E-1 and E-2 visa eligibility ended for Iranians

On Behalf of | Feb 6, 2020 | Business Immigration

Foreign nationals have relied on E-1 and E-2 visas when they wanted to enter New York or other U.S. locations to make investments or engage in trade. The Treaty of Amity, Economic Relations, and Consular Rights with Iran had granted Iranians the ability to apply for these visas. This is no longer the case due to the decision by the U.S. government to terminate the treaty according to a news release from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

E-1 and E-2 visa eligibility for Iranian nationals stemmed from this treaty that the Trump administration withdrew from on Oct. 3, 2018. The termination occurred because the U.S. government leadership disagreed with a demand from the United Nations to cease blocking medical supplies, food and aircraft parts from entering Iran as part of ongoing U.S. sanctions against the country.

As a result, Iranian nationals with existing E-1 or E-2 visas cannot apply for extensions. They may only remain within the United States until their visas expire. Any Iranians who applied for these visa after Oct. 3, 2018 can now expect to receive Notices of Intent to Deny. A deputy director at the USCIS said that Iranian nationals and their dependents might apply for other types of non-immigrant visas. If they qualify for other visas, then the government might allow them to enter the country legally.

As changes continue to affect the immigration system, a person seeking to the enter the country for business purposes or employment may want legal advice. An attorney might investigate current regulations and recommend which type of visa application might enable immigration. An attorney might organize necessary documentation and assert the person’s rights during interviews and hearings with immigration officials.