IS IT POSSIBLE TO OBTAIN AN E-2 VISA WITH AN INVESTMENT OF LESS THAN $100,000?

According to some experts, the answer is yes. There are numerous cases in which an E-2 visa has been obtained with investments ranging from $ 50,000 - $ 80,000, and is dependent on the type of business.  Immigration will not ask a potential foreign immigrant to invest a higher amount than an American citizen would invest for the same type of business.

In these cases two things are recommended: first, to have a good immigration lawyer who believes in the vision of the project. Not all lawyers believe that it is feasible to invest $50,000 - $80,000 in a business to apply for an investor visa; second, there are several factors to consider:

·       It is fundamental to invest knowing the funds will be at risk

·       Take the time to research the specific type(s) of business(es) in which you are planning on investing

·       Determine the geographic location where you would like to invest

·       Who will be your potential clients

·       How  to reach your targeted clients

·       What differentiates your business services or products

An excellent business plan is crucial to the success of your E-2 case. When preparing the business plan, you should seek professional help from a business planner who understands the E-2 visa requirements and has the experience in preparing immigration business plans.

In some cases, you could speak with your Immigration Attorney about the possibility of managing a franchise business with a proven business model. However, this implies that the franchise cannot have control of the company that manages the business. Keep in mind that the company must be majority owned by people from the member country of the treaty.

If you are thinking of a real estate investment, it is very important to be well advised as it must have a real and active business structure in order to meet the busi­­­ness and visa requirements.