Frequently Asked Questions
Q
Which visas require a business plan?
AA business plan is required for E-1, E-2 and L-1A visas.
Q
How does the process for the preparation of a business plan work?
AAt the first stage, we conduct a detailed interview and survey. Next, we begin to draft the business plan. We present the first draft. After the presentation, necessary corrections and additions are made, and so the process for the preparation of a business plan is completed.
Q
What is included in a standard business plan?
ABusiness plans should be prepared depending on the nature of the business, and for the following 5 years. Important sections sought by the Consulates in a standard business plan are listed below:

        • Executive Summary,
        • Introduction of the company, and business definition,
        • Organizational chart (Lists of shareholders, managers and employees; details on positions and wages),
        • Promotion of company’s products / services, prices,
        • Market and industry analysis (SWOT analysis),
        • Competition and sales trends
        • Marketing strategies
        • Balance sheet and tax statements of the company in the U.S. and Turkey,
        • Expectations regarding sales, profit and loss, employment and growth targets for the following 5 years.
Q
What is an E-1 visa?
AE-1 visa can be defined as a “Treaty Trader” visa.
Q
What is the purpose of an E-1 visa?
AIts purpose is mainly to increase the bilateral trade volume between the U.S. and Turkey. Products purchased from Turkey should be exported to the U.S., or the products purchased from the U.S. must be imported to and sold in Turkey. In summary, if you want to engage in international trade while living in the United States, you will need an E-1 visa.
 

Q
What are the advantages of an E-1 visa?
AE visa is closely related to entrepreneurship. E visa appeals to entrepreneurs who make at least half of their trade with the United States. E-1 visa is a useful tool for successful entrepreneurs or self-employed individuals to grow their U.S.-related business. It can be utilized by young entrepreneurs, start-ups or global companies as well as people with e-commerce experience on online platforms like Amazon, Walmart, etc. In addition, the condition of having been previously employed in the relevant company is not required as in the L visa.
 

Q
Who can apply for an E-1 visa?
AThe owner, partners, directors, competent managers or employees with essential skills can apply. Unskilled workers cannot apply for this visa. In addition to the applicant, the applicant’s immediate family (spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21) are also covered.
 

Q
I am currently in the U.S. as a tourist. Can I apply for an E-1 visa?
AYes. You can apply for a change of status while in the U.S. As long as your business activities in the U.S. continue, and if you are not able to travel to Turkey, you can legally stay in the U.S. by extending your E-1 visa as the time comes. However, if you travel to Turkey and want to return to the U.S., you must apply for an E-1 visa through the American Consulates in Turkey.
 

Q
What is the duration of stay granted by E-1 visa?
AThe duration of E-1 visa that is received as a result of an application made in Turkey is 5 years. There is no upper limit on the number of applications required for time extension. For the extension, Form I-129 and Form I-539 must be submitted in a timely manner, along with documentation proving your reasons for application.
 

Q
Does an E-1 visa provide unlimited duration of stay in the U.S.?
ANo. However, it can be renewed for unlimited times if your trade between the U.S. and Turkey continues and other relevant conditions are met.
 

Q
What should be the trade volume between two countries for an E-1 visa?
AThe minimum trade volume is not precisely specified in the legislation due to practical reasons related to the business life. The volume of trade must be at a substantial level. Bilateral trading is expected to be of regular frequency. Depending on the product / service subject to the trade, the total US dollar value of the planned and actual trade as well as the number and frequency of the actual commercial transactions are taken into account. It is important that the buyer companies you trade with in the U.S. are independent from the parent company in Turkey, and that their number is reasonable.
 

Q
Generally speaking, what forms and documents are required when applying for an E-1 visa?
ADocuments required for each application should be carefully prepared depending on the individual’s specific case. Documents required in a standard application are listed below:
 

      • Form DS-160,
      • Form DS-156E,
      • G-28 (if applicable),
      • Business Plan (for 5 years),
      • Passport (valid for at least 6 months),
      • Proof of birth certificate,
      • Criminal records,
      • Marriage certificate, if any, divorce documents,
      • A letter of commitment to return when the visa expires,
      • W-2 and W-4 tax forms,
      • Detailed resume,
      • Salary slips,
      • Corporate and ownership documents of the company,
      • Contracts, invoices, etc., showing that the trade is active.
         
Q
I submitted some documents required for E-1 in Turkish. Will my application be accepted?
AAlthough it is not required to have all application documents translated into English by a certified translator, it can be helpful.
 

Q
What can I do to expedite the evaluation process of my E-1 visa application?
AYou can shorten your application review time in return for an additional fee by using Form I-907 (Request for Premium Processing Service). Click here to download Form I-907.
 

Q
Are there any travel restrictions on the E-1 visa?
ANo. As long as your E-1 visa is valid, you can enter & exit the United States as you wish. There is no time limit set for how long you can stay out of the U.S. (in Turkey or other countries). However, it is expected that your commercial transactions with the U.S. will continue to exist at an acceptable level throughout the duration of your visa.
 

Q
I have an E-1 visa. Can I start academic education in the U.S.?
AFull-time academic programs that may hinder your work required for managing your international trade may pose a risk in the future in terms of maintaining or extending your E-1 visa. However, you can take part-time academic or professional training.
 

Q
I got an E-1 visa in relation to my company in the U.S. Can I work in another company in the U.S.?
AE-1 visa holders, as per rule, cannot work in a company / position other than they originally applied for. However, if the commercial requirements and justifications that you submitted in relation to your current E-1 application continue at the other new company, it may be possible to work at a similar job or position.
 

Q
Can I bring my wife and children to the U.S. on grounds of my E-1 visa?
AYes. You can bring your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 to the U.S. They can stay with you in the U.S. for the duration of your visa.
 

Q
I have an E-1 visa. Can my spouse work in the U.S.?
AYes. According to a court decision in 2021, it was decided that spouses automatically have a work permit without applying for a separate work permit when they arrive in the U.S.
 

Q
Can my children work in the U.S. based on my E-1 visa? Or can they start academic programs?
AYour children cannot work in the U.S. based on your E-1 visa. But they can study at any schools, colleges or universities. It is not necessary for them to make an additional application for an F-1 visa to get academic education.
 
Q
What is an E-2 visa?
AE-2 visa can be defined as a “Treaty Investor” visa.
Q
What is the purpose of an E-2 visa?
AE-2 visa applies to a wide range of cases, from small start-ups to large multinational companies. The main purpose of this visa is to pave the way for active and significant international investments that can create employment.
Q
How can I invest in the U.S. for an E-2 visa?
AYou can start a new business in the U.S., or you can buy the whole or at least 50% of an existing business in the U.S.
Q
Can I make a franchise investment in the U.S. to obtain an E-2 visa?
AYes. Franchise investment is a method that is particularly recommended.
Q
I deposited money into the company bank account in the U.S. Can I apply for an E-2 investor visa?
AFor the E-2 visa application, it is important to have a company bank account in the U.S. and to have deposited money into this account. But this alone is not enough. For the investor visa, the investment in the U.S. is expected to be clearly at risk for business. It is expected that an expenditure plan has been prepared regarding how the total amount of money deposited in the bank will be used for an active investment.
Q
What should be the investment amount in the U.S. for an E-2 visa?
AThe minimum investment amount is not specified in the relevant legislation. The investment amount should be sufficient and reasonable compared to the overall value or the cost of the proposed business project.
Q
What could be the sources of investment in the U.S. for an E-2 visa?
AThe sources can be personal savings, debt, inheritance, gifts and/or donations. All sources must be legal and properly documented.

You can also use commercial loans. However, it can be considered that the investor does not take a real risk if this loan is secured with the assets of the company in the U.S. as collateral.

Q
Who can apply for an E-2 visa?
AShareholders of the company, employees in a managerial or supervisory position, or employees with essential skills can apply.
Q
What is the duration of an E-2 visa?
AThis visa is issued for a period of 5 years. As long as your investment remains active, your visa can be renewed for unlimited times after every 5 years.
Q
What are the advantages of an E-2 visa?
AThis visa offers several benefits for the entrepreneur and her family. With this visa, your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 can stay with you in the U.S. Your spouse is also provided with a work permit incident to the visa. Your spouse can start her own business or work for any company in the U.S. Your unmarried children under the age of 21 can enroll in public schools, but they are not provided a work permit. 

E-2 visa does not require a certain period of stay in the U.S. However, it is important that the investment in relation to the visa continues being active.

Q
Generally speaking, what forms and documents are required when applying for an E-2 visa?
ADocuments required for each application should be carefully prepared depending on the specific case of the individual and the relevant company. Documents required in a standard application are listed below: 

      • Form DS-160,
      • Form DS-156E,
      • G-28 (if applicable),
      • Business Plan (for 5 years),
      • Passport (valid for at least 6 months),
      • Proof of birth certificate,
      • Criminal records,
      • Marriage certificate (if any, divorce documents),
      • A letter of commitment to return when the visa expires,
      • W-2 and W-4 tax forms, 
      • Detailed resume, 
      • Salary slips,
      • Corporate and ownership documents of the company,
      • Contracts, and invoices, etc., showing that the investment is active.
Q
What is Form DS-156E?
AThe U.S. has commercial agreements with several countries. These agreements facilitate trade and transfer of skilled labor force between the U.S. and other countries.

Companies in countries, such as Turkey, may want to transfer and employ their employees in the U.S. for commercial purposes. In this case, they can apply for E-1 or E-2 visas.

These applications are made through Forms DS-160 and DS-156E. DS-156E is a supplement to Form DS-160, and is mandatory for all applications for E-1 and E-2 visas.

Q
Can an E-2 visa be extended?
AYes. As long as your investment remains active, your visa can be renewed for unlimited times after every 5 years. Before your current visa expires, an application must be made to the relevant Consulate for the extension of your visa.
Q
Is a business plan provided again for extending an E-2 visa?
AYes. Completed tasks, and commercial achievements earned during the previous 5 years must be described and documented. Additional tasks that are planned to be pursued or completed in the following 5 years are expected to be presented within the scope of an updated business plan.
Q
Is it compulsory to stay in the U.S. on grounds of an E-2 visa?
AE-2 visa does not require physical residence in the U.S. for any certain period of time. However, it is important that the investment subject to the visa remains active. On the other hand, if you do not travel to the U.S. during the E-2 visa period (i.e. 5 years), and even then apply for visa extension, the Consular officials may possibly ask for the justifications for this extension request.
Q
I have an E-2 visa. Can my spouse work in the U.S.?
AYes. According to a court decision in 2021, your spouse is entitled to an automatic work permit without any requirement to make an additional application in the U.S.
Q
How long does the E-2 visa application process take?
AIt may vary depending on the applicant’s timing of submitting the required information and documents. After the company registration procedures in the U.S. are completed, it can take an average of 8 weeks to prepare the E-2 visa application file by our company.
Q
What is an L visa?
AL visa is used for the transfer of employees within an international company. It is a nonimmigrant visa.
Q
What are the requirements of an L-1 visa application?
AThe applicant must have worked regularly as a manager / executive or in a position with a specialized knowledge and for a total of 1 year in the last 3 years in the company in Turkey. The applicant must be transferred to the company located in the U.S., to a position which is similar to the one in the Turkish company. There must be an organic connection between the company in the U.S., and the partners or shareholders of the company in Turkey. (e.g. “parent”, “branch”, “affiliate” or “subsidiary”) The applicant must possess the relevant education and experience required for the position. All of these conditions must be met for an L-1 visa. 
Q
What should be the general qualifications of a company that applies for an L visa?
AThe company must have a legal presence both in the U.S. and Turkey. In addition, it must be doing business in the U.S. in the present or near future. It is not enough just to have an office or a representative office. There must be a regular and systematic flow of goods and/or services between them.
Q
Can an L1 visa applicant be negatively evaluated if she declares her intention to immigrate to the U.S.?
AThe L1 visa is a “dual intent” visa. L1 applicants do not have to prove that they will return to Turkey when their employment contract or visa expires.
Q
What is an L-1A visa?
AIt is for those who work as a manager or director (or in such an executive or managerial capacity).
Q
What is an L-1B visa?
AEmployees who work with specialized knowledge can apply for an L-1B visa.
Q
What is the duration of stay for an L visa?
AFor L-1A and L-1B visas, visas can be issued for up to 3 years in the first place. For those holding a managerial or executive position, they can apply twice for a 2-year extension. Thus, L-1A visas can be issued for up to 7 years in total.

For the L-1B visa, the 2-year extension can only be applied once. (5 years in total) The employee is expected to act in accordance with the visa rules and employment contract during this period.

Q
What is the approximate processing time for an L-1 visa?
AIndividual petitions for an L1 visa take longer than blanket petitions. Processing an L1 visa application can usually take up to 3 – 4 months from the date of application to the Consulate.

The option of premium processing service is for an additional fee. In this case, the application can be concluded faster as it guarantees initial adjudication of the petition in 15 calendar days.

Q
How are the qualifications of a managerial or executive position for an L-1A visa assessed?
AIn order for the L-1A visa applicant to be considered as a “manager”, she is expected to manage the company or a subdivision or operation of the company. Rather than the title itself, what is beyond the title of the position the applicant works for is questioned. Managing any staff is not an essential requirement. It may also be possible to manage a certain function of the company.

For an L-1A visa applicant to be considered as an “executive”, she must manage managers, directors and policy makers in the company, set policies and goals for the company, and its subdivisions; have broad discretion, and can be accountable only to higher-level executives; such as, the company’s board of directors and shareholders.

Q
How are the qualifications for the specialist position assessed for an L-1B visa?
AThese people can be working in any position in the company. However, based on significant experience gained over time, they are expected to possess some additional (specialized) knowledge which is specific to the company, and more than an average employee.
Q
How many employees can work in a company with L-1B status?
AThere is no specific number on this issue.
Q
My L visa has expired. Do I have to return to Turkey?
AL1 visa allows “dual intent”. L1 applicants do not have to prove that they will return to Turkey when their employment contract or visa expires.
Q
I want to start a new office in the U.S. for my company in Turkey. Would an L-1 visa be the right choice?
AYes. However, managers, executives or personnel with specialized knowledge who are transferred to the U.S. to open a new office (company) have the right to work for only 1 year under the L-1 visa.

One year is essentially for trial purposes. The U.S. Immigration Center may decide to extend the employee’s visa for 2 years after conducting a detailed assessment of the company’s operations in the U.S. at the end of the first year.

Q
I have an L visa. Can my spouse work in the U.S?
AYes. Spouses should apply for an L2 visa.
Q
I have an L visa. Can my child stay with me in the U.S.?
AYes. You should apply for an L2 visa for your unmarried children under the age of 21. Under the L2 visa, children can get a driver’s license, open a bank account, and enroll in a university for academic education.
Q
What is an L1 Blanket Petition?
AIf the company needing an employee transfer to the U.S. is large enough, and it may need regular transfers, the company can petition for a Blanket L status. Within the scope of this status, the company can apply for employee transfers directly through the Consulate.
Q
What is the duration of an L1 Blanket Status?
AL1 Blanket Status is valid for 3 years. However, it can be extended depending on the employer’s needs. The extension must be processed before the status expires. Otherwise, the company cannot submit an L1 Blanket Petition again for the following 3 years. Instead, only individual petitions can be submitted.
Q
Is it possible to switch from an L1 visa to a Green Card?
AYes, it is possible through change of status, employment, and family reunification, etc. After the L visa, the Green Card application can be made by filling out Form I-40.