We write business plans for US and Canadian immigration, and help entrepreneurs grow and raise capital.

When a Bad Business Plan Puts Everything at Risk: Lessons From a Recent EB-5 RFE

When a Bad Business Plan Puts Everything at Risk: Lessons From a Recent EB-5 RFE

Hi, this is Marco Scanu, CEO of Visa Business Plans. I want to share a story that has been on my mind because it underscores why we do what we do—and why we take it so seriously.

Recently, we were hired to respond to a Request for Evidence (RFE) for an EB-5 visa. The RFE was entirely focused on the business plan, which had been written by a third-party provider. I was shocked—and angry—to see the poor quality of the work.

For context, an EB-5 visa represents a life-changing investment for an immigrant. You’re putting in significant funds, aiming to create jobs, and building a new future. To see people being misled into paying for generic, non-compliant business plans that jeopardize everything makes my blood boil.

Here’s why the business plan in this case failed so miserably:

1. Non-Compliance with the Law

The first issue highlighted in the RFE was that the plan didn’t comply with EB-5 requirements. One of the program’s main goals is to create a certain number of jobs. Yet, the personnel plan in this business plan completely failed to meet those standards.

2. No Job Descriptions

There was zero detail about who would be doing what. The government had no way to understand the roles or responsibilities of employees. Without job descriptions, how can anyone prove the feasibility of the required job creation?

3. Lack of Detail

The RFE listed questions about basic operations—questions that should have been addressed in the business plan from the start. A business plan should answer all potential questions upfront, not leave the government guessing.

4. Poor Division of Business Lines

This business had several divisions, each operating in different lines of business. Yet, the staffing plan lumped all divisions together, leaving no clarity about how the businesses would operate independently or cohesively.

5. Inadequate Source of Funds Details

The plan presented a generic lump sum for the source of funds. For EB-5, these details must be broken down in microscopic detail to prove the legitimacy of the funds. Without that, the application will face immediate scrutiny.

6. Unrealistic Financial Projections

The financials were full of “pie-in-the-sky” figures—numbers that look great but lacked any grounding in reality. The RFE directly asked, “Where did these numbers come from?” That’s a red flag for the government and a recipe for rejection.

What You Should Learn From This

If you’re making a large investment for an EB-5 visa, your business plan is not the place to cut corners. The government scrutinizes every detail, and a poorly done plan can destroy your chances of approval.

It breaks my heart to see people’s lives hanging in the balance because of shoddy, unethical work. I’ve been in your shoes. I’m an immigrant, too, and I know the stress of feeling like your future depends on someone else’s decision.

That’s why, at my company, we treat every case as if it were our own. We don’t use templates, and we don’t churn out generic business plans. Instead, we create custom, compliant, and detailed plans that address every requirement and give you the best possible chance for success.

When you work with us, you’re not just hiring a company—you’re hiring a team that genuinely cares about your future.

Let’s make sure your investment—and your future—is protected. If you’re ready to work with a team that works as hard for you as they would for themselves, contact us today.

Marco Scanu

CEO at Visa Business Plans

Contact us today to get started


The information provided in this blog is intended solely for informational purposes. While we strive to offer accurate and up-to-date content, it should not be considered legal advice. Immigration laws and regulations are subject to change, and individual circumstances can vary widely. For personalized guidance and legal advice regarding your specific immigration situation, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified immigration attorney who can provide you with tailored assistance and ensure compliance with current laws and regulations.


Visa Business Plans is led by Marco Scanu, a certified coach from the University of Miami with a globally-based practice coaching Fortune 1000 company executives, entrepreneurs, as well as professionals in four different continents. Mr. Scanu advises clients on turnaround strategies and crisis management.

Mr. Scanu received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Cum Laude) from the University of Florida and an MBA in Management from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. Mr. Scanu was also a Visiting Scholar at Michigan State University under the prestigious H. Humphrey Fellowship (Fulbright program) with a focus on Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital, and high-growth enterprises.

At present, Mr. Scanu is the managing partner and CEO at Visa Business Plans, a Miami-based boutique consulting firm providing attorneys and investors with business planning services in the areas of U.S. and Canadian immigration, SBA loans, and others.


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