When it comes to visa petitions such as the E-2, L-1A, EB-5, or EB-2/NIW, your business plan is not just a business summary. It is legal evidence that must prove your case to U.S. immigration officers.
That is why using ChatGPT or any other AI tool to write your immigration business plan can be risky. Yes, it is fast, convenient, and impressive at first glance. But when your visa depends on accuracy and credibility, an AI-written plan can do more harm than good.
Here is why.
1. ChatGPT Is Powerful, But It Is Only as Knowledgeable as the User
ChatGPT is an amazing tool when used by professionals who know what belongs and what does not belong in an immigration business plan. If the person using it does not understand visa requirements, adjudication trends, or how USCIS evaluates evidence, the result can be a disaster.
An AI tool does not know the difference between an L-1A plan that must justify managerial or executive roles and an E-2 plan that must prove a substantial investment and that the E-2 company will not be marginal. It does not know when to include specific exhibits or avoid triggering issues related to taxes, staffing, or marginality. More importantly, it doesn’t understand what immigration officers actually look for — and what they don’t care about. Someone with deep experience in immigration business plans knows how to highlight the details that matter and eliminate the ones that can distract or even hurt a case. Without expert direction, the plan may look polished but fail where it matters most: legal credibility.
2. AI Hallucinations Are Real and Dangerous for Immigration Cases
AI tools such as ChatGPT often “hallucinate,” meaning they confidently generate false information that sounds legitimate. In an immigration business plan, this can lead to:
Incorrect or made-up market statistics
Financial projections based on unrealistic benchmarks
Outdated visa eligibility details
Invented data presented as facts
Most users cannot tell when AI is making things up because it writes with confidence. Unless every statement is cross-checked and verified through research, these errors can go unnoticed until an immigration officer questions them. Once that happens, credibility is lost.
3. Your Business Plan Is Legal Evidence, Not a Marketing Document
A professional business plan writer knows how to create a plan that supports your attorney’s legal argument and aligns with immigration requirements. ChatGPT cannot interpret visa regulations or tailor the plan to satisfy officers’ expectations.
A plan that misses even one critical element, such as showing how your business will create jobs or proving your executive role, can trigger a Request for Evidence or even a denial.
4. AI Does Not Stay Current with Immigration Standards
Adjudication trends change frequently. Officers evaluate cases differently depending on the consulate, visa category, and even the political climate. Professional writers who specialize in immigration business plans monitor these changes constantly. ChatGPT cannot. Its training data is limited, and it does not access current immigration updates or USCIS decisions.
This means the plan it produces may already be outdated the moment it is written.
5. Generic Text Hurts Credibility
AI-generated business plans tend to sound repetitive and lack real substance. Officers can tell when content feels generic or formulaic. A plan that reads this way signals that the applicant did not invest in professional preparation, which can harm the overall perception of the case.
6. Real Numbers and Market Data Matter
A credible immigration business plan must include accurate financial projections and real market research. ChatGPT does not analyze industry benchmarks or current data. It cannot determine if your projected revenues are realistic or if your staffing plan aligns with expectations.
An immigration officer will notice inconsistencies immediately and may question whether your business is viable.
7. AI Cannot Cross-Check for Accuracy
Your business plan must match the information in your other documents, including corporate filings, DS-160 forms, and financial records. ChatGPT cannot verify or align data with your legal documents or your attorney’s strategy. Even small inconsistencies can raise doubts and slow down the approval process.
The Bottom Line
ChatGPT is a great tool, but it is not a substitute for professional expertise. It can be helpful for brainstorming or outlining ideas, but when your business plan serves as legal evidence for a visa petition, accuracy, depth, and credibility are essential.
An AI-generated plan may appear to save money, but the consequences of a weak plan can be costly. A poorly written plan can lead to delays, RFEs, denials, or the need to refile. Fixing these issues later can cost far more than investing in a professional plan from the start.
At Visa Business Plans, we use real data, credible benchmarks, and more than 15 years of experience in immigration business planning to create custom, compliant plans that strengthen your case and support your attorney’s legal argument.
If your visa depends on your business plan, do not risk it with AI. Contact us to get a solid, human-crafted plan that tells your story accurately and protects your immigration goals.
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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