In this guide, we look at the types of E2 visa interview questions you might be asked when applying for a US visa as a Treaty Investor.

 

What is the E2 visa?

 

If you are looking to financially invest in a business in the United States, and to oversee the running of that business, you will need an E2 visa. The E2 investor visa will allow you to start a brand new life in the States, provided you can prove that you meet all of the requirements. Even though the E2 visa is a temporary nonimmigrant visa, one of its main benefits is that it will allow successful entrepreneurs to extend their stay in the US on an unlimited basis. This means that if your business takes off, you may be allowed to stay in the States indefinitely.

However, applying for an E2 visa can be a complex process, demanding extensive supporting documentation. You will also be asked to arrange an appointment to attend an interview with a consular officer to answer various questions about your application and the information provided in it.

 

What should you expect at an E2 visa interview?

 

The purpose of the E2 visa interview is multifold. It is not only to verify your identity, but to validate the information provided in your online application to ensure that you satisfy all of the eligibility requirements under the E2 investor route, and to ask any additional questions. Your visa application, and supporting documentation, will already have been reviewed by the E-Visa Unit, but there may still be a number of matters that will need to be verified in person.

The interview will typically be conducted by a single consular official, who may ask you a broad range of questions about all aspects of your application and your proposed stay in the US. There are a number of questions that are asked of almost every applicant, regardless of the type of visa sought. You may also be asked a number of very detailed visa-specific questions.

The consular officer will usually start the conversation with a few simple questions, often based on general information contained within your visa application, building up to more detailed and in-depth questions. If you fail to answer all E2 visa interview questions fully and correctly, or if you simply fail to attend your E2 visa interview without any or any reasonable explanation, it is most likely that your application for an investor visa will be refused.

 

General E2 visa interview questions

 

The type of E2 visa interview questions that you could be asked can vary, depending on where you are based and where you will be attending your interview. For example, ‘E2 visa interview questions London’ could differ to the ‘E2 visa interview questions Paris’ or ‘E2 visa interview questions Sydney’. Much will also depend on your individual application and personal circumstances. However, in all cases, the consular officer responsible for interviewing you is likely to ask a number of general questions about your intentions, including:

 

• Why are you planning to travel to the US?
• What will you be doing during your US stay?
• Where will you be living in the US?
• How will you be funding your trip?
• How long do you intend to stay?
• Have you visited the US before?
• Do you have any relatives based in the US?
• Do you intend to settle in the US permanently?

 

In many cases, the answer to these types of generic questions may seem obvious from the nature of your application, after all, you have applied to invest in either a US start-up or an existing US enterprise, and will be actively working for your business during your stay. However, the interviewing officer may want you to explain your US plans in your own words. In this way, they can assess whether or not your stated intentions are genuine.

You will also usually be asked about your initial itinerary and accommodation arrangements on arrival in the US, as well as your long-term plans. The E2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa, and not a direct route to settlement, but it is a ‘dual intent visa’. This means that applicants can apply for permission, and remain in the US, on the basis of concurrently intending to leave the States on expiry of their visa and to remain in the States on a potentially permanent basis.

Put more simply, a dual intent visa will give you the option of both staying and leaving the States, but given that it is not a green card, you must still satisfy the consular officer that you will be retaining ties to your country of residence, at least for the time being.

 

E2 visa interview questions about your business

 

When applying for a visa to create a US start-up or to invest in an existing US enterprise, you must be able to satisfy a number of strict eligibility requirements. As you will only be asked to attend an E2 visa interview once your application and supporting documentation has been approved by the E-Visa Unit, you will have already satisfied all of these requirements on paper. This will include proof of business ownership, investment, marginality and qualifying nationality. However, the consular officer may still want to verify some or all of these matters.

It is therefore important that you carefully review your E2 visa application, including your application cover letter and any business plan, together with all other documents submitted in support. In this way, you will be able to answer any specific questions around any aspect of your application. You should also attend the interview with complete copies of this paperwork, mainly for your own reference, so that you can refer back to this if needed.

To be eligible for an E2 visa, you must be a national of a treaty country, coming to the US to solely develop and direct the operations of an existing or new business in which you have invested, or are actively in the process of investing, a substantial amount of capital using lawfully obtained funds. You must also be able to show at least 50% ownership or possession of operational control, such as through a managerial position, and that the US enterprise has the capacity to be more than marginal. Below we highlight some of the common topics that you may be asked about during interview when it comes to these requirements:

 

• The nature of the US enterprise that you have invested in
• The amount of money that has been invested in that business
• The source of funds used to invest in the US business
• The fact that your investment is committed to an active US business
• The extent to which you will be involved in the running that business
• The nature of the role that you will be undertaking in that business
• The extent of any professional experience in running that type of business
• Whether or not you are capable of developing and directing the US business
• Your personal and financial circumstances in your country of residence
• Your current job role, and salary or professional income, in your country of residence
• Any other sources of income that you may have, including pensions and savings
• Any other business interests that you may be actively involved in
• The financial and personnel projections for the US business
• Your intentions to return to your country of residence after expiration of your E2 status.

 

 

E2 visa interview questions about you

 

In addition to the strict eligibility requirements for an E2 visa, other questions that may be asked at interview could focus on your personal circumstances, including if you have a criminal record or a history of any previous immigration violations. This is because certain suitability requirements must also be met before an E2 visa can be issued.

If you have ever been arrested, cautioned and/or convicted of an offence, even if this is classed as spent in your country of residence, you are required to declare this. In cases where an arrest resulted in a criminal conviction, you may require a waiver ineligibility to travel to the US. In other cases, the consular officer may be able to exercise some discretion, depending on your answers to any questions given during your E2 visa interview.

If any family are applying at the same time for a derivative visa, you should also be prepared to answer questions around the nature of your relationship. Ordinarily, any dependants should accompany the principal visa applicant to the E2 visa interview, although they may be asked to attend an interview separately. Children under the age of 14 are not usually required to attend an interview in person, although some documentary proof that they are physically present in the relevant country at the time their application is submitted may be required.

 

E2 visa interview documents

 

You will be required to attend your E2 visa interview with various documents, although for principal investors these will be for administrative purposes or mainly biographical, including:

 

• your application confirmation sheet
• a copy of the fee payment receipt
• a printed interview appointment confirmation page
• copies of current and expired passports
• evidence of any previously issued US visas
• evidence of your immigration status for the country in which you reside
• two recent 5 x 5cm colour photographs
• a hard copy of your full application and documentation.

 

You may also need to provide additional documentation, if not already supplied with your online application. This could include an ACRO certificate if you have ever been convicted, cautioned and/or arrested; any documents relating to being denied entry into and/or deported from the US; a letter from your doctor detailing your existing state of health if you suffer from a medical condition that could have some bearing on your eligibility for a visa; and evidence of ties to your country of residence, such as bank statements or property records.

This list is not exhaustive. You should always visit the website for the relevant Embassy or Consulate to see what documents you are required to bring with you to an E2 visa interview.

 

E2 visa interview tips

 

Obtaining an E2 visa to allow you to start-up or invest in an existing US enterprise can be a complex process. There are several different eligibility requirements that must be met, where you will need a number of documents in support to satisfy these requirements. You will also need to satisfy the consular officer responsible for interviewing you that you meet all of these requirements and that your intentions are legitimate. This means that you must be fully prepared to answer any questions that are asked of you at interview.

By seeking expert advice from an immigration specialist, this will help to maximise your chances of being granted an E2 visa. Your advisor can help you to navigate the documentary requirements for an E2 visa, and help you to prepare for your E2 visa interview questions, so that you have a clear idea of what you might be asked. Every application is unique, where your legal advisor will also be able to highlight in advance any possible complications, such as any previous convictions or history of immigration violations, and how these issues need to be handled during your interview to give you the best possible chance of being granted a visa.

An application for an E2 visa carries with it significant financial risk for E2 treaty investors, where you must start or buy a stake in a US business before you can even apply. This means that if you are not approved for an E2 visa, someone else will have to oversee its operations, so it is vital that you prepare in advance to maximise your prospects of a successful outcome.

 

Need assistance?

 

NNU Immigration are dedicated US immigration attorneys based in London. We provide specialist advice and guidance on E2 visa applications, including the E2 supporting documents you should compile and include include in your submission and how to prepare for your interview. For advice and support with your application, contact us.

 

E2 visa interview questions FAQs

 

What is the purpose of the E2 visa interview?

The E2 visa interview is conducted to assess your eligibility for the visa. The consular officer will ask questions about your investment, business plan, and intent to ensure you meet all requirements for the E2 visa.

 

What types of questions are commonly asked during the E2 visa interview?

Common questions include inquiries about your investment amount, source of funds, business operations, your role in the business, and your plans for the future. You may also be asked about your intent to return to your home country after your visa expires.

 

How should I prepare for the E2 visa interview?

You should thoroughly review your business plan, understand your financial investment, and be prepared to answer questions confidently. Bringing all required documents, including proof of investment and business ownership, is essential.

 

Can I bring an attorney to my E2 visa interview?

No, attorneys are not allowed to accompany you during the visa interview. However, you can consult with an attorney before the interview to help you prepare.

 

What happens if my E2 visa is denied after the interview?

If your E2 visa is denied, you will receive a notice explaining the reasons for the denial. Depending on the reason, you may be able to reapply after addressing the issues or seek legal advice on your next steps.

 

How long does the E2 visa interview usually take?

The E2 visa interview typically lasts between 15 to 30 minutes. However, the duration can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the number of questions the consular officer needs to ask.

 

What documents should I bring to my E2 visa interview?

You should bring your passport, Form DS-160 confirmation, visa appointment confirmation, proof of investment, business plan, financial statements, and any other documents that support your visa application.

 

Can my family members attend the E2 visa interview with me?

Your spouse and children who are applying for E2 dependent visas can attend the interview with you. They may be asked questions about their relationship to you and their intent to live in the US.

 

What should I do if I don’t know the answer to a question during the interview?

If you don’t know the answer to a question, it’s best to be honest and let the consular officer know. Avoid guessing or providing incorrect information, as this can negatively affect your application.

 

Is the E2 visa interview difficult to pass?

The difficulty of the E2 visa interview depends on your preparation and the strength of your case. Being well-prepared, confident, and transparent can significantly increase your chances of a successful interview.

 

What questions are asked at E2 visa interview?

The type of E2 visa interview questions that you will be asked can vary, depending on the Embassy or Consulate you attend. You may be asked about specific E2 eligibility requirements or other questions relating to your personal circumstances.

 

What is the success rate of E2 visa?

The approval rate for E2 visas is reported to be high, relative to other nonimmigrant visas, as the US government is keen to encourage investment in the States. However, the requirements are still strict, so expert advice should be sought.

 

Does E2 visa need interview?

Having submitted an online application and supporting documentation, this will be reviewed by the E-Visa Unit. You will then be asked to attend an Embassy or Consulate interview to verify that information and to answer any other questions.

 

What happens at E2 visa interview?

An E2 interview will typically be conducted by a single consular official who may ask a broad range of questions about all aspects of the application, from general questions about long-term plans to questions about visa-specific requirements.

 

Glossary

 

Term	Definition
E2 Visa	A non-immigrant visa that allows nationals of treaty countries to invest in and run a business in the US.
US Embassy/Consulate	The official offices of the US government in foreign countries where visa interviews are conducted and visas are issued.
Business Plan	A detailed document outlining the business model, financial projections, and operational strategy of the enterprise in which the E2 visa applicant is investing.
Consular Officer	A US government official who conducts visa interviews and determines the eligibility of applicants for visas, including the E2 visa.
Non-Immigrant Intent	The intent to enter the US temporarily without the intention of staying permanently, which is a requirement for E2 visa holders.
Investment Requirement	The financial requirement for the E2 visa, which mandates that the applicant must make a substantial investment in a US business.
Source of Funds	Documentation showing where the money used for the investment originates, often required during the E2 visa interview to prove the legitimacy of the funds.
Visa Denial	The refusal of a visa application by a consular officer, which can occur if the applicant fails to meet the eligibility requirements or provide sufficient documentation.
Visa Interview	A mandatory in-person interview at a US embassy or consulate where the applicant must demonstrate their eligibility for the visa, including answering questions about their business and investment.
Supporting Documents	Documents that provide evidence of the applicant’s investment, business plan, and personal qualifications, which must be presented at the E2 visa interview.
Renewal/Extension	The process of extending the validity of the E2 visa after the initial period, allowing the visa holder to continue living and working in the US.
Substantial Investment	A significant amount of money invested in a US business, which is required to qualify for the E2 visa and must be sufficient to ensure the business’s success.
Intent to Return	The requirement for E2 visa holders to demonstrate that they intend to return to their home country after their temporary stay in the US, important during visa renewals.
Inadmissibility	A legal term referring to a person’s inability to enter the US due to factors such as criminal history, immigration violations, or health issues.
Form DS-160	The online non-immigrant visa application form that must be completed by all E2 visa applicants before scheduling a visa interview.
Consular Processing	The procedure of applying for a visa and attending an interview at a US embassy or consulate outside the US, typically required for E2 visa applicants.
Treaty Country	A country that has a commerce and navigation treaty with the US, making its citizens eligible to apply for the E2 visa.
Ownership Requirement	The requirement that the E2 visa applicant must own at least 50% of the US business or have operational control of the business.
Visa Validity	The period during which the E2 visa is valid, allowing the holder to enter and work in the US; it is typically granted for up to 2 years, with the possibility of renewal.
Biometrics	The collection of fingerprints and photographs as part of the visa application process, usually required during or after the visa interview.