For many Ukrainian nationals currently in the U.S. under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), the uncertainty around future extensions has become a serious concern. While TPS provides a temporary solution, it doesn’t offer the long-term stability that many families and entrepreneurs are looking for. That’s why more Ukrainians with TPS are starting to explore the E-2 visa as a potential path forward.
Why the E-2 Visa?
The E-2 visa allows foreign nationals from treaty countries to invest in and manage a business in the United States. Ukraine is a qualifying treaty country, which means Ukrainian nationals can apply. The E-2 visa isn’t a green card, but it does offer something TPS doesn’t: the ability to build a future around a business you own and control—with the possibility of renewing your visa indefinitely, as long as the business continues to meet the visa requirements.
What Makes E-2 an Appealing Option?
You’re in control: The E-2 visa centers around your business. You’re not waiting for an employer to sponsor you or relying on a temporary humanitarian program.
Family can come too: E-2 visa holders can bring their spouse and children. Spouses can apply for work authorization, and children can attend school in the U.S.
No minimum investment requirement set in stone: While there’s no exact dollar figure required, the investment must be “substantial” and enough to make the business viable. In practice, many successful E-2 petitions involve investments starting around $100,000—but this depends on the business type.
From TPS to E-2: Is It Possible?
Yes, but it’s not automatic. While there’s no law preventing a TPS holder from applying for an E-2 visa, the process has nuances. In some cases, a consular process may be required, especially if your TPS status doesn’t allow a change of status from within the U.S. The best way to understand your path forward is to speak with a qualified immigration attorney familiar with E-2 and TPS cases.
What Types of Businesses Work for E-2?
Ukrainian nationals have launched a variety of businesses under the E-2 visa, including:
Online retail stores
Cleaning services
Construction firms
Cafés and restaurants
Import-export businesses
Tech startups
Franchises
The key is to show that the business is real, operating, and capable of generating more than just enough money to support the investor.
How We Help
If an attorney determines you qualify, we help you take the next step by creating a credible and realistic immigration business plan tailored to E-2 visa requirements. Our plans don’t just outline your idea—they show why your business makes sense, how it will operate, and how it will meet USCIS expectations.
We’ve helped Ukrainian clients launch businesses across multiple industries and prepare for successful E-2 visa filings, even in complex cases. Our immigration business plans are known for being detailed, strategy-driven, and grounded in real numbers.
Thinking of leaving TPS behind for something more stable?
We’ll help you build a business plan that supports your E-2 petition and gives your attorney the tools they need to make your case. Contact us to learn more about how we support Ukrainian nationals making the move from TPS to E-2.
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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