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After more than 15 years in the business immigration sector, at Visa Business Plans we’ve learned exactly what USCIS adjudicators and consular officers do when reviewing a case before a visa interview. Understanding these steps can make or break your petition.
Here are three of the most common things officers do before you ever walk towards the interview window—and how you can prepare to maximize your chances of success.
1. They Google Your Business Address
The very first step? Officers will look up your U.S. company’s address online.
They want to confirm that the location listed in your business plan and petition actually exists. Depending on the type of visa and your business model, the officer may look to see:
Whether the space is commercial or residential
Clues about the square footage and intended use
Signs that the business is truly operational
We recently helped a client respond to a Request for Evidence (RFE) that read: “According to your petition, the location at 988 Aberdeen Rd is fully operational. However, a search on Google Maps did not reveal a restaurant at the location listed on your application.”
This is a powerful reminder that even small inconsistencies can raise red flags.
2. They Review Your Website and Social Media
In today’s world, every legitimate business has an online presence. That’s why officers don’t just stop at your petition—they’ll check your website and your social media profiles.
Their goal is to verify that the information in your petition matches what’s publicly available. They’ll often look at:
Your official website
LinkedIn company and personal profiles
Major social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram
If your online presence doesn’t align with your petition—or worse, if it’s nonexistent—it can seriously undermine your credibility.
3. They Read Your Business Plan in Advance
Many clients wonder how a visa officer can make a decision after just a 3–5 minute interview. The truth is simple: by the time you sit down, the officer has already reviewed your entire petition—including your business plan.
The interview is often just the final step to confirm the decision they’ve already formed. A strong, well-prepared business plan ensures the officer’s questions are answered before they’re even asked. On the other hand, a weak or inconsistent plan can derail your entire application.
Why Preparation Matters
What happens behind the scenes highlights the importance of:
Having a solid, detailed business plan that anticipates questions and provides clarity
Maintaining a professional, consistent online presence across websites and social media
We’ve seen cases where a poorly crafted digital footprint—or an incomplete business plan—completely broke an otherwise strong visa petition.
At Visa Business Plans, we specialize in building business plans and immigration-focused digital strategies that stand up to scrutiny from adjudicators and consular officers.
Need expert help with your business plan or your online presence as part of your E-2 visa petition? Contact us today and let’s set you up for success.
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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