As the 1955 Friendship Treaty between the U.S. and Iran came to an end in October, 2018, so too did trade and investment visa attainments for Iranians. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services agency stated that Iranians will no longer be able to obtain the E-1 and E-2 trade and investment visas in January of this year.
What are the E-1 and E-2 Visas?
These visas are issued to citizens of a nations that is under a friendship treaty with the U.S.
E-1 Visa has a duration of 5 years and can be renewed open-endedly as long as the stated visa requirements and obligations are maintained. An individual who possesses an E-1 Visa has the right to reside in U.S. for a maximum of 2 years and can be extended upon an exit and reentrance to the country.
The E-2 allowed an individual to attain a visa to work or invest by bringing in a large capital sum into the U.S. The Visa is valid up to 5 years and can be extended indefinitely.
What Happens Now?
Unfortunately, the Trump administration has set harsh restrictions and any Iranian in possession of either E-1 or E-2 Visa in the U.S. must depart the borders. This is a tragic call for Iranians in the U.S. or those in constant travel between their homeland and resident nation. As these visas expire, the individual must either apply for a new visa type or simply pack and leave from a country in which one has invested both time and monetary value.
As U.S. travel and immigration processes for Iranians are approaching a tight entry and close end, it is best to consult an experienced advocate or lawyer in the appropriate field for receiving the best suggestions and guidance in taking the next move.
