5. Applicant’s investment is substantial

While there is no minimum investment amount for the E-2 visa, the regulations require that the investment be substantial in proportion to the total cost of the business. To illustrate this point, consider a new franchise business that has a total start-up cost of $300,000. In this case the individual would have to invest approximately $200,000-225,000 for the investment to be considered substantial.

On the other hand, the regulations also suggest that if the total start-up cost is less than $100,000, then the individual should invest 100% of the amount, or very close to it.

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In our experience, investments less than $100,000 also face a far higher chance of rejection.

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6. Applicant is in a position to “develop and direct” the enterprise

The Investor must demonstrate that it is an active investment and that he/she is qualified to develop and direct the new U.S. business. While the Investor may certainly hire subordinate professionals, and they are encouraged to do so, they must show that they will have hands-on participation in the day-to-day operations.

Unfamiliarity with the language, the new market, and the complex U.S. legal system can hinder an investor’s ability to develop their business in the U.S., no matter how good the product is. Another key benefit of investing in a U.S. franchise is that the franchise brand is very engaged in the business and will offer guidance and assistance in the operation of the business to ensure its success.

As such, investors can invest with confidence knowing that they can count on experienced franchise professionals to help them in the management, operations and growth. This may not be the case with other types of new businesses.

High Approval Rates for the non immigrant Visa

The approval rates for the E-2 visa are much higher than other employment or investor visas like the H1-B or L-1. Over the past few years, the approval rate has stayed steady around 93%. This includes people who did not receive the approval in the first interview. And had to return back to the consulate with more information for their petition.

The number of E-2 non immigrant visa issuances keeps rising!
The total number of E-2 visas grew from 25,500 in 2010 to 41,162 in 2015. This represents a 61% increase in E-2 over a 5-year period, more than 10% year over year!

The U.S. Department of State provides key figures for E-2 issuances at all the U.S. embassies and consulates throughout the world. The graph below shows the top 10 E-2 visa countries in the world. In 2015, Japan alone had more E-2 visas issued (12,172) than the entire EB-5 visa program (9,764)!

Many of the large established markets have been benefiting from the E-2 visa program for years. For other emerging markets like Argentina (10th in global E-2 visa issuances), it has dramatically increased in popularity over the past few years.

Latin American consulates have seen record E-2 non immigrant visa issuances

Argentina is not alone in the growing number of E-2 visas issued. The entire region of Latin America has been the fastest growing area for E-2 issuances in the world! This might be reflective of the entrepreneur culture in Latin America and recent political and economic instability. In 2010 there were 1,750 E-2 visas issued compared to 4,442 in 2015! This represents an increase of over 150%. The largest market by far is Mexico with 2,580 visas issued in 2015.

The below chart reflects the largest E-2 visa markets in South America and how they have grown over the past 5 years.

Countries like Brazil and Venezuela do not even have an E-2 visa treaty with the U.S.! However, given the large number of Brazilians with Italian, Spanish and Japanese heritage, many qualify for the E-2 visa through their second passport. We see the same with our Venezuelan clients who often times have citizenship from Colombia, Spain, Italy or France.

E-2 non immigrant visa in the Trump Era

Trump campaigned on immigration reform and he stood up to his words over the first few weeks in office. However, he has not targeted entrepreneurs seeking investors visas like his has illegal immigrants, the H1-B visa and F-1 student visas. In his address to Congress on February 28, 2017, the President called for a “merit-based” system that would admit only those immigrants able to support themselves financially. Certainly, the E-2 visa would be covered under such a policy.

There is an executive order that focuses on the possibility of adopting measures to assure that people comply with the terms of the visas that they have. For example, we may see more visits to workplaces for E-2 visa businesses in the future, as is currently done mostly for H-1B visas.
For more information read our article on Why Trump Is Good For Immigrant Investors.

What types of business qualify? Why is a franchise a safe and secure option?

As stated above, the parameters for investing in a business for your E-2 visa are pretty open. Subject to the business being a real and operating commercial enterprise and that it is not marginal.
With franchise investments, the immigration attorney can describe in great detail how the money will be spent. And make it very easy for the consular officer to visualize what it takes to start and operate the business. This is different than certain new start-up businesses that may not be able to entirely predict their initial investment needs.

The below chart reflects how franchise businesses have a much higher survival rate than independent business. Per a study produced by the U.S. Department of Commerce, 90% of franchise businesses were still open after 10 years compared to only 18% of independent business.

Franchise Business vs. Independent Business

Franchise Success Rate

Franchisors provide an established model, recognized brand and ongoing support (training, marketing etc.) to ensure your business is a success.

Visa Franchise anticipates the E-2 visa category to continue growing and hopes to work with many more immigrant investors in finding and analyzing the best U.S. franchise opportunities.