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E-2 VISA eXAMPLES AND CASE STUDIES

E-2 Visa Examples & Case Studies

Every E-2 visa case is unique, yet successful applications share the same foundation — a real and operating business, at-risk investment, and a credible plan to create economic opporunities for US workers. This page provides an overview of the most common E-2 investment paths and links to anonymized case studies drawn from real-world experience.

You’ll see how entrepreneurs succeed by starting a company, buying an existing business, or investing in a franchise — each approach offering different levels of cost, flexibility, and risk.

How E-2 Visa Processing Works

Most entrepreneurs apply for the E-2 visa through a U.S. Consulate abroad. This approach typically offers greater flexibility — allowing you to freely travel (during the visa validity period), and bring eligible family members who will enjoy E-2 status upon entry.

In limited cases, applicants already in the U.S. (often on B-1/B-2 or F-1 status) can pursue a change of status through USCIS. However, this option comes with travel restrictions and is usually viewed as a temporary solution until a visa can be issued.

Compare the Three Common E-2 Paths

Whether you start from scratch, buy an existing business, or invest in a franchise, each option has its own mix of cost, control, and risk. Here’s how they typically compare:

Path Typical Investment Flexibility Escrow Option
Start a New Company $50k – $150k + (varies by model) High — full creative control Rare
Buy an Existing Business $70k – $300k + Moderate — inherits structure, choice is limited by availability Common (purchase funds in escrow)
Invest in a Franchise $100k – $400k + Low–Moderate — follows franchise system Common (franchise fees in escrow)

Franchises and business purchases often allow the use of escrow arrangements, where funds are released only after visa approval. While that reduces financial risk, starting your own company provides unmatched flexibility and long-term control.

E-2 Visa Example Categories

Below are the three most common paths entrepreneurs take when pursuing the E-2 visa. Each approach has its own strategic and financial considerations.

Starting a New Business

Many investors launch new service-based or product businesses built from the ground up. This route provides the most flexibility and creative control but requires a detailed plan and proof that operations will begin soon after visa issuance.

Buying an Existing Business

Purchasing an established U.S. company can streamline the E-2 process. The business already has revenue, staff, and systems in place, which can help demonstrate that your investment is real and operating.

Investing in a Franchise

Franchises offer built-in brand support and proven systems, making them appealing for first-time U.S. investors. However, franchise fees and operational restrictions can limit flexibility compared to starting independently

Common E-2 Business Options (What Typically Works)

Successful E-2 cases come in many different flavors. Below are business types we frequently see, with quick notes on flexibility, documentation, and when escrow might help.

Service-Based Startup (Professional, Creative, Tech)

  • Flexibility: High; you control scope, pricing, and growth.
  • Real & Operating: Show client pipeline, contracts/LOIs, software/tools, marketing, invoices.
  • Escrow: Rare (usually utilized for acquisitions, not startups).

Home Services (Trades, Local Ops)

  • Flexibility: High; scalable via teams & routes.
  • Real & Operating: Vehicles/equipment, licenses, insurance, vendor accounts, staffing plan, local ads.
  • Escrow: Possible if buying an existing business.

Brick-and-Mortar (Retail, Food, Studio)

  • Flexibility: Moderate; location & permits drive timelines.
  • Real & Operating: Lease, build-out, inspections/permits, inventory POs, POS, staff onboarding.
  • Escrow: Common in acquisitions; sometimes used for build-out milestones.

Online / Digital (SaaS, Content, E-commerce)

  • Flexibility: High; lean teams and quick iteration.
  • Real & Operating: Product demo/MVP, subscriber metrics, vendor contracts, ad accounts, inventory/logistics.
  • Escrow: Rare; more relevant for buying an existing store/app.

Franchises

  • Flexibility: Low–Moderate; follow the system & fees.
  • Real & Operating: Franchise agreement, training, site selection, build-out, local marketing plan.
  • Escrow: Possible for franchise fees (depends on franchisor).

Buying an Existing Business

  • Flexibility: Moderate; inherit staff, systems & revenue.
  • Real & Operating: Purchase agreement, financials, payroll, vendor/customer contracts, transition plan.
  • Escrow: Common (requires a patient seller who agrees to escrow).

B2B Services (Agencies, Consulting, Logistics)

  • Flexibility: High; scalable with contracts and subcontractors.
  • Real & Operating: Client agreements, CRM, invoicing, vendor networks, insurance.
  • Escrow: Not typical unless acquiring an existing firm.

Professional Practices (Licensing Required)

  • Flexibility: Varies by state rules and credentials.
  • Real & Operating: Licenses/permits, supervision or ownership structuring where needed.
  • Escrow: Rare but possible in acquisitions.

Funding Notes (Gifts, Personal Loans)

  • Gifts: Acceptable with proper documentation of source & transfer.
  • Loans: Generally acceptable if you are personally liable (not secured solely by business assets).
  • Proof: Clear source & path of funds is essential.

E-2 Visa Example FAQ

Can a low-cost business qualify for the E-2 visa?

Yes — low-cost service models can qualify if the investment is proportional to the total startup cost and clearly “at risk.” Officers focus on whether the funds are committed and whether the business will generate enough revenue and employment to be more than marginal.Also, location of filing matters. Some consular posts are more open to lower cost investments than others.

What makes an E-2 case “strong”?

Strong documentation. Consulates look for clear source and path of funds, evidence of spending, evidence of real business activity (leases, payroll, contracts), and a credible business plan showing growth and job creation.

When is escrow helpful in an E-2 visa case?

Escrow is most often used for business or franchise purchases when large sums are involved. It helps show funds are “committed and at risk” while minimizing loss if a case is denied. Not usually used for startups where funds are already being spent on setup costs that are needed to make the business operational.

What are the most common E-2 business types?

Service-based companies, home services, retail/food businesses, e-commerce, and franchises are common. The key isn’t the industry — it’s that the investment is substantial, the business is real, operating, and has a credible plan to support U.S. workers.

What’s the difference between starting, buying, and franchising a business for E-2 purposes?

Starting your own business gives you full flexibility but requires more groundwork to prove it’s real and ready. Buying an existing business offers built-in evidence of operations but can involve higher upfront cost. Franchises often sit in the middle — they provide structure and brand support, but less flexibility than starting a non franchise business.

Examples of How Entrepreneurs Qualify for the E-2 Visa

Every E-2 business is different — from tech startups to service companies. Explore real-world examples that show how entrepreneurs invest, document their cases, and qualify to run U.S. businesses under the E-2 visa.

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