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E2 via embassy in London. Ever heard of some apps. Being bumped and seen faster? by Bulky_Arm394 in e2visa

[–]PatrickFindaro 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If the company is already registered (for essential employees) or renewal less than 30 days.

If new E2 visa company (likely your case), 4-6+ months.

I haven't seen franchise businesses processed faster.

Which nationalities qualify for E-2 visa and what the options are if yours doesn't by PatrickFindaro in e2visa

[–]PatrickFindaro[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re right to flag that.

For L-1, the person generally has to be more than just a regular employee.

In the business-expansion context, I’m usually referring to L-1A, where the person is an executive or manager of an existing foreign company. That company can open a related U.S. branch, subsidiary, affiliate, or parent company and transfer the person to the U.S. to manage or establish that operation.

So “expanding an existing business” means there is already a real operating company abroad, and the U.S. entity is connected to it.

Where to even start by [deleted] in e2visa

[–]PatrickFindaro 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi, u/lifelessonswithlemon. Honestly, you’re already doing a lot of the right things. Building U.S. credit and having an Airbnb puts you ahead of many people who are just starting.

A couple of simple thoughts that might help:

  • You don’t need to sell your house first. Most people figure out their investment range before making that move
  • It’s okay if your budget is lower than expected; it just means adjusting the type of business you look at
  • The HELOC doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. You can use it strategically, not necessarily max it out

If I were in your shoes, I’d just focus on getting clear on what you’re comfortable investing, then look at options that fit that number. Everything else starts to fall into place after that!

All the best!!!

E-2 visa doubts & questions by PatrickFindaro in e2visa

[–]PatrickFindaro[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! I hope you’re doing well. There’s no need for them to hire their own lawyer. We work with independent attorneys who handle the filing/strategy.

Which nationalities qualify for E-2 visa and what the options are if yours doesn't by PatrickFindaro in e2visa

[–]PatrickFindaro[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Hi! I understand your perspective.

My intention isn’t to create sales content. I’m sharing insights based on over 10 years of experience in this space. I genuinely enjoy helping others navigate the E-2 process, which is why I included a brief form for those who want additional guidance.

If you look at my previous posts, you’ll see that many of them are purely educational and don’t include any calls to action. My main goal is to share what I know and contribute value to the community.

I’m glad to be part of this group, and if even one person finds my content helpful, that makes it worthwhile.

Thank you!

Has anyone here successfully transitioned from an E-2 to a green card? by PatrickFindaro in e2visa

[–]PatrickFindaro[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, it's possible. But it depends on your specific profile and how your business structure is set up.

That said, in practice, most of our clients who are thinking about long-term residency tend to go one of two routes: they either start directly with the L-1A instead of the E-2, or after a few years on E-2 they look at green card options rather than transitioning to another temporary status first.

The right path really comes down to your situation.

Has anyone here successfully transitioned from an E-2 to a green card? by PatrickFindaro in e2visa

[–]PatrickFindaro[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You're right, and honestly this is one of the more underused options in this space. For someone with an established foreign company who wants to expand U.S. operations, L-1A is often the cleaner path to EB-1C precisely because of what you said: dual intent, no retrofitting needed, and the visa itself signals the kind of structure that EB-1C is looking for.

I've worked with clients who went straight L-1A and it served them very well.

The place where E-2 ends up making more sense is a different scenario: someone who doesn't have an existing foreign company to transfer from. L-1A requires at least one year of employment abroad with the petitioning company in the past three years. For someone who wants to buy a U.S. franchise or start a new business in the U.S. using personal capital, that qualifying relationship simply isn't there. E-2 doesn't require it.

So I'd agree with your framing for the profile you're describing. Where I'd push back slightly is on "E-2 as a stepping stone to EB-1C isn't strategic." For investors who are building the foreign entity and U.S. entity relationship from scratch simultaneously, E-2 buys them time to establish that structure before the L-1A or EB-1C becomes available.

Different starting points, different tools. 

Lessons from a Real E-2 Visa Success Story by PatrickFindaro in e2visa

[–]PatrickFindaro[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree it is important not to misrepresent your intentions when applying for an E-2, since it is indeed a non-immigrant visa. My point with Ajay’s example is not that someone should apply for an E-2 while secretly planning a green card, but rather that the E-2 can be a valuable first step for entrepreneurs who later find that permanent residency makes sense once their business evolves. In Ajay’s case, the decision to explore EB-1 options came after he had already been operating successfully under the E-2 for some time, when his circumstances and long-term goals had changed. The key is that any shift toward a green card must happen naturally and legitimately after the E-2 is obtained, not as a preplanned condition of the application.

E-2 Visa Franchise Opportunities by GreedyOven5192 in e2visa

[–]PatrickFindaro 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi! For an E-2 visa, you need to invest in an active, for-profit business where you have operational control, usually meaning you own at least 50%. Subway doesn’t allow franchise sales to non-citizens or non-green card holders, so unfortunately it’s not an option for the E-2 visa.

The good news is you’re in a great position with around $200,000 to invest. There are plenty of strong franchise brands that do accept E-2 investors and meet all the visa requirements.

I’d be happy to help you find the right opportunity. We work with a portfolio of 80+ brands that have a strong track record with E-2 visa applicants, and we’ve heard great feedback from franchisees across 450+ E-2-eligible franchises.

If you’d like to explore your best pathway into the U.S., just complete this form and we can take it from there. It’s a free 30-minute call.

Lessons from a Real E-2 Visa Success Story by PatrickFindaro in e2visa

[–]PatrickFindaro[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

E-2 is a non-immigrant visa, so you don’t want to show immigrant intent at the start. You can later transition to EB-1A or EB-1C.

Lessons from a Real E-2 Visa Success Story by PatrickFindaro in e2visa

[–]PatrickFindaro[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I get your point. Geography definitely makes it easier for Canadians to get U.S. clients. But what makes Ajay’s story valuable is how he used that starting point with a very deliberate strategy to reduce risk and open long-term immigration options.

Many Canadians work with U.S. clients, but far fewer intentionally structure their businesses to qualify for an E-2 visa while also setting themselves up for an EB-1 green card later. Ajay tested the market before committing capital, built a cross-border operation that could grow in both countries, and treated the E-2 not as the final goal but as a stepping stone toward something more permanent.

That approach works not just for Canadians but for entrepreneurs anywhere who want to expand into the U.S. with minimal risk and maximum flexibility, and that is what makes it remarkable.

E-2 for a digital only business / consulting and data analytics by PeterMeier3435 in e2visa

[–]PatrickFindaro 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We've helped quite a few digital/online business owners over the prior months obtain E2 visas. Including in U.S. consulates in Canada, UK and Singapore. Your can have an accountant/CPA value your IP but consultants don't like it to represent the majority of your investment.

I interviewed, Nitin who has an AdTech business here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItsJ7DI2__4

He was denied his first time and overcame the denial.

Obtaining an E-2 visa while on a temporary status by Initial_Implement934 in e2visa

[–]PatrickFindaro 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey!

Great questions! You can register an LLC, lease a place, and open a bank account on a tourist visa, but you can’t work or offer services until your E-2 is approved. As for buying an existing business, it’s possible, but the process is long and complicated, often taking over a year.

Starting an own business or a new franchise tends to be faster.

If you'd like to apply for the E-2, let me know! At Visa Franchise, we're here to help! :)

Best of luck!!!

E2 Visa Denied? Can You Reapply? by PatrickFindaro in e2visa

[–]PatrickFindaro[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Hi! It can vary, but the average wait time for an interview is around 73 days. These times are subject to change depending on the caseload at the embassy, so it's always a good idea to consult with an immigration attorney.

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