido à revogação do tratado. Essas mudanças afetaram significativamente investidores de nações impactadas, aumentando seus custos e a frequência das renovações.
Apesar dessas mudanças nas políticas, a taxa de aprovação dos vistos E-2 permaneceu relativamente estável. De acordo com dados do Departamento de Estado dos EUA, houve mais de 43.000 aprovações em 2019, refletindo a continuidade e viabilidade do programa. Mesmo em 2020, quando a pandemia de COVID-19 causou interrupções globais, os números de aprovação permaneceram significativos. Esses dados mostram que, embora o processo tenha se tornado mais rigoroso, investidores bem preparados continuaram a obter seus vistos ao demonstrar planos de negócios sólidos, investimentos substanciais e contribuições econômicas claras.
Perspectivas para o Futuro
À medida que o novo governo Trump se estrutura, é provável que haja novas mudanças na política de imigração. Embora ainda seja cedo para prever o impacto exato sobre o visto E-2, tendências passadas indicam um aumento na fiscalização. No entanto, o programa em si permaneceu intacto ao longo de várias administrações, reforçando sua confiabilidade para empreendedores estrangeiros.
Aqueles que estão considerando este visto devem se manter informados e garantir que sua aplicação esteja em conformidade com os requisitos em constante evolução. Uma estratégia de investimento bem planejada, documentação clara e um plano de criação de empregos bem definido podem fazer uma diferença significativa ao enfrentar quaisquer mudanças nas políticas.
Por que o Visto E-2 continua sendo uma forte escolha
O Visto E-2 continua a ser uma opção resiliente e valiosa para empreendedores estrangeiros. Mesmo durante períodos de mudanças políticas, as taxas de aprovação permaneceram altas para investidores com aplicações bem estruturadas. A possibilidade de renovação indefinida, combinada com sua flexibilidade em relação ao tamanho do investimento e ao tipo de negócio, torna-o um dos caminhos mais atraentes para investidores internacionais.
Com a preparação adequada, os investidores podem seguir com confiança na busca pelo Visto E-2, sabendo que a história demonstrou sua estabilidade, mesmo em meio a mudanças políticas. Ao se anteciparem às mudanças políticas e garantirem uma estratégia de negócios sólida, os empreendedores podem aproveitar as oportunidades que o mercado dos EUA tem a oferecer.
Se você está pronto para dar o próximo passo rumo ao lançamento do seu negócio nos EUA, entre em contato com nosso escritório para orientação especializada e assistência personalizada com sua aplicação.
Este blog não se destina a fornecer aconselhamento jurídico e nada aqui deve ser interpretado como estabelecimento de um relacionamento advogado-cliente. Por favor, agende uma consulta com um advogado de imigração antes de agir com base em qualquer informação lida aqui.
On March 31, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) implemented a policy update that limits gender marker selections on all immigration forms and systems to two biological sexes: male and female. This change eliminates the option for applicants to select a non-binary or “X” gender marker—an option that had previously been permitted on some forms. While USCIS emphasizes that this update does not change who qualifies for immigration benefits, it may significantly impact how certain applications—particularly asylum claims based on gender identity-related persecution—are understood and evaluated. What Has Changed? Under the revised policy, applicants may now only choose “Male” or “Female” when completing USCIS forms. The ability to select a non-binary or third-gender option is no longer available. Applicants may still request to change their gender marker with USCIS, but only within the male/female binary. Supporting documentation, such as medical or legal records, is not required to make the change. This means that transgender individuals can still align their gender marker with their identity—if it falls within the two binary categories—but non-binary individuals are no longer represented. The change follows guidance issued by the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which called for greater consistency in the collection of sex and gender data across federal agencies. Impact on Asylum Applicants This policy update is especially important for individuals applying for asylum based on persecution related to their gender identity. Under U.S. immigration law, asylum is available to people who have suffered persecution—or fear future persecution—based on their membership in a “particular social group.” This includes people targeted for being transgender, gender non-conforming, or otherwise not aligning with socially expected gender roles in their home country. Although the legal standard for asylum remains unchanged, the removal of the non-binary gender marker could make it harder for some applicants to clearly present and document their identity. In asylum cases, credibility and clarity are crucial. The ability to accurately reflect one’s gender identity on official forms can play an important role in establishing the foundation of a persecution claim. Now, applicants who identify as non-binary or outside the traditional male/female categories may be forced to select a gender that does not align with their lived experience. This could lead to confusion in their case file or require additional explanation during interviews or hearings. This policy could weaken the strength of some asylum claims—not because the underlying facts have changed, but because the official forms now fail to reflect the applicant’s true identity. For example: A non-binary person applying for asylum after being targeted in their home country may now have to select “Male” or “Female” on their asylum application, despite not identifying as either. This mismatch may lead adjudicators to question the applicant’s identity, possibly weakening the strength of the claim or requiring added clarification and documentation. In defensive asylum cases—where applicants are in removal proceedings—such inconsistencies could create unnecessary hurdles and complicate the evidentiary presentation. What Can Applicants Do? Despite the change, individuals can still pursue asylum based on gender identity. The underlying eligibility criteria remain the same. However, applicants should be prepared to clearly explain any differences between their stated identity and the gender marker required on USCIS forms. Applicants are encouraged to: Include a personal declaration explaining their gender identity in detail and how it relates to their fear of persecution. Provide evidence such as affidavits, country condition reports, or expert testimony that supports the claim. Work with an experienced immigration attorney who can help present the claim effectively and prepare for any questions that might arise from the new form limitations. The new USCIS policy on gender markers may seem like a technical update, but for asylum seekers fleeing gender-based persecution, it has real implications. While individuals are still legally eligible to seek protection, the limitation to binary gender options could make it more difficult to fully and clearly present their case. If you or someone you know is facing immigration challenges related to gender identity—or is concerned about how this policy may impact an asylum claim—please contact Santos Lloyd Law Firm to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced immigration attorneys. We’re here to help ensure your voice is heard and your case is handled with the care and expertise it deserves.
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.
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.
