COS/EOS

COS (change of status) to E-2/E-1 status or EOS (extension of status) of E-2/E-1 status, although sharing many similarities to E-2/E-1 visa requirements, can be very different in practice.

COS/EOS entails the Principal Applicant and dependents separately applying to applicable USCIS service centers using different forms. Second, Premium Processing Service (with additional filing fee) is available for COS/EOS applications, which means you can receive a decision in 3 to 4 weeks (it can also mean you can receive a denial in 3 to 4 weeks).

However, keep in mind that COS/EOS, even if approved, does not allow you to travel back and forth after E-2/E-1 visa expiration date: specifically, you can travel out of the U.S., but you cannot reenter the U.S. in the same E-2/E-1 visa. In other words, approval of COS/EOS of E-2/E-1 status merely means you and your dependent family members can physically stay in the U.S. in E-2/E-1 status, and if you go out of the U.S., you have to apply again (renew) your E-2E-1 visa at the American Embassy in your home country (or do TCN processing if you qualify).