Your Ultimate Guide to Securing Your US Investor Visa when Buying a Franchise

Inversiones en USA
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Published on 9 Nov 2023 Time to read 14 min read Last update on 21 Dec 2023

Embark on an in-depth exploration of investor visa usa guides with our comprehensive article. We leave no stone unturned, providing essential guidance for both aspiring investors and legal professionals alike. Journey through the complex landscape of eligibility requirements, document preparation, and potential regulatory updates as we demystify the process. Let us be your trusted companion in simplifying the investor visa guide maze, paving the way for a successful investment journey in the USA. Our objective is to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of eligibility, document requirements, and application procedures. Whether you’re an investor seeking opportunities in the U.S. or a legal advisor guiding clients, we’re here to empower you with the knowledge and insights needed to navigate the intricate world of investor visas. Rest assured, we’re dedicated to ensuring that you make well-informed decisions and meet all the requirements, facilitating your path to securing an investor visa usa and realizing your investment goals in the United States.

What is the E-2 Visa?

The E-2 Visa, also known as the Treaty investor visa usa, is a non-immigrant visa category that allows individuals from certain countries to enter and work in the United States based on a substantial investment in a U.S. business. This visa is designed to facilitate and promote international trade and investment between the U.S. and countries that have treaties of commerce and navigation with the United States. To qualify for an E-2 Visa, an applicant must be a citizen of a treaty country, have invested a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. enterprise, and play an active role in the operation or management of the business. The visa initially grants a period of stay for up to five years, with the option of renewal as long as the qualifying investment and business operations continue to meet the necessary criteria. The E-2 Visa offers a valuable pathway for foreign entrepreneurs and investors to engage in business activities within the United States.

Applying For The E2 US Investor Visa

Documents that are required for an E2 visa application


When applying for an E-2 Visa, assembling the right documentation is crucial for a successful application. It’s important to bear in mind that each case is unique, with its own set of circumstances. Here’s a comprehensive list of the essential documents required:

  • Articles of Incorporation/Articles of Organization/Formation Documents: These include a certificate of incorporation, operating agreement, and other documents that prove ownership of the business.
  • Proof of Investment Made: This includes bank statements showing the transfer of investment funds from your personal bank account to the US company’s business bank account. It also includes US company bank statements, wire receipts, receipts/purchase orders for business expenses, and bank statements showing funds leaving the US company operating account for business-related expenses.
  • Business License for your E2 business: If your business requires a license to operate in the specific location in the U.S., you need to obtain and provide copies of those licenses.
  • Business Plan: Your business plan is a crucial document for your E2 visa application. It should outline the business model, financial forecasts, and personnel hiring plans for the next five years.
  • Copy of the Lease: The lease agreement for the premises where your E2 business operates should be included in your application.
  • Resume, Degree Certificate, Diploma, or Transcripts: These documents demonstrate your qualifications and ability to successfully operate the business in the U.S.
  • Dependent Documents: Include passports and birth certificates of your spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old.
  • Source of Funds Documents: Provide evidence showing how you obtained the funds used for your E2 investment. The specific documents required depend on your circumstances.
  • Evidence of the Business’s Operation: Include photos of the business, invoices sent to customers, printouts of the homepage of your website, and online directory listings for your business.
  • Passport: Include a photocopy of the biographic page of your passport to prove your country of citizenship.

Streamlining Your E2 Visa Application Process with Visa Franchise

Our dedicated team is committed to assisting clients in compiling and meticulously proofing all the required paperwork, ensuring a smooth and expedited petition preparation process. From organizing Articles of Incorporation to providing proof of investment and obtaining the necessary business licenses, we guide our clients every step of the way.

Additionally, our expertise extends to helping clients establish an LLC and facilitating the seamless opening of a corporate bank account. This service is tailored for those interested in buying a new or existing franchise, or a business with operational support.

If you are interested in checking more information regarding both solutions, you can click here to understand more about buying a new or existing franchise process, or here to buy a business with operational support. Trust us to be your partner in achieving your E2 visa goals.

Investor Visa Process


Required Information

To initiate the process for an investor visa usa, it is imperative to gather specific information to facilitate a seamless application. Initially, you will be required to provide the full legal name and comprehensive contact details of the U.S. company in which you intend to invest. This encompasses not just the formal name, but also vital contact information like phone numbers and email addresses. It is of utmost importance to meticulously review and verify that all details are current and precise, as this will help prevent any potential delays in the processing of your application.

Next, you will be required to provide detailed addresses. This includes the main address of the business or the primary location where the company operates. Additionally, you’ll need to specify the address where you personally will be conducting your work within the U.S. This information is critical for immigration officials to verify the legitimacy and accessibility of your intended workplace. It’s imperative that these addresses are current and accurately reflect the actual locations.

Federal Tax ID number (FEIN)

Moving forward, you’ll need to supply the Federal Tax ID number (FEIN) for the U.S. company you are investing in. This unique identifier is crucial for taxation purposes and helps establish the legitimacy of the enterprise. Ensuring that the FEIN is correctly provided is essential for a seamless visa application process. Alongside this, you will also need to indicate the year in which the U.S. company was established. This information helps officials gauge the stability and longevity of the business, which can be a crucial factor in the visa approval process.

Now, let’s focus on financial details. You will be asked to furnish both the gross and net annual income of the U.S. company. This information is vital in assessing the financial health and viability of the enterprise. Accurate and up-to-date financial figures are crucial, as they serve as a key indicator of the company’s ability to support your investment. Providing precise data will strengthen your visa application and demonstrate your commitment to a successful investment venture in the U.S.

 

How Can We Help You?

At Visa Franchise, our commitment to prioritizing our client’s needs sets us apart. We not only specialize in helping foreigners find the ideal American franchise but also take pride in helping our clients realize their dreams.

We understand that the prospect of moving to a foreign country, especially when English may not be the first language, can be a daunting process. That’s why we go the extra mile to make this journey seamless and rewarding. In the world of E-2 Visa investments, not all franchises are created equal. We’ve seen clients receive poor advice that led to unsatisfactory immigration plans and, in some cases, businesses without long-term profitability.

Transparency is our cornerstone. From the moment you reach out to us, we’re dedicated to understanding your preferences and guiding you toward a portfolio of robust franchises aligned with your interests.

We’re not just focused on helping you get to the U.S., but on ensuring your business thrives there. Ready to embark on your journey to U.S. legal residency and business success? Take the first step towards realizing your dreams with us. Fill out our form now and let us guide you towards the ideal American franchise tailored to your goals and preferences!

Biographic Documents


During the E2 visa process, the following biographic documents are needed:

  • Complete copy of current and expired passports: Include copies of all pages of your current and expired passports, including blank pages and any visas and entry/exit stamps.
  • Copies of all US visa documents: Provide copies of all US visa documents you have received in the past, such as I-797 approval notices, I-20s (for F-1 visa holders), and DS-2019s (for J-1 visa holders).
  • Curriculum vitae (CV): Include a detailed CV that outlines your education, work experience, and any relevant qualifications or achievements.
  • Copies of diplomas for college or university education: Include copies of your diplomas or certificates earned for your college or university education.

These biographic documents are essential for the E2 visa process and demonstrate your identity, travel history, educational background, and relevant work experience. Make sure to provide complete and accurate copies of these documents to support your application.

Business-related Documents

In order to establish the legitimacy of your business in the US and demonstrate that it is a real and functioning enterprise, as well as more than marginal, the following documentary evidence will be required:

  • Valid signed and dated purchase agreement, if applicable: If you have purchased a business, provide a copy of the purchase agreement.
  • Binding escrow agreement, if applicable: If the purchase of the business is being held in an escrow account, provide a copy of the binding escrow agreement.
  • FEIN registration confirmation: Include confirmation of the Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) registration for your business.
  • Articles of incorporation, partnership agreement, and relevant local, state, and federal licenses: Provide copies of the articles of incorporation, partnership agreement (if applicable), and any necessary local, state, and federal licenses relevant to your business.
  • Brochures, annual reports, websites, catalogs, sales literature, etc.: Include any promotional materials or literature that showcase your business, such as brochures, annual reports, websites, catalogs, and sales literature.
  • Latest federal tax return, if available: If you have filed a federal tax return for your business, provide a copy of the latest return.
  • Payroll records, IRS form 941, and/or evidence of other personal assets and income: Include relevant payroll records, IRS Form 941 (Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return), or any other evidence that demonstrates your personal assets and income related to the business.
  • Copies of business bank statements for the previous calendar year: Provide copies of your business bank statements for the previous calendar year to show financial activity and the operation of your enterprise.


Investment Documents

It is crucial to furnish documentation showcasing the financial investment made in the intended business. This entails presenting bank and credit card statements, as well as receipts illustrating expenditures on essential business items like office supplies, equipment, utilities, rent, insurance, travel, legal and accounting services, and any other costs associated with running the business.

Furthermore, if a portion of the investment is designated as “working capital” for future expenses, a current bank statement confirming the presence of these funds in the business account, must also be included.

These investment documents serve to demonstrate to the US government that the individual has committed the necessary funds to support a legitimate enterprise and fulfills the E2 visa criteria.

What is the EB-5 Visa?

The EB-5 Visa, also known as the Immigrant Investor Program, is a United States immigration initiative designed to attract foreign investors and stimulate economic growth. It offers eligible individuals and their immediate families the opportunity to obtain permanent residency in the U.S. by making a substantial investment in a qualifying commercial enterprise. To be eligible for the EB-5 Visa, an investor must invest either $1 million in a new commercial enterprise, or $800,000 if the investment is made in a targeted employment area with high unemployment rates. Additionally, the investment must lead to the creation of at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.

The EB-5 program provides a pathway for investors and their families to become lawful permanent residents of the U.S., ultimately contributing to job creation and economic development in the country.

What are the requirements for the EB-5 visa?

The EB-5 visa program has specific requirements that prospective investors must meet to qualify for permanent residency in the United States. The financial landscape of the EB-5 visa program underwent significant changes with the introduction of the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act. Following the recent update, the minimum investment has been adjusted to $1,050,000, while targeted employment areas now require $800,000. Projections suggest potential future adjustments tied to inflation on a five-year basis.

The investment must also lead to the creation of at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers within two years of the immigrant investor’s admission to the country. Additionally, the investor must play an active role in the day-to-day management or policy formation of the enterprise. It is essential that the investment results in a for-profit entity, and the capital must be at risk for the purpose of generating a return on the capital placed at risk. Compliance with these requirements is crucial for an individual to be eligible for the EB-5 visa program.

Our EB-5 Direct Investment Solution

We play a crucial role in guiding you through the EB-5 investment process by carefully selecting enterprises that seamlessly align with EB-5 criteria. Our comprehensive services encompass everything from identifying and overseeing businesses to streamlining the immigration investment process.

Recognizing that investors may face constraints on their physical presence in the U.S. during the EB-5 application process, we provide a solution that allows for remote monitoring of financial and strategic direction.

To ensure smooth day-to-day operations, we have vetted operators, often the franchisors themselves, in place. This allows EB-5 investors to keep a close eye on the business’s financial and strategic trajectory. This is particularly valuable for individuals who may not be able to stay in the U.S. under another visa, such as the E-2 visa, while their EB-5 application is in progress.

In addition, we can connect you with experienced attorneys who have a track record of successful EB-5 petitions, ensuring that you have expert guidance throughout your case. On top of all these services, you will also have access to our comprehensive one-stop solution.

Documentation Required

To apply for an EB-5 visa, applicants must provide a comprehensive set of documentation to demonstrate their eligibility for the program. This includes evidence of the investment itself, such as bank statements, promissory notes, and subscription agreements. Additionally, applicants must submit comprehensive business plans outlining the scope, nature, and objectives of the commercial enterprise. Proof of the source of funds is paramount, requiring thorough documentation of how the capital was lawfully obtained. This may encompass business records, tax returns, sale of property documents, or inheritance records.
Furthermore, applicants should present evidence of the job creation aspect of their investment, typically in the form of payroll records, I-9 forms, and organizational charts.

investor visa usa

Conclusion

In conclusion, navigating the intricate world of investor visas, particularly the E-2 and EB-5 visas, requires a thorough understanding of the eligibility criteria and the essential documentation needed for a successful application. Our comprehensive article provides a detailed exploration of the investor visa usa, leaving no stone unturned. Whether you are an aspiring investor or a legal professional guiding clients, our objective is to equip you with the knowledge and insights necessary to embark on a successful investment journey in the United States.

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Mentioned visas

EB2-NIW (green card)

An employment-based visa intended for those who either have an advanced degrees or exceptional ability

Get NIW information

E2 Visa

An employment-based visa intended for those who either have an advanced degrees or exceptional ability

Access E-2 visa details