Benefits of Franchises for an E2 Visa
One of the advantages of a franchise is that it helps streamline and simplify
the E2 Visa process. It is also provides a flexible way to gain entry in the
U.S. Other than that, here are additional advantages of an E2 Visa franchise:
Legally work in your own business
When you start a franchise business, it allows you to conduct your own
business legally in the U.S. as you'll have at least a partial ownership.
It's important to take note that one of the requirements in an E2 Visa is that
you must be able to show proof that you'll be developing and directing the E2
business by either demonstrating that you have at least 50% ownership of the
enterprise or that you have significant control through a management position.
This is why you should play a vital role in the franchise business.
Upon submission of your application, you will need to list down the owners of
the franchise you'll be starting and have them add their signatures. This will
show that you have a significant and controlling interest in the business.
Receive support for your franchise business
If you're fairly new with owning a business, you might be scared of starting
your own business. Starting a new company by your own would mean you need to
manage all the paperwork and create the business plan.
If you decide to start a franchise business instead, you can receive help and
support from the company providing the franchise.
A franchise consultant can also help you with the information on the required
minimum investment for franchises or should you need any assistance on being a
franchise owner.
Established franchise model and brand recognition
When you invest in a franchise, it also comes with proven business models, and
operational and marketing strategies which can increase the success of the
business.
Moreover, if you invest in a well-known franchise business which can be prove
your credibility during your visa application as the immigration officials
recognize the brand and see it as a legitimate enterprise.
Minimum investment funds not required
The
cost of E-2 Visa
includes the application fees, legal fees, and most importantly the capital
investment you would need to make into a U.S. enterprise.
However, the greatest advantage of an E2 Visa is that it doesn't have a set
minimum investment amount required. This means that if you have limited
funding, you still have a good chance of qualifying for entry in the U.S. It
only requires that you must invest substantial amount of money to successfully
launch a non-marginal business.
Spouse can work on your franchise
If you have a spouse, they can accompany you to the U.S. and help you run the
new business without the need anymore of an Employment Authorization Document.
The validity of your spouse's visa is the same as your E2 Visa, and they may
also file an extension together with you once the validity has reached its
end.
Children can attend school of their choice
Your unmarried children under the age of 21 can also accompany you to the U.S.
and study in the country. They can attend any school of their choice. Usually,
children must file an F-1 Visa but this only allows them to attend a specific
school. An E2 Dependent Visa gives them a wide range of options for schools.
Stay indefinitely in the U.S.
Foreign investors initially receive a 2-year validity period on their visa.
Once their visa expires, they may extend it indefinitely as long as they still
meet the requirements.
Travel freely in the U.S. and abroad
As an E2 Visa holder, you are allowed to leave and return to the U.S. as you
please so long your visa remains valid. You are even allowed to live outside
the U.S. for an indefinite amount of time, if so you wish.
Study in a U.S. University or College
Once you're in the U.S., you might be interested in studying. While generally,
investors are not focused on getting education, you are still permitted to
study while living in the U.S.
You are not, however, allowed to join a full-length college program due to the
main interest of your visa, which is the business franchise. After all, it's
required that you direct and develop the business.
Faster processing times
The
E2 Visa process
is much faster compared to other visas. Compared to an EB-5 Visa, the E2 Visa
doesn't have limitations on how many visas are issued each year.
However, this still would depend on the workload of the U.S. Embassy or
Consulate in your home country.
Apply for a green card
The E2 Visa doesn't give you a direct pathway to a green card, but you can
apply for other visa classifications through change of status once you're in
the U.S. once you have established your business.
