For businesses operating in Japan, the E Visa offers an essential gateway to expanding and investing in the US market. The E Visa is designed for companies based in one of over 80 treaty countries that contribute to the US economy by creating jobs and making significant investments.
Countries that maintain treaties with the US have access to this visa, and Japan is no exception. However, Japanese businesses must follow a specific process to maintain their E Visa registration, which includes regular reviews and careful attention to employee transitions.
Initial E Visa Registration Process
The first step in securing an E Visa for a Japanese owned company involves registering with the US government. During the registration process, authorities will thoroughly review the company’s business plan, proof of capital investment, source of funds for capital investment, ownership, payroll records, financial records, etc. to ensure it meets the necessary qualifications.
Once approved, the company is granted the ability to send Japanese employees to work in the US under the E Visa program. This initial application can be time-consuming, typically taking about a month or a month and a half to prepare, followed by a two to three month government review period. Once registration is secured, subsequent employee transfers become much simpler and faster—often only about two weeks.
Maintaining E Registration Status
Maintaining E Registration Visa status (especially during the rise of private equity deals in Japan) as a previously approved treaty country like Japan involves diligence and paying close attention to the status of your employees who are working in the United States. To maintain E Visa Registration status, your company must have at least one employee with an E visa sticker working in the United States. If that one E Visa holder leaves the company for any reason, they must be replaced with another E visa employee before the current E Visa holder actually departs the company. If you have multiple E Visa employees working in the US, then a single employee leaving does not impact the company’s E Registration status.
For example, if a company sends its President to the US on an E Visa and then needs to send another employee, the second application process is expedited and less costly because the company is already an E Visa registered company. However, if the president leaves and no one is lined up to replace them, the company must re-register with the US Embassy, which can be both time-consuming and costly.
Ensure Your Business is Compliant and Maintains E Visa Registration Status
Maintaining multiple E Visa holders in the US is the best strategy to avoid unnecessary disruptions. Even if you don’t have an immediate need for multiple employees in the US, it may still be a sound strategy to protect your E Visa registration. If your business cannot have two E Visa holders simultaneously, it is essential to closely monitor the holder’s status to ensure a seamless transition. By keeping someone in line for replacement before the current E visa holder departs, your business can avoid losing its registration and continue operating without delay.
If you need assistance managing your E Visa registration or any other immigration matters, contact Valvo & Associates today. Our firm specializes in helping businesses like yours handle challenging immigration processes and regulations efficiently and effectively.