E2 Extension - contractors vs employees

[ChrisHollaender]

I have been building my business (Marketing Consultancy) for 5 years and my E2 Visa needs renewal in 6 months. I am the only one on the payroll but 50% of my expenses are going to contractors such as freelance designers, copy writers etc.
Do I need to have 5 people on a payroll by the end of year 5 or can I also use my contractors to claim that my company had a positive impact on the economy???

THX!!!

Chris

 

[lenick]

Chris,

I have an E-2 since 1999. I have 3 other full time employees. I pay all my independent contractors through my payroll service as 1099. It looks good when you submit it with your extension paperwork. Or you can write it in your new business plan that you will hire more people in the near feature to eliminate farm out work! Also, I have not heard that there is a set number of people you have to employ to get an extension.
Good luck!