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Many E-2 applicants pursue their visa through the purchase of a franchise. It’s a proven business model, offers built-in support, and can present a clear path to success. But there’s a common and costly mistake we see far too often: relying on the franchise’s business plan for an E-2 petition.
If you’re applying for an E-2 visa and the franchise has handed you a business plan, you may think you’re all set. You’re not.
We’ve Helped Many Franchise Buyers Get Approved Because We Know the Difference
Over the years, we’ve helped many E-2 applicants secure their visas through franchise purchases. And in almost every case, we’ve had to replace the plan they were initially given by the franchisor. Why? Because standard franchise business plans are written for a completely different audience.
Franchise-provided plans are typically designed for banks or private investors. They focus on return on investment, brand recognition, and growth potential. But immigration officers aren’t looking for any of that. They’re looking at whether your investment meets the requirements of the E-2 visa as defined by U.S. law.
Two Different Documents. Two Different Audiences.
A franchise business plan is written to with potential franchisees or lenders. An immigration business plan is written to satisfy U.S. immigration officers who are following immigration law drafted by Congress.
Confusing the two can lead to RFEs, delays, or denials.
That’s why, while we’re capable of writing business plans for bankers and investors, the type of plan you need depends on the purpose you’re trying to achieve. If your goal is visa approval, the plan must be written specifically to immigration standards.
What Sets an E-2 Franchise Business Plan Apart
When you’re investing in a franchise for the E-2 visa, your business plan must do more than describe the business model. It needs to clearly show how your investment meets the visa’s legal requirements and demonstrate that the business is not marginal, that you will direct and develop it, and that it will create U.S. jobs.
Here’s what a solid E-2 immigration business plan for a franchise should include:
Detailed job descriptions and hiring timelines that reflect when and how U.S. workers will be employed
Your role and responsibilities in developing and directing the franchise, beyond what the franchisor provides
Investment breakdown showing that the funds are committed, at risk, and substantial in relation to the total cost of the franchise
Market-specific analysis that proves demand for this franchise at your chosen location
Operational structure and scalability that make sense for your area, not just in general
Realistic and credible financial projections that align with immigration expectations, not just franchisor goals
Proof of active involvement, showing that this is not a passive investment
Even if the franchisor gives you templates, brochures, and startup guides, none of that will satisfy what USCIS is looking for unless it’s translated into immigration language.
What We’ve Seen in Practice
We’ve seen E-2 applications held up simply because the applicant submitted the franchisor’s business plan. Officers found irrelevant content, missing requirements, and narratives that did not align with E-2 regulations.
We’ve also seen how a properly crafted immigration business plan, even for a well-known franchise, can help strengthen a case and lead to fast, clean approvals.
Don’t Assume the Franchise Has You Covered
Buying into a franchise may give you the business model, but it doesn’t give you a business plan built for immigration. Those are two very different things.
If you’re applying for an E-2 visa through a franchise investment, understand that your business plan isn’t just a formality. It’s one of the most important parts of your petition, and it needs to be written with one goal in mind: approval.
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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L Visa Business Plans
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Business Plans for Immigration and Visa Purposes
Business Plan for Visa Application
Market Analysis
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