The E visa is used by Italian companies and investors to bring Italian nationals to work in the United States. Although frequently referred to by Italians as the investor’s visa, the E visa actually has two types: the E-1 for treaty traders, and the E-2 for treaty investors. The E-1 Treaty Trader visa is used by companies engaging in trade primarily between the United States and Italy. This can be trade in either goods or services.

The E-2 Treaty Investor visa is used when Italian companies or Italian Nationals have made a substantial investment in the United States. It is important to note that the actual investor is not the only person eligible for this type of visa. Companies can bring employees serving in managerial roles or those with essential skills. In December 2011, E visa processing moved from the U.S consulate in Milan to the consulate in Rome. The E visa unit move marked the first of several changes in E visa processing in Italy, including the move to email filing, a page limitation on submissions, and the use of an online visa payment and appointment scheduling system. We have also seen processing times lengthen in 2014.

At this time the E visa unit is particularly focused on evidence demonstrating a real and operating enterprise. This has become increasingly important in 2014, and is the frequent source of requests for additional evidence. It is extremely important to ensure that you have well-qualified immigration counsel to properly prepare and file your E visa cases in order to ensure the most positive outcome. The attorneys with Pozo Goldstein’s business visa team are always available to answer any questions you may have about the E visa process and have extensive experience handling E visas in Italy.