E-2 Visa and US Investor Visas: Your Path to US Business Ownership

I N V E S T A M E R I C A

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E-2 Visa and US Investor Visa

E-2 Visa and US Investor Visa Programs

Are you interested in owning a business in the United States?

Would you like to also bring your family here while you manage that business?

One of the nonimmigration options available to applicants with citizenship in certain countries is the E-2 treaty visa (“E-2 Visa”).

About the E-2 Visa / US Investor Visa Program

The E-2 Visa allows a foreign national of a treaty country to be admitted to the United States when investing a ‘substantial’ amount of capital into a U.S. business, including franchises, for up to five years, with an unlimited amount of extensions.

E-2 Visa Process & Business Consulting

InvestAmerica specializes in providing consulting services for prospective applicants seeking to live and own a business in the United States via the E-2 Visa Program. The business can be via acquisition of an existing business, starting a new business, or owning and operating an established franchise business in the U.S. InvestAmerica and our partners have access to businesses in a variety of industries, including, but not limited to, boutique fitness, specialty beauty, home services, business outsourcing, restaurants, and senior living services among many others.

Selecting an E-2 business can be a daunting task with many moving parts that cause applicants to be overwhelmed. InvestAmerica’s extensive experience in immigration via investment to the United States has allowed the firm to create a one stop shop solution for prospective E-2 investors. InvestAmerica can provide expert guidance from start to finish in coordinating all moving parts including but not limited to the following:

Introduction to legal and E-2 visa immigration specialists and franchise consultants;
Assistance coordinating with immigration specialists, franchise consultants, and the selected franchisor company(ies);
Conduct a franchise search and present franchise options based on your stated skills, experiences and interests;
Facilitate introductions to selected franchisor(s) and coordinate all meetings and phone calls with selected franchisor(s);
Conduct business due diligence to assist you in evaluating all the franchise choices presented;
Attend meetings with or on your behalf;
Coordinate weekly update call with you, your immigration attorney and/or other E-2 professionals to keep E-2 application process on track;
Consult with you during key points to ensure you understand the process, information required, proposals made, and other E-2 visa process information and questions;
Provide translation services to you, as and when necessary;
Consult with you and your family until E-2 application is complete;
Represent you after the E-2 petition has been filed until USCIS has delivered a decision and interview has been scheduled with U.S. Consulate or USCIS (as applicable);
Coordinate introductions to U.S. individuals and/or companies who can assist you with moving to the U.S. and getting acclimated in your selected city of residence; and
Provide continued assistance until you and your family are settled in the United States (and the chosen business is open and operating).

How we do it?

InvestAmerica and our team of partners prioritize understanding our your E-2 goals and objectives. Once we complete a free initial consultation with you and gain an in-depth understanding of your immigration goals, business/franchise ownership objectives (hours, sales, employees, etc), your budget or investment level, your desired location and role in the business, among other items, we will provide you with a proposal to assist you along your E-2 application and investment journey. The information you provide us with allows us to then present you with a targeted selection of franchise opportunities for you to consider.

The process?

Once we get engaged, the entire process should take approximately 4–8 months, with the actual timing heavily dependent on how quickly you complete a comprehensive questionnaire, analyze the resulting franchise options, conduct research and due diligence, make a decision, finalize the agreement with the selected franchise company, make your investment, and how long it will take for the U.S. Consulate in the E-2 treaty country you are applying from (or USCIS) to review the E-2 petition and schedule your interview. InvestAmerica’s team of professionals closely coordinates all the steps in the process, geared toward conducting the most efficient and timely process for you and your family.

Faq’s

Get the Answers
to Common Questions

What is the E-2 Visa?

The E-2 visa allows a foreign national of a treaty country to be admitted to the United States when investing a ‘substantial’ amount of capital into a U.S. business including franchises. The visa enables foreign investors to enter the United States on a non-immigrant basis to either engage in substantial trade between the United States and a treaty country or to own and direct operations of an existing or new U.S. business that the foreign national has invested a substantial amount of capital in.
Do I qualify for the E-2 Visa?

Must be a national of a treaty country.
Must direct, own (50% or more of the business equity) and operate a new or existing limited liability or corporate U.S. business including U.S. franchises..
.
RISK The investment must be placed at commercial risk, with a profit objective, and is subject to loss if the business fails..
ACTIVE INVESTMENT The investment must be active, with passive investments not permitted. Not-for-profit organizations do not qualify.
SUBSTANTIAL Substantiality in the relationship to the total cost of either purchasing or establishing a new U.S. business.
The investment must be enough to ensure the investor’s financial commitment enables the best chance of success.
Substantial is considered in the context of the industry and is not an absolute dollar amount, although many industry experts suggest an investment of approximately US$100,000 or more is the target. The investment must be proportionate to the value of the business.
The investment is not limited to cash. Goods, equipment and intellectual property can be invested.
How long is an E-2 Visa granted for?

It depends of your country of origin and how strong your application is. E-2 visas are typically granted for an initial period of two or five years. There are an unlimited number of extensions allowed for the E-2 visa. Extensions can be granted for two- or five-year periods.
Can I bring my family?

The investor’s spouse and any children under the age of 21 are eligible for the E-2 visa as dependent family members of the qualifying investor.
Can my family work and study?

Upon successful employment authorization, spouses may work and/or study, while your unmarried children under 21 may study without an F-1 student visa.
How long does it take to obtain an E-2 visa?

An E-2 visa typically takes 2 – 4 months to be adjudicated from filing of the petition. Prior to the filing, time is also necessary to prepare an E-2 business plan, select and structure the qualifying business/franchise and entities, and prepare the E-2 petition. This process on average also takes an average of 2 – 4 months. Therefore, the total time frame takes approximately 4 – 8 months from beginning to end.
Are there travel restrictions while being on the E-2 Visa?

There are no travel restrictions while a foreign national has a valid E-2 visa. You are permitted to travel in and out of the U.S. as often as you like.

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