Starting a business under the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa always involves risk. But what happens when your business doesn’t perform as expected—or worse, suffers a major setback? Can you still renew your E-2 visa?
Let’s take a look at what happened to our client, Jose.
Jose’s Story: From Thriving Business to Sudden Crisis
Jose originally obtained his E-2 visa by investing in a children’s entertainment center. Things were going smoothly. His business was attracting families, generating solid revenue, and providing jobs to U.S. workers.
Then COVID-19 hit.
Overnight, quarantine orders and fear of public spaces forced Jose’s business to shut its doors. With no customers and mounting expenses, he had no choice but to lay off staff. His once-thriving business was now struggling to survive.
To make matters worse, his visa renewal date was just one year away.
A Critical Decision: Pivot or Lose the Visa
Jose knew he couldn’t continue with the entertainment center. Consumer behavior had shifted, and restrictions meant his business model was no longer viable.
He acted quickly, pivoting to a completely different industry. But the clock was ticking. To renew his visa, he had to show U.S. immigration authorities that his new business was real, viable, and capable of supporting both himself and U.S. employees.
That’s when Jose’s immigration attorney reached out to us.
Crafting the Right Business Plan: Explaining the Past and Proving the Future
The attorney needed more than just a typical business plan. He needed a comprehensive, credible and updated document that explained:
Why Jose’s first business failed.
We provided a fact-based narrative showing how COVID-19 devastated the children’s entertainment industry nationwide—not just Jose’s business.
Why a business pivot was essential.
Our business plan demonstrated that the shift wasn’t just a random choice but a necessary, strategic move backed by market research and realistic growth potential.
Why the new business would succeed.
We included solid financial projections and a staffing plan that met E-2 requirements, backed by current industry data and reasonable assumptions.
Our plan painted an honest picture of the past while building a compelling case for the future.
The Outcome: E-2 Visa Renewal Approved
Despite the collapse of his first venture, Jose’s new business—backed by the strength of our business plan—convinced immigration authorities.
His E-2 visa renewal was approved.
Jose’s resilience, his attorney’s strategic approach, and a thorough, realistic business plan turned what could have been the end of his E-2 pathway into a new beginning.
How to Avoid the Same Pitfalls: Ongoing Visa Health Monitoring
Jose’s situation could have been even worse if he hadn’t acted quickly. Unfortunately, many E-2 investors don’t realize their business performance is veering off track until it’s too late.
That’s why we offer visa monitoring services.
With our Visa Health Check-Up Program, we monitor the operational health of E-2 businesses on a quarterly basis. We track key metrics to ensure your business stays aligned with the projections and staffing plans outlined in your original or updated business plan.
If we notice any red flags, we help you and your attorney implement corrective measures early—before it jeopardizes your visa status or renewal.
This proactive approach gives E-2 investors peace of mind and a better chance at long-term success.
Need Help?
If you or your attorney need a business plan that tells your story realistically and persuasively—whether for an E-2 renewal, a business pivot, or a change of status—we can help.
We create solid, thorough, and realistic immigration business plans tailored to overcome challenges and support successful outcomes.
And with our visa monitoring services, we help ensure your business stays compliant and competitive throughout your E-2 endeavor.
Contact us today to discuss your situation.
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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