The U.S. Embassy Lisbon announced that Portuguese nationals can apply for E-1 and E-2 visas under the fully implemented AMIGOS Act.

Key Points:

  • The Advancing Mutual Interests and Growing Our Success (AMIGOS) Act grants Portuguese citizens E-1 and E-2 visa eligibility in the United States as long as Portugal provides reciprocal nonimmigrant status to U.S. nationals.
  • An E-1 visa allows foreign nationals entering the U.S. to engage in international trade. An E-2 visa is granted to foreign nationals investing a substantial amount of capital in the U.S. Both visa types are limited to nationals who have a treaty of commerce and navigation within the U.S.
  • More information on the recently launched E visa program for Portuguese nationals, the different categories of E visas, company tiers and application instructions can be found here.

Additional Information: The AMIGOS Act was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023. Rep. Jim Costa (D-Calif.), who co-sponsored the legislation, said in a press release, “Portuguese Americans have made significant contributions in the San Joaquin Valley and throughout the United States. The AMIGOS Act will help create more American jobs and increase investment across the country, while strengthening the bonds between United States and Portugal.”

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group.

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