Advantages and Disadvantages of Investment in a Franchise to Obtain the E2 Visa
E2 investor visas permit foreign nationals to enter the United States to direct and develop a commercial enterprise in which they have invested a substantial amount of money or capital. There are numerous requirements for obtaining an E2 investor visa that must be demonstrated before the visa will be approved. Many of these criteria can be challenging to prove which is why many investors consider a franchise to be an ideal choice for obtaining an E2 visa. However, this is not always the case.
Many of our clients inquire about the potential to utilize a franchise as a vehicle to obtain the E2 Visa. To understand the advantages and disadvantages of the franchise model for an E2 visa, you must first understand the factors a consular officer will examine when analyzing your application for a visa. Specifically, in order to qualify for an E2 visa, a foreign national investor must demonstrate the following:
1. Treaty with the United States and Citizenship of a Treaty Country
As an initial hurdle, the applicant must prove that there is a valid commerce and navigation treaty between their country of citizenship and the United States. Next, the investor must prove that the funds that are being used to invest in the enterprise were in the possession and control of a national or nationals of a treaty country.
2. Applicant’s Investment Is Substantial
The E2 visa does not require a minimum investment amount. Instead, the investment must be “substantial” in relation to the total cost of the business.
3. Applicant Has Invested or in the Process of Investing
At the time of the application, the foreign national must have either already invested in the enterprise, or have taken steps towards investment. This may include signing leases or contracts, purchasing equipment, or incorporating a business. The applicant will be required to make the investment without knowing whether the E2 visa will be granted unless an escrow agreement is utilized with the sole contingency being the approval of the E2 Visa. However, the funds must be irrevocably committed to the business.
4. Enterprise Is a Real, Operating, Non-Marginal Commercial Enterprise
A marginal business is an operation that may make enough money to support the investor and his or her family, but is not necessarily a thriving operation. To prove that the business is a real, operating, non-marginal commercial enterprise, the applicant must present a five year plan showing how the business will operate, earn a profit, grow, and contribute to the economy. Generally, the business will also need to hire and engage employees in order to meet the interpretation of the marginality requirement from USCIS or the Consulate.
5. Applicant Is in A Position to Develop and Direct the Enterprise
Finally, an applicant must show that the investment is active and that he or she will directly participate in the operation of the commercial enterprise.
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E2 Visa Franchise Advantages and Disadvantages
On the other hand, there are disadvantages that frequently crop up when an investor attempts to invest in a franchise. Initially, there can be issues with timing. Many franchises require a prolonged training period prior to the opening or final purchase of the franchise which may be problematic for the investor as they will need to wait to file the E2 until this period is completed. Likewise, many investors seek to purchase an existing business through an escrow to reduce risk in the event of delay or denial. However, with a franchise there are frequently additional hurdles including a separate franchise agreement and other requirements necessary from the franchisor that may make the use of an escrow problematic in meeting the irrevocable commitment requirement. Finally, investment through a franchise takes some of the control out of the hands of the investor as you will need to rely on documentation and timing provided by the franchisor in your filing of the application. This can, on occasion, cause delays with the processing of the application.
Investing in a franchise can be a smart strategy for not only obtaining an E2 visa, but for ensuring that you launch a successful business in the United States. However, a savvy E2 Investor will want to thoroughly investigate their options in determining if the franchise model is right for them. If you are interested in obtaining an E2 investor visa, the experienced E2 visa attorneys of Colombo & Hurd can help. Contact our Orlando office at (407) 478-1111 or our Miami office at (305) 455-0590 to schedule a consultation.
