Sep
30

By

Why Foreign Entrepreneurs Choose Phoenix for E-1 and E-2 Visa Investments

Category: Best E-1 visa attorney in Phoenix, Best E-2 attorney in Phoenix, E-1 visa attorney, E-2 attorney, Uncategorized

Phoenix has become one of the most attractive U.S. destinations for foreign entrepreneurs, professionals, and investors. With its booming economy, growing tech scene, and reputation as a global tourism hub, Phoenix provides fertile ground for those seeking to establish and grow businesses through E-2 Treaty Investor Visas and E-1 Treaty Trader Visas.

Treaty Visas (E-1, E-2)

Foreign nationals from treaty countries often consider Phoenix when applying for E-1 and E-2 visas. These visas allow entrepreneurs and companies to live and work in the United States while directing trade or managing investments.

  • E-1 Treaty Trader Visa: Enables individuals or companies to carry on substantial trade between their home country and the United States.
  • E-2 Treaty Investor Visa: Allows individuals to make a significant investment in a U.S. business and direct its operations.

Phoenix’s economic growth and strategic location make it a prime destination for entrepreneurs who want to benefit from these visa categories.

Phoenix’s Business & Investment Opportunities

Phoenix is not only Arizona’s capital—it is a hub of opportunity across multiple industries. Foreign entrepreneurs frequently choose Phoenix for its affordability compared to coastal cities, skilled workforce, and supportive startup ecosystem.

  • Healthcare: Phoenix is home to world-class institutions such as the Mayo Clinic and Banner Health. Entrepreneurs investing in medical clinics, biotech startups, or healthcare technology have access to a strong market and research partnerships.
  • Education: With Arizona State University ranked as one of the most innovative universities in the U.S., education-related ventures—from private academies to language schools—thrive here.
  • Information Technology & Startups: The Greater Phoenix tech sector has grown significantly, attracting global players like Intel and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). Entrepreneurs in AI, software, and cybersecurity find Phoenix a receptive market with access to top talent.
  • Tourism & Hospitality: Phoenix attracts millions of visitors annually for its golf resorts, spas, and proximity to the Grand Canyon and Sedona. Foreign investors often explore opportunities in boutique hotels, restaurants, and cultural experiences.

Process Overview & Timeline

The E visa process involves several key steps:

  1. Investment: Make a substantial investment in a qualifying Phoenix-based business.
  2. Application: Prepare and submit the E-2 visa application with supporting evidence of the investment, lawful source of funds, and the projected U.S. job creation.
  3. USCIS or Consular Processing: Depending on whether you are applying from within the U.S. or abroad, the petition is filed with USCIS or a U.S. consulate.
  4. Interview & Decision: When applying through the U.S. Embassy or consulate, applicants are interviewed before a visa is approved.

Typical timeline: 1–6 months, depending on processing method and location. Premium processing may expedite USCIS review.

How the Juras Law Firm Helps Phoenix Applicants Navigate the E Visa Application Process

Our law firm works closely with entrepreneurs who want to bring their business vision to life in Phoenix. We provide:

  • Strategic Visa Guidance: Identifying the right visa category based on your goals.
  • Document & Business Plan Preparation: Ensuring your investment structure and evidence meet the legal standards.
  • USCIS & Consular Representation: Preparing applications, communicating with consular officers, responding to RFEs, and preparing you for consular interviews.
  • Local Market Insights: Tailoring your application with evidence of Phoenix’s economic opportunities, making your application stronger.

FAQs Specific to Phoenix-Based Applicants

Q1: Do I have to live in Phoenix if I invest in a Phoenix business?

Not necessarily, but many entrepreneurs choose to live here due to the affordable cost of living and proximity to their investment.

Q2: Is there a minimum investment required for an E-2 visa in Phoenix?

There is no set minimum, but the investment must be substantial relative to the business. Many successful cases in Phoenix range from $100,000 to $250,000 depending on the sector.

Q3: Can I invest in real estate for an E-2 visa in Phoenix?

Passive real estate investment does not qualify. However, real estate development or property management businesses can qualify if they involve active operations and job creation.

Q4: Why choose Phoenix instead of other U.S. cities for an E-2 visa?

Phoenix offers a unique combination of lower startup costs, a booming population, world-class universities, and a diverse economy—making it a compelling choice for investors.

If you’re considering launching or expanding your business in Phoenix through an E-2 visa or E-1 visa, Juras Law Firm is here to guide you through the process and help you maximize your chances of success. Schedule a consultation today to get started.

Sep
27

By

Is US-Canada border still closed for non-essential travel?

Category: Best E-1 visa attorney in Phoenix, Best E-2 attorney in Phoenix, Best immigration attorney, Best immigration attorney in Scottsdale, Best Investor visa attorney in Phoenix, Canadian investors in Phoenix, Canadians in Arizona, Canadians in Phoenix, E-1, E-1 visa attorney, E-2, E-2 attorney, E-2 visa, Essential travel, Immigration attorney in Scottsdale, Immigration attorney Phoenix, Immigration lawyer Arizona, Immigration lawyer in phoenix, Immigration Lawyer Scottsdale, Investor Visa Attorney, Non-essential travel, Top immigration attorney, Top immigration attorney in Phoenix, Travel Ban, Treaty trader visa, Uncategorized, US-Canada Border Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

The land border between the US and Canada remains closed until October 21, 2020 for “non-essential” travel. The travel restrictions do not apply to travel by air, sea and to freight rail. The “essential travel” includes but is not limited to: (i) U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents, (ii) international students, (iii) people traveling to receive medical treatment, (iv) emergency responders and public health officials, (v) truck drivers moving cargo or other individuals engaged in international trade, (vi) official government and diplomatic travel, and (vii) members of the U.S. armed forces and their spouses and children.

Most U.S. ports of entry interpret the restrictions that only B1/B2 travel is prohibited, while other ports of entry interpret the restrictions more narrowly and require proof of “essentiality”. The Customs and Border Protection is still performing routine adjudications of TN and L-1 petitions at the land ports of entry, although some land ports are requiring proof that the proposed employment is “essential”.

Canada’s Quarantine Act requires anyone who is permitted to enter Canada to self-isolate for 14 days following entry to Canada (unless they are flag-poling).

Please note that this article does not constitute legal advice.  We simplified the law to outline the law. If you to schedule a consultation, call our experienced immigration attorney at 480-425-2009 or schedule your consultation online.

Jul
28

By

National Interest Exceptions for travelers from Schengen Area, UK and Ireland

Category: Best E-2 attorney in Phoenix, E-2 attorney, E-2 visa, Immigration attorney Phoenix, Immigration lawyer Arizona, Immigration Lawyer Scottsdale, Investor Visa Attorney, National Interest Exception, Schengen Area, Top immigration attorney, Travel Ban Tags: , , ,

On July 22, 2020, the Department of State announced that certain business travelers, investors, treaty traders, academics, and students may qualify for National Interest Exceptions under Presidential Proclamations 9993 (Schengen Area) and 9996 (United Kingdom and Ireland).

Business travelers, investors, academics, J-1 students, and treaty traders who have a valid visa or ESTA authorization that was issued prior to Presidential Proclamations 9993 or 9996’s effective date or who are seeking to apply for a visa may qualify.

If you need help to apply for National Interest Exception, call an experienced immigration attorney at 480-425-2009 or schedule your consultation online.

Jun
29

By

Treaty investor (E-2) visa for Czech dealer of motorized surfboard

Category: Best E-2 attorney in Phoenix, Best immigration attorney, Best Investor visa attorney in Phoenix, Czech investors, E-2 attorney, E-2 visa, Immigration attorney Phoenix, Immigration lawyer Arizona, Immigration Lawyer Scottsdale, Investment visa, Investor visa, Investor Visa Attorney, Top immigration attorney, Treaty investor (E-2) visa for investors from Czech Republic Tags: , , ,

My client, a Czech entrepreneur, formed a US company that entered into a dealer agreement with importer of motorized surfboard manufactured in the Czech Republic. Motorized surfboard is an ultra-light high tech personal watercraft and MotoSurf is one of the fastest growing sports.

My client’s company focuses on marketing, sales and service of motorized surfboards boards. The investment was “substantial” and consisted with showroom construction, furniture, equipment, tools, event expenses, payroll and other related expenses. The company started with just four employees and is expanding quickly.

The investment is not marginal and the enterprise is real and doing business. The treaty investor (E-2) visa was approved pursuant to bilateral treaty between the US and the Czech Republic.

Please note that this case study does not constitute a legal advice.  We simplified the law in order to outline the treaty investor (E-2) visa requirements.  If you would like to discuss if you may qualify for treaty investor (E-2) visa, call our experienced treaty investor (E-2) visa attorney at 480-425-2009 or contact an experienced treaty investor (E-2) attorney via our website to schedule a consultation. We look forward to discussing how we can help you obtain your treaty investor (E-2) visa.

Jun
29

By

Treaty investor (E-2) visa for Czech real estate investor

Category: Best E-2 attorney in Phoenix, Best immigration attorney, Best Investor visa attorney in Phoenix, Czech investors, E-2 attorney, E-2 visa, Treaty investor (E-2) visa for investors from Czech Republic Tags: ,

My clients, a married couple from the Czech Republic, formed an LLC where each have 50% ownership. The Company was formed as a real estate investment company to buy distressed properties at a discount price, holding for a year and remodeling and selling them for a profit or renting them as income generating real estate.  At the time we filed the investor visa application, Company has bought a total of 11 properties. Out of these properties, six were for resale and already two were sold at a considerable profit, the other five properties are currently rented generating healthy revenue. 

The Company has four employees, one full time and three part-time employees: a full time maintenance technician, handyman and electrician, a part-time bookkeeper) and two part-time secretaries.   The enterprise is real and doing business and investment is “substantial” and not marginal. My clients have extensive experience in real estate. Their treaty investor visas were approved without any problems for five years.

Please note that this case study does not constitute a legal advice.  We simplified the law in order to outline the treaty investor (E-2) visa process.  If you would like to discuss if you may qualify for treaty investor (E-2) visa, call our experienced treaty investor (E-2) visa attorney at 480-425-2009 or contact an experienced treaty investor (E-2) attorney via our website to schedule a consultation. We look forward to discussing how we can help you obtain your treaty investor (E-2) visa.

Nov
19

By

What Is a “Substantial” Amount of Capital for an E-2 Investor Visa?

Category: Canadian investors in Phoenix, E-2 attorney, E-2 visa, Immigration attorney Phoenix, Immigration lawyer Arizona, Investment visa, Investor visa, Investor Visa Attorney, visa for Canadians Tags: , , , ,

The E-2 investor visa provides an excellent opportunity for foreign nationals from countries that have treaties of commerce and navigation with the U.S. to come to the U.S. to develop and manage the operations of a business. A frequent question of foreign investors considering applying for an E-2 investor visa is: ‘What is considered a “substantial” investment?” Our immigration lawyers can tell you that, unlike the minimum investment requirement for an EB-5 investor visa (“green card”), which is $1 million or $500,000 in targeted employment areas, there is no set dollar amount that has to be invested in order to be considered “substantial” investment for E-2 visa purposes. A substantial amount of capital for E-2 purposes constitutes an amount that is substantial in the proportionality sense.

The proportionality test compares the total amount invested in the enterprise with the cost of either purchasing an established enterprise or creating a viable new enterprise. The lower the cost of the business, the higher the percentage of investment is required. On the other hand, a highly expensive business would require a lower percentage of qualifying investment. Thus, investments of 100 percent or a higher percentage would normally automatically qualify for a small business of $100,000 or less. On the other hand, an investment of $10 million in a $100 million business would likely qualify, based on the sheer magnitude of the investment itself.

The “substantial” investment has to be large enough to lead to the successful operation of the E-2 enterprise and must be more than marginal (must have the capacity to generate more than enough income to provide a minimal living for the investor and his family). What constitutes a substantial investment is different for different industries. If an investor wants to start a manufacturing business or any other capital-intense business, $100,000 will not constitute a substantial investment. However, $100,000 or a lower amount may be sufficient for service businesses. We have helped numerous foreign investors to get E-2 investor visas for a $100,000 investment in service businesses. We recently obtained an E-2 visa for a Canadian investor who purchased an existing service business in Arizona for $70,000. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service has approved E-2 visas even for smaller investments. Our most recent case was an E-2 visa for a Canadian investor who purchased an Arizona retail business for $250,000.

If you are looking to invest in a business or enterprise in Arizona or anywhere throughout the United States, call the Juras Law Firm, PLC  in Scottsdale, AZ to speak with an experienced E-2 visa attorney. Call our office at (480) 425-2009 to schedule an appointment now! We understand that the visa application process is complex; an experienced Arizona E-2 visa attorney is here to answer your questions.