E2 Visa Renewal: The Distinction Between Validity Period and Period of Stay

For a better understanding of the duration of validity and renewal of the E2 visa, a clear distinction must be made between the E2 visa validity period and the period of stay.

The Validity Period of the E2 Visa

This is the period between the time of issuance of the visa and the date of its expiration. Within which allows the visa holder to enter the United States. After the visa expires, the holder has to apply again in order to enter the United States. Depending on your nationality, you may obtain different non immigrant visas varying in validity from three months to five years.  The range varies depending on the reciprocity schedule for that country. In other words, for an American investor moving to The Netherlands, the Dutch visa validity would be for 3 years, matching the period of the E-2 visa for Dutch nationals.

For citizens of Grenada, the E2 visa validity is 60 months. Therefore, it is possible for a Grenadian visa holder to enter the US as many times as they want with this E2 visa within 60 months.

However, citizens of Moldova can only obtain an E2 visa with three months of validity. Moldova’s E2 visa holders must, therefore, enter the United States within three months of its validity to avoid re-applying. In case you leave the US after the expiry of your visa, you’ll have to renew your visa before entering the United States.

A visa with a longer validity requires fewer times of renewal. As compared to one with a shorter validity. Hence, reducing the hassle of interviews. The 60 months’ validity period is one of the reasons why we recommend Grenada as a citizenship by investment option. This for investors from non-treaty countries seeking the E-2 visa.

Period of Stay

The concept of stay period, however, denies the Grenada citizens the opportunity to stay in the United States. This is for more than two years unless you make an application for an extension in time before the two years expiry through USCIS. However, the most common method for E-2 visa holders to remain in the U.S. under the same E-2 visa is to leave and reenter the U.S. Upon reentry, the E2 visa investor and their family another two year stay period.

The time after the E2 holder enters the United States until the time that the holder can stay in the United States is also known as the “Duration of stay”. Immigration Regulations 8 CFR 214.2 (e) (19) and (20) state that for first-timers, the duration of stay is a maximum of two years. However, you can make requests for an extension for two years at a time. There is no limit to the filing of an extension request.

Long-term residence can be achieved with an E2 visa, given the application of extension requests. This every two years or by leaving and reentering the U.S. Now let’s review the requirements for an extension.

E2 Visa Validity Update

There’s no need to renew the E2 visa issued in the passport. If the holder does not leave the U.S. However, if the holder of the visa leaves the U.S. after expiration, they will have to renew the visa validity.

The visa holder has to submit an updated visa application and obtain a new visa page in their passport at the US embassy and consulate. For application requirements, the embassy or consulate will guide you on your visit. Usually, you will be asked to give your company’s financial statements, tax documents, and salary payment records. This for the past two years in order to make sure that the company has a good record. Also, that there are employees, profit is achievable, and lastly, it is able to help you meet your family’s basic needs.