E-2 Visa: Moving to the U.S. Through Franchising
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Owning A Franchise Business Could Qualify You For The E-2 Visa So That You Can Move To The U.S.
The E-2 visa is a popular option for foreign investors seeking to start or purchase a business in the United States. This visa category allows individuals from treaty countries to enter and work in the U.S. based on a substantial investment in a bona fide enterprise. Understanding the requirements and specifications of the E-2 visa is crucial for a smooth application process.
Why Franchising?
An established E-2 Visa Friendly Franchise provides the advantage of a proven business model, training & support, and clarity & budgeting.
Proven Business Model
U.S. Immigration officials favor businesses with proven business model and positive track record.
Training & Support
Franchises provide training, marketing material, and business plans to improve your E-2 visa success
Clarity & Budgeting
Franchises provide metrics on potential revenue, operating expenses, and hiring to help support your E-2 visa case.
Connect with E-2 Visa Friendly Franchise Brands
E-2 visa friendly. E-2 friendly franchises provide more support and timeline flexibility compared to other franchise brands that are inexperienced with E-2 visa applicants.
Key Requirements for the E-2 Visa
Treaty Country Eligibility: To qualify for an E-2 visa, you must be a national of a country that has a commerce and navigation treaty with the United States. This list includes countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, and many others.
Substantial Investment: The investment must be substantial and sufficient to ensure the successful operation of the enterprise. While there is no minimum amount specified, the investment should be proportional to the cost of the business. Generally, investments range from $100,000 to $200,000 or more, depending on the nature of the business.
Bona Fide Enterprise: The business must be a real, active commercial or entrepreneurial undertaking producing goods or services for profit. It cannot be a marginal enterprise solely to earn a living for the investor and their family.
Investor Control: The investor must have a controlling interest in the enterprise, typically at least 50%, and must be coming to the U.S. to develop and direct the business.
Source of Funds: The funds for the investment must come from a legitimate source, and the investor must show that they have possession and control of the capital. The source of the investment can include personal savings, gifts, or loans secured by personal assets.
Investor’s Qualifications: The applicant must demonstrate their ability to own and operate a business. This can be shown through education, experience, training, etc.
Benefits of the E-2 Visa
Renewability
The E-2 visa can be renewed indefinitely as long as the business continues to operate successfully and meets the visa requirements.
Family Inclusion
Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can accompany the investor. Spouses can also apply for work authorization in the U.S.
Work Flexibility
E-2 visa holders can work legally in the U.S. for the enterprise in which they invested.
List of e-2 Visa Treaty Countries
*The below list is not periodically updated. For the an updated list of countries please visit the US Department of State Website.
- Albania
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Belgium
- Bolivia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Cameroon
- Canada
- Chile
- China (Taiwan)
- Colombia
- Congo
- (Brazzaville)
- Congo (Kinshasa)
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- Estonia
- Ethiopia
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Grenada
- Honduras
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Korea (South)
- Kosovo
- Kyrgyzstan
- Latvia
- Liberia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macedonia
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Philippines
- Poland
- Romania
- Senegal
- Serbia
- Singapore
- Slovak Republic
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- Suriname
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Thailand
- Togo
- Trinidad & Tobago
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- Yugoslavia
Our Role as Your Franchise Consultant
Navigating the E-2 visa application process can be complex, but as your franchise consultant, we are here to guide you every step of the way. We help you understand the intricacies of the E-2 visa requirements and ensure you are well-prepared to meet them.
To streamline the process and provide you with expert legal support, we will put you in touch with top-notch E-2 visa attorneys. These experienced professionals will assist you with the legal aspects of your application, ensuring that all requirements are met and increasing your chances of a successful outcome.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you with your E-2 visa application and franchise journey. Let us help you turn your dream of owning a business in the U.S. into a reality.
E-2 Visa FAQs
The E-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows individuals from treaty countries to enter the United States to invest in and manage a business.
To be eligible for an E-2 visa, you must be a national of a country that maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States. Additionally, you must be investing a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business.
There is no set minimum amount for a substantial investment, but it should be significant enough to ensure the successful operation of the enterprise. Generally, investments of at least $100,000 are considered substantial.
Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can accompany you on E-2 dependent visas. Your spouse may also apply for work authorization.
E-2 visas are typically issued for up to two years initially, but they can be renewed indefinitely as long as you continue to meet the visa requirements and maintain your investment in the U.S. business.
No, you are only authorized to work for the business in which you have invested and for which the E-2 visa was granted.
While there is no specific requirement to create jobs, your business should generally have the capacity to hire U.S. workers, contributing positively to the U.S. economy.
The E-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa, but it is possible to pursue a Green Card through other means, such as family sponsorship, employment-based immigration, or adjusting status through other eligible visa categories.
Almost any type of legitimate business can qualify for an E-2 visa, including start-ups, franchises, and existing businesses, as long as the investment is substantial and the business is not marginal.
The application process involves filing Form DS-160 online, paying the visa fee, scheduling an interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy, and providing extensive documentation to prove your eligibility, including evidence of your investment, business plan, and treaty nationality.
Answers to Your E-2 Visa Questions
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