On February 12, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order called “One Voice for America’s Foreign Relations.” This order changes how the U.S. government handles foreign relations, including decisions made at embassies and consulates. If you’re a business visa applicant, this could affect your visa process in important ways.
What Does This Order Say?
The order says that all U.S. government workers handling foreign relations must follow the President’s policies. This means that U.S. embassies and consulates must give consistent answers and decisions when people apply for visas. It also allows the government to fire consulate workers who don’t follow these policies.
Example:
Imagine you apply for an E-2 investor visa at a U.S. consulate in Mexico. Before this order, different visa officers might have had slightly different ways of reviewing applications. Some might have been stricter than others. Now, they all have to follow the same rules exactly as directed by the administration.
How Could This Affect Business Visa Applicants?
Since this order makes sure all consulates follow the same rules, here’s what that could mean for you:
1. Visa Decisions Might Be More Predictable
Before, one consulate might have been stricter than another, making it hard to know what to expect. Now, decisions should be more uniform everywhere.
2. More Scrutiny on Business Plans
Since the administration is focusing on stricter enforcement, business visa applicants may face tougher reviews. If you’re applying for an E-2 or L-1A visa, your business plan must be solid and realistic. Any vague numbers or weak staffing plans could lead to a denial.
3. Staff Reductions at Consulates Could Slow Processing
The executive order allows for firing consulate employees who don’t follow the policies exactly. Reports suggest that embassies and consulates are already preparing for staff cuts. If fewer people are working on visa applications, wait times could increase.
Example:
If a U.S. consulate in India had five officers reviewing L-1A visas but now only has three, it might take longer to get an appointment or receive a decision.
What Can Business Visa Applicants Do?
With these changes, it’s more important than ever to submit a strong application. Here’s what you should focus on:
A clear, detailed, and realistic business plan – Make sure your business projections and staffing plans make sense.
Well-prepared documentation – Have everything organized, from financial records to contracts.
Accurate job descriptions – If applying for an L-1A visa, make sure your role and duties are clearly defined to meet USCIS requirements.
Plan ahead – If consulate processing slows down, schedule visa appointments early.
Need Help?
With these new rules, a solid business plan is more critical than ever for securing an E-2 or L-1A visa. We specialize in creating custom, detailed, and realistic business plans that help applicants meet government requirements. Contact us today to make sure your application stands up to increased scrutiny.
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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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