E-2 VISA
The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa is a visa that permits the citizen of a country with a treaty of commerce with the United States to invest in a United State company and thereafter come to the United States to manage their company.
For those who have the financial capacity to invest in the United States, it is an option that should be seriously considered. Assuming that the individual has the nationality of a treaty country, the investment amount is sufficient and the investment is done in a manner consistent with the requirements of the visa, the chances of success are extremely high. Our law firm guides each clients through the steps of the process to ensure that the investment is done in a way that complies with U.S. immigration laws, thus ensuring the highest chance of approval.
For the citizens of most treaty countries, the visa is valid for 5 years, and unlike many other visas, the E-2 visa can be renewed or extended an unlimited number of times. Therefore, for those citizens of treaty countries with sufficient funds to investment in a new or existing US business, it is an excellent option to live and work in the United States indefinitely.
Additionally, the E-2 visa allows for significant flexibility in terms of commercial activities. Unlike other visa types which generally require one to work in a job that is consistent with one’s education or professional experience, the E-2 visa allows a potential investor to own and operate any legal type of business, from restaurants, to service industries, cleaning companies, franchises, hair studios and much more.
Unsure where to start looking for a U.S. business to purchase?
The business brokerage associations of many US states have websites that show all or most of the businesses that are for sale in that given state, and one can filter the search by business type, location, purchase price and other relevant factors. Buying an existing business has the advantage of allowing the investor to review the finances and documentation of the previous business, thus allowing a potential investor to make a more informed decision. Additionally, buying the assets of an existing U.S. business allows for the sale to be done through an escrow agent. This involves transferring the purchase price into a 3rd party escrow account, with the final sale of the business contingent upon visa issuance. What this means is that almost the entire purchase price of the business is returned to the visa applicant if the E-2 visa is denied for any reason, which significantly lowers the overall risk of the investment.
Below, you will find links to the business brokerage sites for several U.S. states. You may also contact a licensed business broker in the state in which you desire to immigrate, who can help you explore the available options.
Selected U.S. state business brokerage search pages:
Business Brokers of Florida: https://bbfmls.com/businesses-for-sale/
California Association of Business Brokers: https://bbfmls.com/businesses-for-sale/
New York Association of Business Brokers: https://listings.nyabb.org/search/nyabb/businesses-for-sale/39/
Texas Association of Business Brokers: https://tabb.org/bizbuysell.php
If you wish to start a new U.S. business, or purchase an existing U.S. business in any state, our law firm can assist you in preparing an application to receive an E-2 Treaty Investor visa through your business. We will guide you every step of the way, until you have your visa in hand.
Contact Patriot Immigration Law Group today for a consultation.